Customer Reviews

Totes Big Top Double Canopy Auto Umbrella

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I purchased this item because of the Totes brand and its lifetime warranty. This umbrella feels solidly built, but its metal wires broke within the first few minutes of use in light wind and rain. Looking at the structure of the umbrella, it has too many complex parts that increase the likelihood of failure. I don't know if there is a more reliable umbrella out there, but this particular model (Totes Big Top Double Canopy Auto Umbrella) was disappointing.

I had an older totes umbrella for years until someone in my family lost it. This one has a very large canopy but is not as large as the golf umbrellas. I like the double canopy so strong wind won't blow the umbrella away. Recommend.

This is a (mostly) well conceived but poorly executed umbrella.

It is a big, heavy umbrella; you must be tall and strong to use it. Its canopy, actually made of two superposed sections with a vent between them, allows the wind to flow through without too much risk of overturning it, yet the superposed parts are wide enough to avoid the rain going into the protected area.

The ribs are apparently of good quality, but the stitching of the canopy to the ribs is poorly done; I am not sure if it will resist for long when used on windy days (the marketing for this umbrella emphasizes its wind resistance).

The handle is the worst part of this umbrella: it's the most non-ergonomic shape you can think of, it's too small for such a heavy umbrella and it offers very little grip to your hand, putting a lot of stress on your hand+wrist as it reacts to gulfs of wind.

It looked good when I received it but after only two uses it was broken. Not sure now if it was broken when I got it...I guess all the umbrella are only good for a few uses, I was using cheap umbrellas from the dollar or 5 and 10 stores before and the higher price umbellas are not any better but I will try a few more before I give up...

Maybe I'm being too harsh and expect too much from an umbrella, but shouldn't an umbrella be, I dunno, at least rust-resistant? I've only used mine a few times and the framework is completely rusted and falling apart, and the canopy has rust stains and holes. This is completely unacceptable! Do not buy this umbrella!!!

It is heavy, for sure. But you get golf umbrella coverage with collapsible stick storage convenience. It's not small enough to stick in a bag and carry every day. Keep it in the car and it'll cover two people when it's needed. It's a man's umbrella.

This umbrella is an art piece in engineering!!!
I have been in very windy places and this umbrella does the work. Sometimes it looks like it is going to reverse and break because of the wind but it doesn't and returns to its original shape.
I am very impress.
Of course, if you are looking for a light umbrella this is not for you because it is a little heavy and big to carry on a small or medium bag.