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

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

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.

I don't know the star rating but will give it 4 stars, it arrived today broken, the end is cracked with no tension, the inner rod slid right out with no resistance (no inner spring) HOWEVER they are sending a replacement free of charge, will be here in a few days. I have the orig packaging and box and willing to send it back for inspection if they send a call tag, but they said keep it and they will send a new one. So.... It looks like good rod for my living room window, and will fit perfect when the new one arrives. If they don't want the broken one, will ditch. I did purchase one of these exact same rods about 18 months or so ago for bedroom window and it fit perfect, no problems! So hopefully this helps.

I'm so happy that I purchased this product!1. READ the instructions. They come with the tension rod. (I redid my decor, but forgot the advice of the manufacturer and held the curtains and rod for so long that I now have well-sculpted biceps.)2. Some reviewers wrote that this tension rod won't hold their curtains, but they probably did not hang the correct end as per the instructions.2a. This rod is not for the shower, but for the window.3. I have heavy curtains, roughly 10 pounds total, and they are holding nicely after 8 months and numerous workouts--I mean, redecorations.When it reads "Smart Window," know that it requires twisting the rod aloose, putting it in your window at an angle, tightening the rod by twisting it in the other direction, and then carefully pushing the lower end higher, until it matches the left side. I'm no Dr. Sheldon Cooper, but I think that this is what creates the "tension" that will hold your curtains. Enjoy!

This was very easy to install and is very sturdy even when extended. The rod twists to lock in place and there is zero bowing at the center. Great price for a minimalist look that's clean and worthy of any room.

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.

Had to fight with this devil for about 20 minutes to actually get it the appropriate size to go into the frame.My house has a second story loft area that for some reason the designers decided a second story window was necessary to overlook the living room, I tried putting up a retractable door but the support beams and dry-wall won't allow for such a contraption to be set up without drilling or damage to the walls/foundation. So this was ideal. Looks great with a hookless curtain much better than the blanket I had tacked up. Thanks!

Would have liked a bit more spring to be able to place in spot to use it. Bit hard to set size when it won't spring after set to size

It looks kind of cheap. I can’t seem to get it tight enough to stay up, it keeps sliding down and is now sitting just above the inner window so that’s basically what’s holding it up. It looks fine like that but it’s frustrating that it keeps falling down.

Blasted rods hard to install, never stay in place, always fall our of window opening.

The rod came crooked and the packaging was torn. Clearly this was a returned item. It did the job so I kept it instead of going through the hassle of returning.

Beware if you have heavy curtains, the rod will bend under the curtains weight. If your curtains are sheer/light you'll probably be fine.