Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

We replaced worn out umbrellas and patio chairs. I did not do my usual research and thought that Home Depot's price on a 9-foot umbrella was fairly good. So, this is what I bought. Hampton Bay dimensions: 106.3" (8.86') W x 106.3" D x 101.2" (8.4') H. It has a rust-proof aluminum frame, wind vent, weather-resistant fabric (beige color), crank opening, three-position tilt, 11 pounds, and was made in China. The cost was $97.18 including tax and a cover. The umbrella comes with a one-year limited warranty. Then I belatedly got smart and checked Amazon and found this. TropiShade 9 foot umbrella [108" (9') W x 108" D x 94" (7.8') H]; the cost was $69.11 including tax and super saver shipping, a difference of $28.07. While there is no cover, this umbrella features fiberglass ribs for strength, a wind vent, crank opening, Sunbrella fabric (rust color), three-position tilt, 13 pounds, and one-year limited warranty. What is covered: 1. Warping, splitting or rotting of wood frame poles 2. Rusting, discoloring of metal parts 3. Broken tilt mechanisms, broken cords, broken cranks. What is not covered: damage caused from wind conditions are not covered under any circumstances. TropiShade is a company that has been in business for 18 years; the umbrellas are made in China with some assembly in the United States. A touch comparison of the fabrics in the shades showed me that the Hampton Bay cloth was slightly thicker. Both umbrellas will be continuously exposed to brutal summer sun, and this review will be updated regarding the degree of fading and overall wear which will inevitably occur. As a final thought, I did call TropiShade and was advised that insofar as tipping and wind, a 50-pound, versus a 30-pound, base was greatly preferable to avoid damage to the umbrella. September 22, 2013 update: I have downgraded my four-star rating to two stars because in the four months that the rust umbrella has been outside, it has faded horribly in response to afternoon California sun. This review will be upgraded again according to whether the fabric deteriorates as well. June 1, 2014 update: So far, the fabric has not deteriorated. January 11, 2017 update: This umbrella has officially died. We had it upright, closed, in a heavy stand, and it toppled over and broke a few days ago in heavy rain. This underscores the obvious need to take an umbrella completely out of the stand and place it out of the elements prior to a storm.