Review on EEZ Y Windproof Travel Umbrellas Rain: Stay Protected and Dry on Your Travels by Evelyn Peterson

Wind resistance and construction: The spokes seem to have a weak point around the end of the spring that bends easily in fact they are thin metal compound. Several spokes bent after the first windy day and broke on the third windy day. The rest of the umbrella seems solid so I'm hoping this gets fixed. I'd rather have a flexible umbrella that tips over but rebounds than one that tries to resist folding and flexing. Wind protection provided by two layers of fabric was less effective than GustBuster vents compared to GustBuster Metro side by side. Maybe round holes are more effective (unless they're patented by GustBuster). Meanwhile, the GustBuster's open/close switch broke, although the spokes were fine. Opening/closing mechanism: Automatic closing is convenient, but has its disadvantages. My biggest criticism is that after closing the umbrella, I have to squeeze it with both hands before opening it again. It is a great inconvenience when entering and exiting crowded, narrow forests and covered corridors in a big city where I have to close my umbrella for a short time; I have to clutch my umbrella and get my hands wet every time I go out to open the umbrella again. The force required to close the umbrella may vary with each product as some people say it is easy for a child and others say it is difficult for a grown man, but mine took some effort and Care required to actually fully engage. The extra strings needed for the auto-lock can also contribute to the weak point of the spokes, so overall I'd prefer a manual lock to a clumsy auto-lock. I have no issues with the auto opening, although using weaker springs would make the sealing process a bit easier. Other: The handle is quite comfortable and non-slip, although I wish there was a curved handle model for gripping. , I would try another model before going back to this model. If a manual umbrella lasts half as long for half the price, I could use it to make it easier to open and close while walking through the city forest. I hope that the spoke weakness is fixed.