I was tired of paying about $20 for large, golf-type umbrellas that broke after banging around my minivan or that broke a rib or stretcher after getting blown off the porch. I need a large umbrella. I work at a university, and when it rains, I need to be able to keep myself dry for a quarter of a mile between my parking garage and my office. I was tired of smaller umbrellas, so I opted to get the larger golf umbrellas to stay try. Unfortunately, I discovered that the cheaper umbrellas have plastic ribs and stretchers. If I left my umbrella on the back porch to dry out and it bounced wrong, the plastic would snap. I tried the more expensive umbrellas from the drug store. These have metal ribs and stretchers. They still break with comparative ease. I am delighted that the G4Free umbrella's construction is considerably heavier. I waited to write this review because I wanted to see the durability and wind resistance. It is quite durable. The venting gives it some wind Resistance, so it won't turn inside out as easily as the non-vented versions. My version has a collapsible handle, but I will warn future customers that it collapses to about 18 inches--way too big for most bags, but I didn't get it to collapse into that kind of space anyway. I just wanted something that would fit easily under a car seat. Overall I am delighted with the construction and quality. It is only a couple of bucks more than the drug store umbrellas, but so much better quality. I feel as if I could own this umbrella for years and it would hold up just fine. Update: I still stand by the above review. The quality and durability of this umbrella has far exceeded my expectations. I don't worry about a random gust of wind blowing it across the porch and shattering a rib. I feel as if I can drop it and it won't break. This is a HUGE improvement over my experience with other umbrellas. However, I did get a gust of wind that managed to invert the umbrella. Unfortunately, the gust didn't just merely invert the umbrella. Instead, as it resisted the gust, it inverted in a kind of ripple, wave-like motion that put additional torque on the joints where the ribs would fold. This broke one of the spines. I contacted G4Free customer service. They were very understanding and sent out a replacement. I received it promptly and I am still an extremely satisfied customer. I am very impressed with their customer follow-up! Read more
My previous review is below - I liked my first umbrella so much that I decided to buy another one, that was a different color. The second day I had it a wind gust totally broke the spokes, and I couldn't use it any longer. My first umbrella was a dark blue and I came on to order a third one of the same color. As I was reading the reviews I noticed that a certain color umbrella seemed to have breaking problems, and I also noticed it was made in a different location than my first umbrella. Just a 'heads up' if you're thinking of ordering this umbrella - you won't regret buying it like I did the second one - totally worth it I use an umbrella daily - mostly to sit on my porch because I have no trees in the front yard. I did go through them like gangbusters because they never lasted very long before breaking. I tell you, this umbrella is so sturdy and protects you from the sun 100 percent - not only that, it definitely won't be tearing or breaking up on you anytime soon - I really am so thankful I found it. You certainly will make a great choice choosing this umbrella to purchase. It's so fashionably cool looking as well - reminds me of one that they'd make in England - I absolutely love it! If I someday ever need another, I sure know where to come and purchase at - hope it's still here for sell by then. Read more
For years I had a telescoping golf umbrella. Once it reached the end of it’s working life, I was unable to find another. That is, until I found this one. While not the most compact, it does telescope making ingress into my vehicle much easier on those rainy days. And it is the largest folding umbrella I have found. Enough my both my lady and I when we are both out when it rains. Cannot address longevity at this point, but it seems well constructed and I anticipate a good service life from it. Read more
Great big umbrella nicely fit 2 under. Great quality and easy open system (button). I definitely use for summer when walking to pick kids from school or for kids sports (outdoor) events. Read more
I bought these umbrellas because I was looking for a huge umbrella that would shield be completely from the rain, while also not have me roaming around with a long walking stick. These do exactly that. They are sturdy, durable, and strong. Fast drying due to the dry-fit material (especially if you don't immediately wrap it up while it's still wet). I love that I can put it in the carrying case and wear it like a crossbody bag - hands free is so important to me. It's also easy open, not too bulky, and worth the price. Highly recommend - so much that I bought two! Lol Read more
The media could not be loaded. I purchased this compact umbrella to keep in the car. I wanted one that protected more than one person at a time form the rain, and compact enough to store inconspicuously in the car. When collapsed it tucks away nicely under the driver or passenger seat. It is too big to store in the glove compartment or inside door storage pockets. To open the umbrella is a simple push of a button, which is nice that you can easily open it before getting out of the car (make sure the umbrella is out the door before opening!). Fully opened the umbrella is large enough to provide cover for two adults. To collapse the umbrella you simply pull down the center ring until it snaps into the handle. Construction of the umbrella appears to be solid, and the opening and closing is easy and smooth. This is my second umbrella purchase from G4Free and have been satisfied with both purchases. Read more
