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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well-made and worthwhile, October 17, 2009
This review is from: Totes Big Top Double Canopy Auto Umbrella (Apparel)
Buying an annual umbrella or two has become tiresome and, well, wasteful. I don't live in a particularly windy climate and our winter rains are no match to those of the north eastern coast states, however I do want and need an umbrella that will last more than a single winter season....and, it seems I've found that umbrella. The photograph here does not show the "double canopy" clearly - basically the top "row" is a second layer of fabric atop the base of the entire umbrella, a sort of "vent" that seems to allow the umbrella enough "give" so as not to invert itself and be rendered useless/inverted. I was surprised at the size of this umbrella canopy - mostly because I didn't bother to measure out the size before I purchased it because I knew I wanted a "bigger than standard" canopy. When the umbrella arrived (I had it delivered to my work place) it became the topic of lunchtime chatter - mostly along the lines of "wow, three or four people can stand under it without huddling into one mass of humanity" :)
The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five stars is because this thing is heavy - heavy compared to the "regular" auto-stick type umbrellas and just a bit too heavy for me to consider it ideal. However, the "heavy factor" is what creates the sturdiness (and when retracted and in the sleeve it would make for an impressive defensive whack!). The weight and size aren't conducive to just tossing in one's handbag, but it would do well in a larger tote or backpack-type bag. I have no regrets and look forward to using this umbrella for many years.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Buy It, February 9, 2010
This review is from: Totes Big Top Double Canopy Auto Umbrella (Apparel)
After using it one time, the fabric of the outer canopy became separated from the ribs in two places. Sure, it has a lifetime warranty. And they even give you a little warranty return form. The form clearly states that you must include $5.00 for Totes' shipping and handling when you return the umbrella. Not to mention the cost to you in order to ship it back. It is hardly worth it for a $22 umbrella that is unsatisfactory.
The canopy only opens to 49", not 56" as stated in the description. Without the outer canopy, it is 40". The folded dimensions are not clear in the description, but it is 19" long. The handle extends to 29" when open. It weighs 1 lb. 10 oz.
Also, please note that it does not auto-close. The product description never claims that it does, but I missed that bit.
The ribs might be sturdy, but they don't do you any good if the canopy isn't attached.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
open it very slowly, otherwise it will break after a couple of uses, February 28, 2010
This review is from: Totes Big Top Double Canopy Auto Umbrella (Apparel)
The quality of this umbrella felt good initially when it arrived. But after only two uses, the center beam of the umbrella separated from the rest of the umbrella, as a plastic part that holds the rod and the top canopy together was torn apart by the spring that automatically opens the umbrella when the button is pressed. I would recommend opening the umbrella very slowly.
Also the fabric of the outer canopy became separated from the ribs in one place after two uses.
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