I have included a brief video review to supplement this written review. Sorry - there will be NO video of me standing on them, (this process on both umbrellas was VERY clumsy and risky), as they each took a few tries, quick shots, and required a great deal of balance (which I don't have an abundance of!) These weren't the safest of things you can do with the umbrella, so I don't recommend it for most people.
Also to note, while it is required to stand with feet slightly separated to maintain balance, you might notice my feet are a tiny bit further apart on the Indestructible Umbrella (dress photo). That umbrella solely has a fiberglass shaft which did not have the same rigidity and strength as the Unbreakable Umbrella. I've had two knee surgeries and want to avoid a third in case I lose my balance! Still, I hope the photos make the point - you COULD stand on both of these! I didn't want to hurt myself, but feel there was a much greater chance of falling (balance aside) and breaking the indestructible umbrella if I wasn't careful to distribute my weight. I am 5' 7", 140 lbs for reference.
For this test, the Unbreakable umbrella felt more solid and stronger, while the Indestructible had a lot more flex. The materials on the Unbreakable just felt sturdier overall without added bulk or weight! Lastly (relative to the photos), forgive the odd stance with knees bent. This was necessary to maintain balance and to be safe in case I fell from the tall (pub height) chairs.
Overall, they're both great umbrellas, but for the reasons mentioned below and in the video, I prefer The Unbreakable Umbrella with "crooked" handle (model U-115).
*THE INDESTRUCTIBLE UMBRELLA (Photo with me in the dress is the indestructible umbrella - it was less sturdy and bent more, but it held my weight just as well - I fell a few times, action/post fall photo included, but thankfully I survived along with the umbrella)
- Ribs: Fiberglass
- Shaft: Fiberglass
- Tip: Stainless steel
- Handle: Not specified
- Fabric: 190T pongee (polyester)
- Weight: 1 pound (I measured mine and it was actually 1.48 lbs)
*THE UNBREAKABLE UMBRELLA (the photos of me in yoga pants shows me standing on this/Unbreakable umbrella)
- Ribs: Fiberglass
- Shaft: Proprietary composite of fiberglass and poly resins (resins added to ensure strength and no wear or splintering)
- Tip: Stainless steel
- Handle: Soft velvety rubber cover over polyamide
- Fabric: Super high density polyester pongee in 190T
- Weight: Under 2 pounds, 1 lb. & 9.2 ounces (I measured mine and it was actually 1.86 lbs)
Overall, both are great products. BUT, I do prefer the "Unbreakable" over the "Indestructible." They are similar, but different umbrellas by different companies. Here's why:
1) The tips: the indestructible's tip looks more intimidating, but it's not as practical as the unbreakable's. be honest, you won't be poking or stabbing a would-be-mugger. So the tip only functions for balance the unbreakable tip offers girth for better balance, weight distribution and ease of walking. Plus, while both are safe for travel and supposedly allowed on planes, I think you're more likely (if at all) to be questioned about the pointy tipped indestructible.
2) The handle: I prefer the unique shape of the unbreakable by far. At first, I was slightly annoyed wondering why it was so big. But, I then realized it serves two functions. First, it works better for balance and weight distribution as a walking stick. Secondly, it allows for hands-free. You can seriously hook this on any forearm, or any shoulder. This worked on my larger husband; the smaller hooked end of the indestructible couldn't fit on his forearm, forget his shoulder!
3) The mechanics: The unbreakable umbrella's button is both better looking (blends in, looks clean) and was slightly more powerful and responsive.
I am in no way affiliated with either The Unbreakable Umbrella, or the Indestructible Umbrella. I am just an average consumer, who ordered one of each for comparison. While I will be keeping both, I've given the Indestructible Umbrella to my husband as a golf umbrella, and I am taking the Unbreakable Umbrella on business trips for rain- and crazy-people-protection. If my review was helpful, I ask you to please take the time to use the voting buttons voting my review as "HELPFUL."
