Flexible Anode strange design?

[dpw-ct]

I am trying to replace anode in my AO smith electric HW heater

only 10" of clearance so I was looking for flexible - I purchased the AO smith one parth # 100110627 K,ANODE,33",FLEXIBLE,ALUMINUM but the links seem much thicker than I expected - Are they meant to be bent - can they be bent 90 degrees

Has anyone had experience with this part (AO smith or Lochinvar) Product

Hot water heater AO Smith
Model LTE-80D 200 10G022000
Well water

P.S. lots of sediment in my HW, only had sulfur smell once when was away for 4 months - smell gone after I flushed the tank

 

[Breplum]

does not look like any flex anode I have seen.
Flex anode would have readily easy to flex metal

 

[Sponsor]

 

[dpw-ct]

does not look like any flex anode I have seen.
Flex anode would have readily easy to flex metal

Thx

Any suggestion for good quality flex aluminum anode

 

[Fitter30]

Just installed this one in August

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJM135H/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

 

[Reach4]

I presume the links in the rod you have are meant to be bent, and may break and reveal the inner wire.

Is 33 inches the length of the old rod?