Customer Reviews

Cakoon Sun Umbrella

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I bought this umbrella a few months ago. Very light-weight. Kind of flimsy in even slightly windy conditions. However, it does an excellent job in keeping me out of the sun. I live in Southern California and for the past 3 weeks, the weather has been consistently >100 degrees. It looks like a satellite dish and kind of unattractive, but totally functional. I took it to England/Scotland and did very well in the rain, too. I'm buying one for my mother today.

Unfortunately the quality of this product was so bad that I had to send it back. It was more like a dollar store item. Had it cost $5, I would have been o.k. with it. The product was incredibly flimsy and was made with the absolute cheapest materials. I thought I might break it opening it up just once. I promptly repacked it and shipped it back to the store. Don't waste your money.

Buyers beware. This umbrella may hurt you. When I first received this umbrella, I followed the instructions in attempting to open and close the thing, firstly "shaking it" to loosen it up, and then pressing the white release button, (but not holding it), and "pushing the shaft together" (as it instructed, if necessary) to bring it closed. In the previous paragraph of the instructions, I was told that the umbrella was "quite rugged so feel free to use a little muscle if necessary." Well, a little muscle was necessary in my efforts, and somehow, after a bit of labor, the umbrella closed forcefully and pinched my finger between the handle and metal prongs, and loped off the tip. Yes, dear readers, this was not merely a gash, but a very ugly open wound, (as if you sliced the tip of your finger off with a knife). It was so deep that I went to the hospital, but thankfully, there were no stitches.

I read the reviews that this umbrella was flimsy and cheap. And it is. When there is the slightest gust of wind, it will be impossible to keep this umbrella straight above your head, and it will blow you to-and-fro in all directions. The wind will also unlatch the mechanism that keeps the umbrella open, so you will constantly need to stop and press it open. (I shudder to imagine how this baby might perform in a rainstorm). Do yourselves a favor and do not give into your vanity, (like I did), and order the umbrella that seemed the smallest and most attractive, (in spite of the bad reviews). Spend the extra money to buy a real UV umbrella that is made well. And if you happen to give into your vanity, proceed with caution with this one, and protect your precious digits!

I bought one of these for a trip to Europe. Having used a regular parasol for about 20 years, I thought the Cakoon might be better--since it could shrink down to a pocket item (not having to check at museums). The first day I used it, it developed teeny holes in the fabric--and the lightest breeze (not even a wind and I live in Chicago and know from wind), would flip it inside out. Well, I thought, maybe that was then. The second day, was more of the same. The manufacturer 'gave' me a new one--which I will use and see, if it was a one time problem--or systemic. But frankly, the hassle? I'm back to the old parasol.

I wanted a really strong but compact umbrella to take on a vacation Egypt. I selected this umbrella from the list for price, size and material. It is so small and light. Quite adequate when unfolded yet compact. The material (don't know what you call it) but is that great sun reflective cloth I have for my car windshield.

Shipping was fast, also. I love this silver umbrella and you will too!

In the instructions they say you need to "work" the umbrella to get it loosened up to unfold more easily. I was disappointed until I read these instructions and followed them. After a few "unfoldings" the umbrella worked easily.

This umbrella would not stay open when I got it and called in and another one was sent out, however it was poor quality and the handle broke after a short time. also will not with stand wind. cannot reccomend this one!!! Waste of money and time

The fabric of the umbrella seems to cover me well, I don't feel the sun blazing on my face when I use it. But it has a huge drawback: the umbrella is very fragile and weak. In the slightest amount of wind, the whole umbrella shakes like it's going to collapse at any moment. And sometimes, when I am opening it, it does not latch on entirely so it will close on me spontaneously.

If I had to buy an item like this again, I'd probably look for a better brand with better reviews.

Pros: Light, small, long life & very effective sunlight blocker.

Cons: Short handle.

I have had this umbrella for at least 3 yrs. It works great for the sun/uv blocking. Live in a very sunny state and am out during mid-day sun. I call it my "walking tree" since it provides a real dark shade. (Unlike regular colored umbrellas, they still let the sun and heat down upon you thru the fabric.) Only negative with the design is the short handle. Even in the promotional picture, you can see the girl is holding it up by her chin. Yup. That is an accurate depiction of the position you have to hold it in. (But it is worth the shade to have to hold it up like that.) As for the reports that this is flimsy, I disagree. I use it often (2x or more/wk); I have owned it for a long time; and there are no signs of it ripping or failing anywhere. I think people may think it is flimsy because it is super light. You can tuck this in your purse easily. It folds down to a really small size. Have even used it in the rain-and it will keep you dry too! Added perk.

Use my Cakoon UV-brella everyday-in rain, wind, but mostly in the sun. Need the bus going to work, shopping... it's perfect for protecting me, very lightweight & compact. Stronger,easier to use, & more sunprotective than other compact umbrellas. Like most umbrellas it can be difficult to manage in the wind, but I find it manageable if I position it right. It's benefits greatly outweigh any difficulties. Recently got 2 new ones when the one I have used daily for a few years began to show wear(still com pletely functional). Mine was defective-hers was fine. Raybeth Enterprises(distributor)replaced mine within days after calling them; didn't have the bother of returning the defective one.