Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've purchased 2 of these. Although they do a great job of deflecting the sun and rain, they have a serious design flaw. The first one I bought (November 2014) lasted a little over 8 months; the second one I bought (to replace the first) lasted a little under 5 months. On both umbrellas, the plastic ring near the top of the shaft that keeps the canopy open cracked apart (and failed). Instead of ordering another replacement umbrella, I bought a 98-cent clamp from Home Depot to substitute for the plastic ring. It's a hassle to attach, but I'm not ready (or willing) to invest in another umbrella.