Our standard posts have been steel for years for price and strength reasons. The price of raw steel has been rising and it's getting more difficult to chrome plate the product economically due to stricter environmental regulations. We now offer the majority of our product line in aluminum in similar finishes. Aluminum is lighter than steel, is less expensive and can be used outdoors.

Black Aluminum looks identical to Smooth Black (steel); the only way to tell the difference is by putting a magnet to the post. Polished Chrome (on steel) is still THE standard for looks and durability. Polished Aluminum looks similar to Polished Chrome, but it isn't as reflective. Most people won't notice the difference between Satin Aluminum and Satin Chrome (steel.) The difference between Satin Stainless Steel and Satin Aluminum is slightly more apparent, but it gives you the option to use a matching metal cover outdoors at a very attractive price.

If appearance and proven long term durability is the main concern - use steel posts. If price is the main concern, aluminum offers a great alternative. For customers looking for a more "green" product, use aluminum posts shipped "Knocked-Down."

We want you to be completely satisfied with our products. If you plan to use our Retracta-Belt™ stanchions outdoors, please let us know so we can take necessary precautions. You must choose an outdoor-rated finish (aluminum and Satin Stainless Steel in general, our Price List and RFQ pages list specifics for each model.) Either specify that it will be used outdoors or add Model # SUB-WPBW as the next line on the order. We apply a special sealant/protective coating to the baseweight. If this is not done, you risk staining your floors with possible rust rings.

Our 15' Retracta-Belts have a steel head (Model # 320/321 and 320DP/321DP). When you specify for outdoor use or add Model # SUB-WPBW, we add the protective coating to the baseweight and automatically use a Smooth Black head. The Smooth Black head has a protective phosphate coating that seals and protects the steel from the elements. Because it's on a short piece, it coats the entire inside of the tube and is suitable for outdoor use.

With 15' Fixed or Removable stanchions (Model # 320F/320R) specify that it will be used outdoors or add Model # SUB-320CSB. This lets us know to substitute a Smooth Black head for a Chrome head when applicable.

For years, our standard baseweight has been 18 lbs. and has kept our posts with signage sturdy in practically every situation. We needed more stability when we developed the 6' Tall Sign Posts so we introduced the 30 lb. heavy baseweight. The heavy baseweight has the same 14" footprint and includes rubber floor protectors. You now have the option to substitute the 30 lb. heavy baseweight on any Retracta-Belt™ post by adding Model # SUB-HBW. The extra weight makes the post even more stable - ideal for displaying large signage outdoors in windy situations.

Please Note: This base comes standard on all 6' Tall Sign Posts (Model # 360/361 and SP600S-6/SP601S-6) and the 25' Retracta-Belt Post (Model # PM412-25.) To be used outdoors, you must weatherproof it (Model # SUB-WPBW.)

To make transporting the post easier, add wheels with Model # SUB-WH; especially useful with the 30 lb. baseweight (SUB-HBW). We attach 2-1/2" diameter heavy duty rubber wheels to an aluminum bar with stainless steel hardware so it can be used outdoors. The mounting bar is powdercoated Smooth Black when used with black ABS scuff proof base covers as well as Red and Blue metal covers. The bar is Satin Aluminum with all other metal covers (Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Satin Stainless Steel.)

There is no longer an up charge for the Black and Yellow Diagonal Belt (BYD.) We now offer a pre-printed "CAUTION - DO NOT ENTER" belt (CAU) for a small up charge. There is no additional printing or setup charges with this belt. It is double sided and has black text on a yellow belt.