Classic 48-Inch Automatic Golf Umbrella

<---Short Test Video of Metro 43 Inch, not the larger 48 Inch Classic. The GustBuster 48 Inch classic stick style umbrella is probably the last umbrella you may need to buy. Granted you take good care of it and do not leave it on a bus or train. The umbrella (automatic version) is easy to open, is light weight, and above all lives up to its "gust-busting" claims of very high winds. Although I do wish it was just a wee bit larger, perhaps 52 inches, it is still large enough to shield most of your upper body in moderate downpours with light winds without having to play umbrella chicken with other folks passing by. It is a nice one person umbrella...but not for two. However, for a taller man, the lower legs may still catch some of the rain run off. But not too bad. While I found the quality of the fabric just average, the handle, stick, and ribs of the product feel strong and stable; ready to tackle high winds. Each outer spoke attaches the upper canopy using elastic bands. The lower canopy seems to be more rigid and attached to the main frame. When the wind does get under it, both canopies separate allowing the wind to just flow through the large holes, all while keeping you dry. The elastics let the upper canopy stretch upwards which seems to work the magic preventing the umbrella to invert. The reason I am writing this review is because it passed its real test just yesterday when here on Staten Island, New York, we had heavy rain with wind gusts of up to 50 MPH. (the GustBuster claims it handles 55+ winds). I figured this was a good opportunity to give it a try. In between the Supreme Court building and 130 Stuyvesant Pl is like a wind tunnel on days like this. There are always destroyed umbrellas in the garbage bins on either side of the street. My Gustbuster did its job impressively while everyone else around me had their umbrellas blown inside out. Before the Gustbuster, I had a Hammacher Schlemmer "wind defying" umbrella which was sort of ok in light to medium winds (25 MPH or so), but did blow inside out on me twice, the second tearing part of the fabric off the ribs. So, for folks who want a true wind resistant umbrella. Go with the Gustbuster. And also keep in mind that the classic stick style has the best overall quality build. Just don't lean the umbrella into the wind (as if shielding yourself) since this does put pressure on the ribs, and try and keep it half-open to relief pressure and extend the life. Don't walk into an EF 1 or higher tornado with it either, ha ha! Also, the Metro 43 Inch version that I bought as a spare seems a bit flimsy and not as strong as the classic stick version...the parts on the metro feel somewhat cheaper. Didn't give that one the test yet though... I'm not sure about the larger 62 inch umbrellas. Hope my review was helpful for those considering this product. ======= UPDATE! SEE SHORT VIDEO TEST Above ("METRO" MODEL) ======= Just yesterday (3/13/10) we had extremely strong winds here on Staten Island, New York with reported gusts over 65 MPH. I figured that this was yet another great opportunity to give my 2 Gustbusters another wind test. My Classic 48 Inch umbrella performed the same as usual...but it was the smaller 43 Inch Metro that I wanted to test. Although having somewhat of a lesser construction quality, it held up pretty good. The winds on Fox 5 news were reported around 30 to 35 MPH sustained with gusts of up to 60+ MPH. The Metro did a very good job at holding together for the most part, but...a very strong gust, probably 55 to 60 MPH I'm guessing, did manage to cause it to finally invert, (not shown in video). However, no major damage occurred and I just faced it back in to the wind to correct it again. So, these umbrellas WILL invert, but only in gusts that are extremely high! I live right near the coastline so our winds were some of the stronger gusts. In these cases don't even bother using an umbrella since you're going to be wind-soaked anyway. Overall, I still rate the Classic stick style at 5 stars (the Metro at 3 1/2 stars due to lesser quality) and trust me that they do perform as advertised. But do expect them to blow inside out in those rare 55+ gusts as it did in my test run. After all they are labeled and wind tunnel tested at 55+ MPH, so that is pretty accurate and honest advertising. Hope this update was helpful!

I never thought I would be sitting here typing up a review on umbrella and I never thought I would be spending more than $10 on a umbrella. My research for umbrella started when I found out when all the old cheapo umbrella broke. This has lead me to this umbrella the gustbuster classic just seeing that name you already know its going to be one awesome umbrella that will keep you dry in a storm!! Features at a Glance: In bullet list form. Handle 55+ MPH Wind Wind-Release Vent Strong lightweight fiberglass ribs Pros: Handling 55+ MPH wind Easy to open/close Lifetime warranty Cons: Price This is my first quality umbrella as for spending $30+ on it. I can say its differently worth spending on as for the first test I have use it out in 30+mph wind with a bit of light rain for about a hour in those condition this umbrella stand up to the test while other people around me with walmart quality umbrella had problem with the frame inverting inside out or the umbrella cover coming off. I let my friend hold the umbrella also an they were definitely impress with the quality. I will say Three people can fit into it with everyone staying fairly dry but I think two people would have been better suited for this size. I like the wooden handle design and material used that curves like a J shaped its been a while since I seen these type of umbrella as now days modern umbrella usually comes with a black plastic handles so it was a selling point for me seeing the J shaped handle + wooden material. I have fairly large hands as for me the handle fit comfortably and perfectly in my hands without feeling uncomfortable. The length of the umbrella is pretty long an I would not say its travel friendly unless its meant to be use for the walk from car to the store and back. I believe there is other options for a travel friendly compact umbrella because when this umbrella is close its still pretty long. If you are looking for a umbrella to handle strong winds give coverage for 2 people from rain I would recommend this umbrella as its not too expensive compare to the other brands. If you are looking for a compact travel umbrella I don't recommend this as its too long an heavy for travel friendly.

With this umbrella my off arm no longer gets drenched, and I have fairly wide shoulders. It's very big but not excessive for one grown man to walk under. Just be prepared to dodge other people's umbrellas if walking downtown. It looks very stylish and has gotten a few glances. So far wind hasn't "pulled" on it at all. It stays vertical and easy to hold where my old cheap umbrella would get whipped around and have to be wrestled with to control. I have yet to deal with fierce gusts, but it seems very sturdy and I'm not worried. It's a little harder to secure closed than I would like, with a bit of force needed to catch the latch and keep it from popping back open. It's a minor annoyance in an overall fine product.

excelete lo recomiendo

After enduring years of using umbrellas that were keen on flipping over in order to provide me with a unwanted shower just before arriving at work, I'm happy to report that the Gustbuster has completely taken the worry out of walking outside during stormy days. My commute consists of a half hour walk through patches of literal 'wind tunnels' created by the tall buildings in my area and whenever the weather is unpredictable, and this happens quite often here in the east coast, I will always see a wide assortment of flappy umbrellas held haplessly by their drenched owners as it is being mercilessly torn apart under strong wind gusts (my own included). I looked for sturdy windproof umbrella that can break the cycle of umbrella churn and this product definitely fits the bill. Likes: - Feels solid in hand. Personally, I found the weight to be pleasant and reassuring. - Canopy does not flap in windy conditions. Cannot emphasize this enough. The entire canopy may bend under pressure, but will not flap or flip over like so many other brands. - Stylish golden trim. Don't expect complements, but this does add a nice touch and makes the Gustbuster look better than an ordinary umbrella. - Reasonably priced for what you are getting. For me the math was simple, either spend money to buy 2 or 3 umbrellas a year only to see them break. Or spend a bit more and buy a product that will help inspire greater confidence in my ability to deal with the elements. - Strong lifetime warranty: Though I don't think this will ever be needed. Dislike: - The wood handle chipped slightly from scratching against a metal surface, exposing the wood underneath. A minor caveat for sure, but I wish coating on the wooden handle was better at absorbing scratches. Overall: Probably the best umbrella you can buy at any price.

Llevo con él casi un año, así que más o menos puedo dar una opinión bien formada de él, y empiezo por las pegas: -Pesa bastante...no es que sea un muerto y se puede llevar cómodamente, pero no es un paraguas ligero. -Has de tener cuidado con el doble forro si lo dejas en el paragüero, para que no se enganchen otros paraguas en la tela. Sobre las ventajas, pues la principal es que es sólido. Pero que muy sólido. Es un poco absurdo llevar paraguas los días de viento por eso de que la lluvia te viene casi de lado, pero al menos algo cubres. Mientras ves al resto de la gente sujetando el paraguas por la zona del cierre, tu vas tan campante, mientras esquivas los restos de otros paraguas que han ido quedando rotos en la calle. Por lo demás, tiene aspecto de ser duradero, no muestra señales de óxido como otros paraguas en la zona de los remaches, y el mecanismo de apertura es de bastante calidad. El eje o como se llame el palo que va desde el mango a la punta es de algún tipo de plástico o fibra pintados de marrón, pero de unas dimensiones generosas, lo que le da bastante rigidez y el mango es de madera, que quizás peca de un barniz un poco endeble -el mío ya tiene alguna marca por falta de cuidado- pero es lo suficientemente resistente. En comparación con otros paraguas que he tenido, no veo problemas en que aguante bastante más de 10 temporadas de uso...si no me lo olvido o me lo afanan antes en un descuido; volvería a comprarlo.

I've never bothered with an umbrella before, but following a couple of recent soakings on my commute I decided it was time to invest in one. I had a couple of reservations, it had to withstand strong wind - I hate the idea of them blowing inside-out - and it had to look presentable enough to carry on a daily basis to and from work. A bit of research led me to decide on the Gustbuster Classic, and a few weeks (and showery walks) later I'm impressed with it. A press on the spring-loaded button opens the umbrella instantly, an impressive and handy function. Once opened, the design is very clever, the main canopy is vented and the upper canopy (which you can see on the imagery as the darker material) is securely strapped over it. In effect, this allows wind to come under/into the umbrella and instead of turning the whole thing inside out it escapes through the vents. One of the things that sold me on the Gustbuster was a video on YouTube of it being tested on the back of a 4x4 driven at 50mph - it really does withstand abuse without relenting. In practice walking in strong wind and rain it matches that performance, and I can't ask for more than that. It's a good size. It more than covers the shoulders and has a good arc to it, providing excellent coverage to the upper body when the rain decides to blow in at different angles. The wooden handle and pointed tip give this umbrella a really traditional and classy look, and it's perfect for carrying when not in use - far better-looking than most others I've seen, and a stylish accessory to take on your travels. It comes with a sleeve to keep it in good condition when not unfurled. Overall, as the title of this review says, the Gustbuster Classic is a good mix of function and style, and I'm looking forward to using it more. Bring on the rain!

I had the smaller gustbuster previously but left it overseas. Nothing beats these umbrellas, they're the best in class. This one looks classy and works really well.