Contains method on an ArrayList doesn't seem to work right for me

Question

I am having a problem using the 'contains' method on an array list which I know seems such a simple thing! I have created a series of simple classes that simulate what I am trying to achieve in a more complex environment. Essentially I have an abstract class (Test1) then a class (Test2) that extends Test1. I've got a public static final String variable in Test2 that overrides one of the same name in Test2. I've overridden the 'equals' method in Test1 to compare the static final String to see if it's the same (using String.equals method). If I create 2 objects in the following way:
Test1 obj1 = new Test2();
Test1 obj2 = new Test2();If I call obj1.equals(obj2) I get true. If I put obj1 into a list, then call list.contains(obj2) I get false.
According to the javadoc for the Collections contains method it says 'More formally, returns true if and only if this collection contains at least one element e such that (o==null ? e==null : o.equals(e)).'
So.... I was expecting that as obj1.equals(obj2) returns true then the contains method would also return true.
Can anyone tell me what I've missed?
I can provide the simple test classes I wrote if anyone wants them.

Answer 1

The OP says he's overridden equals(), and if he hadn't he wouldn't get the 'true' he gets.
@OP: I think you've fallen foul of the symmetry rules for the equals() method. I'm guessing this because you've said that one class extends the other.
You said that obj1.equals(obj2) returns true. What happens if you do obj2.equals(obj1)? I bet you get false.
This is exactly the reason why you shouldn't use getClass() in an equals() method, and should always use the instanceof operator. Basically, you've made your equals() work one way and not the other.
You should also remember to override hashCode() if you haven't already.