Customer Reviews

ABO Gear Tripod Shelter

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

To anyone who complained about how difficult it is to set up, Eagle Scout or not, I can only say that you're not doing it the right way. Or you're too weak to do it. Either way, if it's done right, it's no harder than tying boots snugly.

Hint: when you're ready to bow the 1st pole, set the ferruled end on the ground, vertically between your feet while you're standing up and making sure no dirt can fill it (I set it on a sandal instead of right on the dirt). Pull the fabric down systematically, until the ring passes the ferruled end. Grab the fabric and the pole about 2-3 inches from the end with one hand like you're choking it, making sure the fabric does not slide out again. Lift the pole off the ground so you can see what you're doing. With the other hand, slide the pin into the pole. It's that easy. Repeat the process for the 2nd and 3rd poles.

It took me less than 20 minutes from start to finish, all by myself. The key is to plant the ferruled end of the pole securely on the ground while you work the fabric with both of your free hands.

It's the best shade I've ever bought. The other shade that I own, a 10'x10' type, weighs 50 lbs and is quite large in a package, compared to this 11-lbs shade that fits in a small nylon sack. The 2008 model comes with heavy-duty poles which is an improvement to the smaller diameter poles of the earlier model. There is no way these poles will split, unlike the earlier version, as reported by some.

Three years ago I bought two of these tripod canopies when I found them on sale. We have used them during our two-week beach trips for those three years. They aren't as simple as those basic rectangular shelters we see up and down the beach, but ours seem to be more durable... and they certainly catch the eye! They look a bit like weird alien spaceships, but that's part of their charm.

The issue of durability is second only to the sun protection for me. (The 50 SPF was a huge selling point.) Every year we set up a canopy (or two) on the beach the day we arrive and leave it up for two weeks. The shock-corded poles allow these things to really bounce around in the wind; many times I've seen them blown almost to the point of laying down on the sand, but until this summer they always popped right back up when the wind died. Sadly we lost one this past week in a couple of days of fierce and constant winds. It didn't come down, but the poles split and the sharp edges tore through the fabric. We took down the second canopy to keep it intact (first time in three years of typical beach thunderstorms!)

I did put up this crazy shelter by myself once, but it really requires two people to handle it, especially in a breeze. The instructions are simple and can be kept in a clear pocket on the carry bag.

I would recommend using a little WD-40 on the silver/metal parts to keep them from rusting if you're using it near the ocean.

I definitely got my money's worth out of the Tripod, and we have enjoyed using it. I might look for something a bit smaller that I can put up myself, but I doubt we'll find anything as durable as these have been.

Just went on vacation to the beach with the ABO Gear Tripod Shelter.

1. Setup is a pain, especially in the wind - ABO Gear 'Kite.' Third shock-corded pole is very difficult to put in because of the tension of the other two poles. Takes someone with some strength to coerce it into place.

2. Once it's up and secured with the sand weighted pockets it does provide some nice shade. On a few days, the wind was more intense so we had to use the ropes/stakes provided.

3. Tear down was more of a pain than setup. As you pull the shock-corded poles out of the shelter they come apart and get stuck in the seamless sleeves. Very frustrating in the hot sun.

4. Very lightweight and small package for lugging around.

All in all, it looks really cool when it is up. We also had one of the pop-up 10x10 $50 tents with our group. Takes about 1-2 minutes to setup and does provide a bit more shade. In high winds you will still need to stake these down. If you can handle the weight of carrying one these to the beach, they were much easier to set up.

We just got back from a week at the beach and loved the sun shade, or as we came to call it, The Big Top.

We never got around to testing it before we left, so the first time we tried to set it up, we were out on the beach with our toddler. So with the clock running, sun blazing and our toddler toddling, we were feeling the pressure to get it up and get it up quick.

Imagine our surprise when it was actually a snap to set up. I thought it would be hard to do, with no prior stretching, or whathaveyou, but I'm happy to say our marriage easily survived the inaugural erection.

It was great to use. It was big enough for my daughter to play in the sand. Okay, my daughter and my husband. And her grandfather. Okay, okay, me, too, I played in the sand, too. Grandma wisely sat in a beach chair and watched. Plenty of room for everyone. Much better than in years past when we huddled under the shade of a beach umbrella like a herd of cattle out on the prairie under the lone tree.

I did not participate in the daily dismantling so I asked my husband how that went: "Easy."

In the interest of completeness, I asked my daughter what she thought of it. She was not available for comment, as she was too busy banging her head on an ottoman. Not sure if we should trust her opinion, anyway, what with the head banging.

PS - Using baggies for the sand pockets was a great tip from a previous reviewer, thanks.

Other reviews complained poles were thin cheap and broke. I purchased 2008 model with thicker poles. I did not stake the tripod down and after 2 days it blew out of the yard and scraped down the concrete while I was gone.

The fabric has abrasions where the pole ends are but is till holding tough.

I have now staked it down and It's been up 24/7 for about 2 mos.and we like it. We have had 2 good storms and no tears.Some of the seams when stretched you see light through the needle holes but it keeps us dry when raining.

Easy set up and a great back yard shade maker. Nicer than a table umbrella that only shades some people at a time. They did short me one of my stake strings in the box but still good buy.

I purchased this product to be used at the beach. The shelter uses fiberglass poles to support a nylon shell. With the 1st use the fiberglass poles began to splinter in a mild (15-20 mph) wind. By the third use the same wind would cause it to lien so much that it was no longer of any use. When taking down the shelter the splintered poles made things difficult as well as danerous because the fiberglass poles were so splintered you risk having your fingers skewered. Also, one of the seems in the nylon pockets that hold sand to prevent the shelter from being blown away began to split. I purchased this product because it was proported to hold up to wind at the beach and this just isn't the case. I'm hoping to get my money refunded.

It took a while to figure it out, but setup took less than 20 minutes with one person.

1. Fill three one-gallon freezer bags with sand to use as weights to keep canopy from flying.

2. Lay canopy flat keeping yellow pole tunnels on top. Weight with sand bags.

3 Extend and connect poles. Thread first pole through tunnels end cap first, starting at ring end. Thread first pole through center loop.

4. Thread other two poles through tunnels while canopy is flat. (I didn't use the center loop for these poles.)

5. Put the open end of pole on a flat surface (sandal) and work the fabric toward end. Wrap the black strap, fastened to the fabric, around your foot and pull open end of pole up until the pin can be inserted.

6. Repeat step 5 with other two poles.

7. Use sand bags in pockets to secure shelter, set stakes.

Take down

1. Remove sand bags from corners.

2. Take all three pins out of pole ends. Push (not pull) poles through fabric by bunching and moving fabric.

3. Stand with back to wind and hold canopy at top center. Lay flat and fold sides toward center. Roll canopy from center toward straps.

Read the newer reviews. The current models have very substantial poles - about 12mm or 1/2" and the instructions are sewn in the top of the bag as stated in another review. Read them and it will only take you a few minutes to put it up. (at home with little wind)

I am old enough to be carrying an AARP card and I did it alone in minutes. I did get help finishing the third pole - putting it into the second pocket. If you're unsure about putting up tents in general - just get a second person to help and advise. That would always be easier.

At the beach in a typical 15-20 mph wind is always a different story guys. Almost every type of shelter breaks - particularly if not secured properly. Stake it down, tie it down and weight it down if you have all of those options. You might even consider better ropes and longer stakes.

Last year, my brand new first time up typical 10 x 10 screen room shelter broke the first day. We spent the rest of the week fixing it with pieces from other peoples broken shelters. To put this one up at the beach, I would suggest three people - one on each leg. I would also follow the suggestion - put it up at home first as a trial run for you - and it gets the material stretched into position.

It's not huge, but those shelters are hard to manage.

It's cool - It's different - It's lightweight and it repacks well.

Happy shade !

Imagine....you are outside, excited with your children (4 and 2) about putting up their new 'house,' the one that is going to protect them from the sun and be 'fun' at the same time. You thought this would be perfect...big enough, light enough, pretty sharp looking AND this was the most frustrating experience setting up a tent-like structure in your life. Coming from an Eagle Scout, I've put up a lot of tents, etc. and this was just plain ridiculous. Imagine your most frustrating, non life threatening experience and then multiply it by whatever number comes into your head. The poles are about 3 inches too long which makes it a nightmare to put the finishing touches, aka complete the project and have it upright.

I saw some 'good' reviews re: set up. "I don't know what others were saying...set up was easy." Bull-hockey. I think those people work for ABO Gear.

I'm not mad, I was before, I'm disappointed. ABO has a great concept/idea and has gotten the execution all wrong. If ABO is watching these reviews, I'll be happy to share with any of your engineers. This could be great and instead is just not.

Let me know when your next version comes out and the poles are 3 inches shorter or there is more give in the fabric. - RG (LG's husband)

If you've ever set up a dome tent, this is similar but with less steps. Very easy directions and construction. I am a 40ish mom with shoulder replacements so what I can do with my arms is limited. I was determined to put this up by myself. I bought it to shade my son's pool rather than fighting him to slather on sunscreen multiple times a day. I also wanted it to be light enough to take to the beach. The poles were nice and sturdy and slid through the sleeves without snagging. At the end of each sleeve (there are 3) there is a pocket to stop the pole, so you don't have to attach it at each end. Getting the first pole up and attached was easy. The second and third poles were more difficult, but that probably has to do with the fact that the material is new and unstretched. It was difficult for me to simultaneously pull down the fabric and push up the pole (remember I have bad shoulders though). I almost asked for help but instead took a brick and pushed the pole down at the edge of the brick so the hole the pin fits into was still exposed while I used both arms to pull the fabric and pin into place. This all took me less than 45 minutes from the time I opened the box. It's been up for a week 24/7. I didn't need to use the tie downs but put some rocks into the pockets to keep it from blowing over. Love it!