Although I did not receive the pole from the order (26-28mm) but instead got the 32mm, it was used with a Maui umbrella in combination with its own pole. Thus, the umbrella was a bit higher compared to if it had gone directly into the spike. In the not-so-distant past, I had used a pole from the same company before, but it was for old-style umbrellas, so it had a very small diameter. However, after more than 15 years, it still works just fine. This one was used this summer on beaches with both sand and pebbles, both fine and coarse. In all cases, it was set up easily, and the umbrella, combined with two ropes, did not budge at all. For those who sit for several hours on the beach, it is definitely a great convenience both in setup and afterwards, as there is no need to check constantly if it’s windy. I certainly expect it to last like the old pole. A little rinse with the hose after the beach to remove the salt and sand (or at the end of the vacation if it’s not a long one) and it stays like new.