the aluminum pole is the material accordingly (aluminum, thin) stable. the joint is entirely made of metal and therefore extremely stable. Small 80cm reflector is kept perfectly, large, oval (1mx1,8m) reflector is borderline. only works well if you can stand on the floor of the reflector. For me in the studio but outside unusable (Wind) is OK. What is not at all acceptable, however, is the fact that the foam rubber handle was treated from the inside with Vaseline. Probably to postpone the handle comfortably on the Stnge. This handle is useless because slippery. I really wonder how you can come to such a stupid idea?