Not sure if it's a manufacturers secret, but im trying to work out the best thickness of aluminum tubing for a basic telescoping pole stand similar to the tensa solo. I was thinking along the lines of 18swg (.048 inches / 1.219mm) thickness, in order to get it telescopic, in sections of 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1 1/8" and 1 1/4". I'm quite light (around 65kg) so i'd like to keep the weight of the poles down.