31' Fiberglass Pole

I received a pole that was obviously returned and broken. The manufacturer's tape was cut and replaced with plastic tape. When I opened the box and pulled out the pole it was obvious that someone had torn open the plastic wrapper that the manufacturer put on the pole. The plastic ring that holds the end cap on was broken. The description stated that Jackite had made several enhancements to the product - such as "reinforcing" the screw on end cap. So I called Jackite and asked about this. I was told that the new screw on cap is rubberized plastic. My broken cap is obviously plastic-plastic. I asked if Jackite could tell me the manufacture date from the UPC on the pole. They said that they don't track the pole manufacture date. It is apparent to me that I got an older pole. The only solution I see is to order the pole directly from Jackite to ensure that I get the new and improved model of the pole. I hope that Amazon does not ship out this broken pole to someone else. I have read that other reviewers had the same problem. Update: March 8, 2015. Sunrise Industries was kind enough to write and offer to send out a replacement pole. I informed then that I did contact the manufacturer (Jackite) who sent our a replacement end cap. I did use the Jackite Pole at a military deployment this weekend to hold a 3 ounce Slim Jim antenna. Jackite does not offer a stake for the 31' pole. Jackite does offer a wall and ladder stabilizer for this model pole for an additional $25, plus shipping. Unfortunately I was using the pole in the middle of a field. Despite several days of rain, the ground was too hard to get a stake in the ground more than a few inches. So I wound up trying to guy the pole. The downward pressure needed to get the pole plumb (vertical) seemed to cause the pole to collapse. Several pole sections became jammed and impossible to get released. Others have noted that the pole will come crashing down in spite of being locked in with the twisting motion as described in the instructions. In order to overcome the poles from coming unlocked I ordered some gaffers tape at a cost of $17 - as others recommended. Unfortunately the gaffers tape did not hold the sections together. Others have written that duct tape just makes a mess. I am note sure how to overcome the pole sections coming loose or getting the pole plumb. I spent $47 on a 1/2" diameter 5 foot soil probe to try and get a stake in the ground to hold the pole vertical without the need for guying or to at least get the pole vertical on hard ground. Perhaps this pole is best used attached attached to a post, not in the middle of a field. I thought that this pole would be a good idea after installing it in my yard for 24 hours. I'm not so sure now. But I am out too much money to give up on it. I am thinking that I should have gotten an aluminum military mast instead.