How to choose an umbrella

To choose a comfortable and high-quality umbrella that will last more than one season, pay attention to the weight of the product and its compactness, the material and diameter of the dome, the number of spokes, the quality of the fasteners and other parameters – which ones, we will tell in our article.

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1. Design and types of umbrellas
   
2. Which umbrella handle to choose
3. What should be the rod and knitting needles
4. The material from which the dome of the umbrella is made
5. How to choose a quality umbrella – tips for choosing

Design and types of umbrellas

All umbrellas have a similar design. They consist of:

1. Rod and handle:
2. Fabric part or dome;
3. spokes.

The durability of the umbrella depends on the reliability of the rod. Rods of inexpensive models can bend and break under strong gusts of wind, while strong, most often monolithic, rods can withstand even more serious loads.

The spokes support the canopy of the umbrella, and when one of them breaks or comes off, it breaks the shape of the awning and reduces the functionality of the product. The more spokes, the stronger the frame of the dome.

The umbrella dome is made from different types of materials: nylon, polyester, satin, etc. The main characteristics of the awning, such as moisture resistance, strength and wind protection, depend on the properties of these fabrics.

Umbrellas can be mechanical, semi-automatic, automatic, as well as folding umbrellas and cane umbrellas. Consider the pros and cons of each of them.

Mechanical umbrellas

Closing and opening of these models is performed only manually. Perhaps this is not very convenient, but this design is considered one of the most reliable and durable.

Advantages

• Durability. The simplicity of the mechanism reduces the likelihood of breakage;
• Affordable price.

Flaws

• It is not always convenient to close/open an umbrella, especially if the rain caught you by surprise or you get to your destination with many transfers.

Semi-automatic umbrellas

The opening of semi-automatic models is performed at the touch of a button, but they must be closed manually by pulling the ring to which the knitting needles are attached. This is one of the most common types of umbrellas.

Advantages

• Affordable price;
• Light weight and dimensions;
• Ease of use (compared to mechanical models);

Flaws

• They break faster than mechanical models.

Automatic umbrellas

The most convenient, but also the most unreliable option. Due to the complexity of the design, such products break most often. Closing and opening of the umbrella is performed automatically by pressing a special button.

Advantages

• Quick opening and closing;
• Ease of use.

Flaws

• Short service life;
• High price;
• The automatic mechanism may jam;

Folding (compact) umbrellas

Compact umbrellas are great for travel. They take up little space and are light in weight, so they can be placed in a bag or backpack. Some models even fit in a coat or jacket pocket. These umbrellas can be taken with you to work or a walk. It will not be difficult for you to carry the product in your purse all day, and in case of rain you will be protected.

Such products have a cover in which you can hide a wet umbrella if it has not dried out after rain, and there is nowhere to dry it.

Advantages

• Light weight and small size;
• Suitable for travelers and people who often go on business trips;
• Low price;

Flaws

• Most models have low strength;
• During strong winds, the dome of the product may turn inside out.

cane umbrellas

These models are usually opened and closed manually. They have a one-piece shaft, which reduces the likelihood of breakage. Due to the simplicity of the design, umbrellas-canes are highly durable and durable.

Advantages

• Reliability and durability – can serve more than 10 years;
• Beautiful appearance;
• Resistant to wind gusts;

Flaws

• Big sizes;
• High price.

Which umbrella handle to choose

Handles are often made of rubber, plastic, wood, or metal:

1. Plastic ones are considered the most unreliable – they can crack or split when hit or dropped. In addition, over time, the paint on the plastic fades and peels off. But they are light in weight and quickly heat up from the owner’s hand.
2. Metal handles are rarely used. They are distinguished by high strength and durability, but they weigh a lot and cool the hand.
3. Wooden handles treated with colorless lacquer keep hands warm for a long time, they are stronger than plastic ones and weigh a little. In addition, they do not lose their color over time, unlike plastic ones, and do not “paint” hands. When choosing an umbrella with a wooden handle, it is important to pay attention to its surface. If the tree is poorly processed, the purchase should be abandoned.
4. Rubber grips are pleasant to the touch, they are perfectly fixed in the palm of your hand and do not slip out of your hands. In addition, they are considered one of the most reliable – nothing will happen to them when dropped or hit.

What should be the rod and knitting needles

Umbrella rods can be monolithic and folding. Folding can have from two to five additions. The most compact umbrella has about four to five folds of the stem, and the largest (most often male) has two to three folds. Remember, the simpler the design and the fewer additions, the more reliable the product.

In the production of spokes and rod can be used:

1. Aluminum (needles and shaft matte) – is resistant to corrosion and well supports the fabric part of the umbrella. Aluminum products are very light and compact, so they are often chosen by women and children. But they are unreliable – the spokes bend under the influence of the wind, the rod quickly deforms, and the fabric part often turns inside out.
2. Steel (the spokes and the rod are shiny) is the most reliable and durable material. Models with steel rods and spokes are resistant to gusts of wind, but they are heavy and take up a lot of space even when folded.
3. Fiberglass (looks like plastic) is a durable and flexible material that is often used to make knitting needles. Umbrellas with such spokes are light in weight, and the dome retains its shape well during the wind.
4. Also, when buying, you should pay attention to the number of knitting needles. The more of them, the better they hold the dome. Their number can vary from 6 to 24 pieces, but 8 pieces are most often used. – this is the best option. The larger the diameter of the fabric part of the umbrella, the more needles should be.
5. Each of the spokes must be attached to the dome in several places. The more such connections, the stronger the structure and the more durable the product.
6. Some umbrellas are equipped with the “Anti-wind” system – a spring complex that ensures the integrity of the spokes even with strong gusts of wind and the “reversing” of the product. To return the umbrella to its normal state, it must be closed and reopened.

The material from which the dome of the umbrella is made

For the manufacture of umbrella sheathing is often used:

1. Nylon. Cheap and unreliable material. It wears out and wears out quickly. It is easy to tear, it often sheds and even sit down. If you place a damp nylon item next to other items, they may stain the color of the umbrella.
2. Polyester. This material has good moisture-repellent characteristics, but after prolonged use, these properties are noticeably reduced. In addition, it is often worn and torn at the points of attachment of the spokes. Polyester does not fade or shrink when wet.
3. Polyester with teflon. This material is more durable and stronger than nylon and ordinary polyester. It dries quickly, holds its shape well and retains its color.
4. Satin is one of the most expensive and durable materials. It has a special water-repellent coating, thanks to which it protects well from rain. It is characterized by high strength, wear resistance and durability. In addition, satin keeps its shape well and dries quickly.
5. Eponge – has excellent water-repellent properties, dries instantly and does not wrinkle.

How to choose a quality umbrella – tips for choosing

When buying, pay attention to the tension of the fabric. It should not have folds, wrinkles or bubbles.

1. The buttons of semi-automatic and automatic models should not sink, and the mechanism itself should not jam;
2. Open your umbrella before buying. If the joints of the rod are loose, and the handle is poorly attached to the rod, you should not take the product;
3. The protruding ends of the spokes in children’s umbrellas must have protective caps;
4. Make sure that the umbrella does not make any strange sounds when opening and closing;
5. Do not buy products that have less than 8 knitting needles. They do not withstand gusts of wind and quickly become unusable.

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