No, the plastic parts are sockets and the aluminum rods do not connect to each other. The rods are not stock round profiles—they have a slightly trapezoidal pro

No, the plastic parts are sockets and the aluminum rods do not connect to each other. The rods are not stock round profiles—they have a slightly trapezoidal profile and fairly thick wall. This is the special sauce of Helinox’s parent company, and definitely can hold the weight. I bought some of these after getting sick of cheap ones that break and have non-replaceable fabric that tears easily after enough sunlight. Great so far.