I went shopping for an umbrella on Sunday. After going to three different department stores and seeing that they all had basically the same thing, I bought one. Several hours later, the tip of one of the ribs broke off. So I took it back yesterday. It seems like every year I end up buying a cheap piece of junk that breaks after a month or two.
I want an umbrella that isn’t made out of cheap plastic and thin metal. I want it to last. My preference is for one that’s full sized, rather than a compact one, but that’s mostly because they seem more sturdy.
Finally, it would be nice if it comes in a color other than black so it won’t look like every other umbrella. But that’s not nearly as important as strength.
Disclaimer: I have no clue where you could get this one…
But I finally have the best one in the world. First of all, it’s big enough for two people. Second, it’s got a wooden handle and a cane, so I can hook it on my arm. Thirdly, it’s from some kind of environmentally aware agency, so the top of it is a picture of the world, in bright greens and blues. It’s very attractive, and I get compliments on it all the time. It’s lasted me three years.
How to buy a good one, I don’t know. All mine used to break, too.
I bet Sharper Image has a nice one but they don’t have a store here anymore. You might try the Eddie Bauer on Hope off of upper State. Did you check the Nordstrom at Paseo Neuvo? They usually have better stuff than the usual department stores.
Here you go. It’s the Cadillac of umbrellas. Wooden shaft, fiberglass ribs and vents that let the wind pass through so it doesn’t invert, but keep the rain out. It’s pretty amazing.
I have a cheaper version of this one (about $10 at SAM’S CLUB or COSTCO) and it works great. You want the golf umbrella (much larger than the regular) and you definitely want the “gills” that allow it to be wind resistant.
