MAYTEX Smart Rods Superior Hold Tension Window Curtain Rod, 28-48-Inch, White

Most of the tension rods I've seen look super cheap and flimsy. I was worried this one was going to be the same way, but it looks great and it fits our window and decor perfectly. It is so handy to not have to drill and install window hanging hardware! I wish all home decor was this easy!

I didn't read the description carefully and found when they arrived these are not spring tension rods, they are "twist & lock". Though they are as sturdy as described and seem good quality and heavier than I expected. Once the length is locked in place they seem to hold. However ever I am satisfied with them.

I have four of these. I bought them because we are currently living in Germany, where we have cinder block walls. We didn't want to Mrs around with drilling into the stone and having to worry about patching holes when we leave, so I thought these would be the perfect solution to our problem. They aren't - they've been nothing but a headache. Firstly, these aren't spring-loaded. You're supposed to be able to just "twist and lock" and they are supposed to stay. Following the directions to a T, I positioned the one end for inches below the final resting position, then tapped it into place. This action, however, shreds the rubber end piece meant to hold the rod in position. Also, the rod doesn't actually lock; you can watch it move back into the outer roof as you tap it up. I have had to put the curtain rods back up at least once a week. This product could be a great option for those who need a tension rod, but the design is seriously flawed. And once that rubber end piece shreds completely apart, you're left with a worthless tube of metal and no window coverings. Do not buy this product.

This product works well and was simple to set up. My only issue is that I didn't realize it is intended to be used like a shower rod, pressing against the inside walls of a window without hardware. It does come with one hook for the center, for extra support, but obviously if you are installing it like me you'll need to purchase at least two hooks to support it. I have blinds on the window I bought this for and they don't allow room for the curtains to be inside the windowsill. It's no biggie, but I will have to purchase hardware/hooks separately. I can still use it and am happy with my purchase.I should note that I'm using mine for lightweight, sheer curtains. I don't think this would be able to hold heavy curtains if you use it without hardware, the way it is intended.If anyone is interested, the curtains I used (pictured) are the Wal-Mart brand "better homes", and they were about $5/panel (I used two panels). I haven't bought hooks to install this properly yet. In the picture, I just balanced the rod on one hook in the center ( the hook it came with) to see how it will look.

Having gone through several tension rods, and now needing a 5/8" one that could hold up a shower curtain, I am very pleased with this rod. The rod itself is steel and has a pleasant bronze finish that more or less matches the rest of our bronze fixtures.I was concerned that the small diameter wouldn't be up to holding up a shower curtain and liner, but after a week or more it has shown no signs of slipping or moving, whereas our old larger diameter one would spontaneous fall down at least once a week. The smaller diameter actually looks better in the bathroom as well as its a bit more subtle.I would highly recommend this rod.

This is the 3rd style I've tried and while it's much better than the flimsy spring rods that sell for about the same price, I can't get very excited about it. The finial's are small enough to slip through curtains and be covered at the wall, but these, unlike other rods made by Maytex that use the exact same description but with different finials, don't allow for a good snug up to the wall.They'll hold with the twist if you get enough pressure and depending on your wall type, but the finial's are just slipped on to the ends, they have no adjust-ability. This one is being used for a valance so as long as it doesn't slip out and fall (which I'm expecting it may do with weather/temperature changes) it'll serve it's purpose. I would NOT use it for tiers or anything that will be opened or touched at all.The one linked below is what I bought for the tiers which work great!! Based on the same description and manufacture I expected they'd operate the same. Nope. The one in the link, the finial screws in to the rod allowing you to set it with the "twist" then put an extra twist or 2 to snug it up much more solidly. The down side is the size of the finials are larger so with curtains that don't have a large 2"+ pocket, a finial needs to be unscrewed and taken off which isn't a big deal, but once up the curtains won't completely cover the finial at the wall. That may not be a big deal in some applications, but in ours it would be better it the finials could be completely hidden.These have screw adjustable finials making securing it much better and easier. It would be nice if Maytex would include that in the description.http://www.amazon.com/Maytex-Fluted-Window-Hardware-28-48-Inch/dp/B00TV269CQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8