The standard commercial flagpoles are set around 30 to 60 feet from the foundation. These are usually made of steel, iron or aluminum tubing.
Many clubs and individuals like to present two or more flagpoles so they have a more unique and beautiful display. There should be enough distance between the poles so that the flags continue to wave beautifully together and prevent the poles from hitting each other, especially during strong winds and earthquakes.
There are actually a couple of halyard or rope-and-pulley systems for the poles. The first is the external while the second is the external halyard system. These are useful in raising the flag and lowering it. The external halyard system was called such because the rope is located on the outside of the pole. The flag is set on a rope and placed through a truck or wheel on top of the flagstaff. The rope is tied around a cleat at the bottom so that the flag is stable and does not easily go up and down the pole. This set up is convenient but the rope by tear anytime.
The second type is the internal halyard system which is found inside the flagpole. The winch goes through a hinged door space at the base of the flagstaff and there is a revolving truck that will keep the flag in place despite the outdoor weather.
Steel flagpoles are often used because these are easy to maintain and will last a long time. Depending on the halyard system you use, there will be a number of benefits associated with each.