Beach flags: sizes, shapes and how to choose a feather or teardrop flag

Below you will find every variant of ARIO Winder Beach Flags in one table, the differences between shapes A, B, C and D, how to choose the pole and base for a specific surface, and what affects the price.

What is a beach flag and what is it used for?

A winder, also known as a beach flag, feather flag or sail flag, is a narrow, tall flag on a flexible pole that moves in the wind and shows your logo above people's heads. It needs no power or blower, and one person can set it up in a few minutes.

It is most often used to mark:

• the entrance to a shop, showroom, hotel or company headquarters,
• the start and finish of a race, the athletes' area and the registration point,
• a stand at a trade show, fair or market,
• the access road to an event and the car park.

The flag works well alongside other displays. At the indoor mini-volleyball tournament AMSIAK Mini Cup , two sail flags marked the entrance, an inflatable column carried information about the matches, and a promo counter was used to register players. The whole set fitted on a single trolley.

What beach flag sizes are available?

ARIO flags come in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and four flag shapes. The pole height and flag dimensions depend on both choices:

The price covers the flag with full-colour print and the pole. The base is chosen separately, as it depends on the surface (see below).

Which size should you choose?

Choose the size based on the distance from which the flag needs to be seen and where it will stand:

• S (215 to 260 cm): interiors, halls, trade show stands and covered areas. The Advertising Flag S Model A fits where a taller pole would hit the roof.
• M (280 to 310 cm): shop entrances, pavements, start areas. The graphics are already above passers-by's heads. The Advertising Flag M Model D has a wider 240 x 90 cm flag.
• L (360 to 410 cm): car parks, squares, fairs, at the entrance to the event site.
• XL (470 to 520 cm): by the road and wherever the flag needs to catch drivers' attention from a distance. The Advertising Flag XL Model D has a 430 x 110 cm flag.

With several flags in a row along a race route or a trade show aisle, one size and one shape work best: the row looks like a gateway rather than a random mix.

How do shapes A, B, C and D differ?

The letter in the flag name indicates the shape:

• Model A: sail with a straight bottom edge. The most space for a logo and slogan.
• Model B: sail with a concave curve at the bottom.
• Model C: sail with a rounded bottom corner.
• Model D: teardrop. A shorter, wider flag (e.g. 320 x 110 cm in size L), good for a logo on its own.

The narrow A, B and C flags fit a logo and one slogan set vertically, read from top to bottom. The teardrop gives more width but catches more wind, so it needs a heavier base.

Single-sided or double-sided PRO flag?

On a single-sided flag the print is on the front, and from the back you see it mirrored, so the text reads in reverse. This is enough when people look from one side only: against a wall, in front of a stand, along a road.

The double-sided PRO version has print readable from both sides, a blockout liner that stops the image showing through from the other side, and a PRO fibreglass pole included. Choose it for entrances and walkways where people pass in both directions. Example: Advertising Flag L Model A – Double-Sided PRO.

Standard or PRO pole?

• Standard pole: black-painted aluminium tubes with a fibreglass top section. Included in the flag price, for single-sided flags and short-term or indoor display.
• PRO pole: made entirely of black-painted fibreglass, with a 2-year warranty. Suitable for single- and double-sided flags. In the wind it bends and springs back upright instead of transferring the whole load to the base.

If the flag will stand outdoors for more than one day, the PRO pole reduces the risk of permanent deformation.

Example set-up (visualisation): teardrop and sail flags at a car showroom entrance during a vehicle launch.

Which base should you choose for the surface?

The base determines whether the flag stands securely. Choose it to suit the location:

Two accessories worth knowing about:

• Large rotator: the flag turns with the wind and does not wrap around the pole.
• Carry bag: for carrying and storing the flag.

With a dozen or more flags, decide on the fixing method before ordering: the difference between a ground spike and a steel plate affects set-up time and what has to be transported. For more on stabilising displays, see the guide tent weights and anchoring for inflatable advertising.

How do you order a printed flag?

The fastest way is the flag configurator. There you choose the shape, size, single- or double-sided print, pole and base, and the preview shows the flag at true scale next to a person. You add each configuration to the cart separately, so one order can include flags of different shapes and sizes.

After ordering:

1. You send your logo or artwork (PDF, AI, PNG and other formats, up to 25 MB). You can also do this after placing the order.
2. We prepare the artwork and a visualisation free of charge, with revisions until you are happy.
3. Production starts after your approval. Lead time is 10 working days from design approval and receipt of payment.
4. Shipments are sent by insured courier; delivery is included in your individual quote.

Flags come with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty.

How do you look after a beach flag?

• Wash the flag at a maximum of 40°C.
• Dry the flag before storing it so it does not get mouldy.
• Fold the fabric carefully and protect it from sharp objects.
• Do not leave the flag out in extreme weather.
• Check the flag regularly and order a new one when the graphics change or wear out.

Where do beach flags work best?

At competitions and races, flags mark the start, finish and athletes' area (see inflatable arches and sports gazebos for races and clubs). At showrooms and shops they lead customers to the entrance. At fairs and open days they complement a tent: OSP Sobiałkowo volunteer fire brigade sets up its inflatable tent together with winder flags. If you need something that moves on its own, without wind, see Air Dancers (Sky Dancers).

Order a flag or request a quote

Configure your flag in the configurator or contact us: we will recommend the size, shape and base for your location and prepare a design with your logo.