Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I want to be as helpful as possible in my reviews so I focus on what the product page doesn't tell you, and try to avoid statements made on behalf of my personal preferences. I hope you find the following useful: The Good: - The reverse fold design does actually work. And it works well. It has a solid feel with a smooth gliding action up the shaft of the umbrella. Although it has a firm click at the end to hold it in position, it also releases well when it is time to fold up the umbrella. - The weight is good to average. The materials are solid without being too heavy. However, it is certainly not the lightest umbrella of its size. - The C-Handle design that allows you to hold the umbrella hands-free works on non-windy days although it is a challenge keeping the umbrella upright while resting on your shoulder in even gentle winds. The handle is made of that soft-feel plastic that almost feels rubberized. It helps the grip (especially when wet) and feels sturdy. - The size comfortably fits one person with enough room to spare to squeeze in a second (tightly) if the need to share arises. - The tie strap is comfortably thick enough to securely keep the umbrella together when folded. - The red button to unlock and lock it in place feels both sturdy and easy to latch and unlatch. The OK: - The graphic is nice and unique, although it is not a sharp image and has a fair amount of blur, (see picture - which was taken in focus). The fabric design is repetitive as opposed to being a single large graphic (I have the galaxy one). - You'll see this style umbrella sold in many different patterns and colors under different brand names for around the same price. I cannot confirm that they are the same manufacturer, but I have seen no discernable difference between them. - The dual fabric layers on either side of the internal support mechanism are not attached or sewn together - but are open on the edges. This can lead to water and wind getting between the layers, but does seem to help it dry faster. - It stands just shy of ones hip for an average size male when folded. Although you can't use it like a walking stick, it also is less likely to be dragged against the ground when walking with it by your side. The Bad: - There are vent holes in the decorative layer of fabric that presumably allow the inside to dry. They also let internal trapped water leak out. (See picture). - The edges of the umbrella are small metal balls that (in my opinion) still have an eye-poking risk to people standing next to you. They also protrude out father than the center of the umbrella so should it touch the ground while walking, it would rest on the fold-up mechanism, not the end of the shaft (see picture). This is why I deducted a star from the review. - The trapped water effect of the reverse-fold umbrella helps... but not completely. Expect a wet umbrella as you carry it indoors. - The C-handle is on the small side. I have average to small hands for a male and it is a tight fit. Bigger hands would struggle to use the feature. See the picture for a visual comparison.