Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The SolarGuard flags by Annin represent a bit of a compromise, but one worth making. I've flown a lot of all weather flags, and the only two that are really worth it, in my opinion, are the ToughTex and the SolarGuard. Both flags have embroidered stars and sewn stripes. They both come with great color out of the box (and the box includes a helpful flag information card). But after that, they're very different flags. The SolarGuard is my favorite flag because lasts the longest. I live in Central Ohio. So, my flags get exposed to a moderate amount of sunlight, a moderate amount of wind, and four-season conditions. I mount my flags on a slanted pole, so they tend to get a lot of exposure. The SolarGuard flags don't have the best drape in the world. They are clearly nylon, which means they are lightweight and, for lack of a better word, a little flimsy feeling. That being said, they are quite durable even if they lack a tiny bit of polish in the looks department. They hold their color for a long time, and the stitching is very durable. By contrast, the thing you will immediately notice about the ToughTex is that it is a heavier fabric. Because of this, it does tend to drape better. It looks and feels more like a traditional cotton flag. It is a flag that isn't going to fray prematurely on you. If you live in a high wind area, it's a great flag. Although you should be aware that if you live in a high wind area you will want a reinforced anchor point: if you're flying it a pole embedded in three feet of concrete, you'll be fine. But, if like me, you fly it from a smaller pole that is mounted to the outside of your house, you should use some real wood screws to make sure the bracket is in tightly. So why do I like the SolarGuard better? It really comes down to fading. I flew a ToughTex flag last year, but in less than 12 months the colors were very washed out (and remember, Central Ohio is only a moderately sunny locale). The fabric of flag felt like it had a year left in it, but the colors had reduced to a musty pink and a vaguely blueish field. By contrast, the SolarGuard flags last me nearly two years. I don't live in a super windy place, so the fabric withstood most of the climate here (slight fraying eventually forced me to take it down). I don't think you can go wrong with either of these flags, but unless you live in a really windy area, you will likely get a little more life out of the SolarGuard flag. If you're the kind of person who like to replace flags annually regardless of their condition, you should consider the ToughTex because it does have a better drape and appearance.