Balios Travel Folding Umbrella with Real Wood Handle Auto Open Close Vented Windproof Canopy - Designed in UK

I picked this up after my sister stole my other ones. It came just in time for some rain that we had here the past week. I really like how it expands and collapses at a bush of a button, leaving you to only have to push it back together and wrap it up. As far as cons there arent a ton, a little longer strap would be nice, its a tight fit sometimes if the umbrella bunches up in certain ways, another half inch would be wonderful so you can always button it back up with ease. The only other thing was that it was shipped in a black fabric case that was torn when I received it; I was concerned my umbrella might be torn too, but I pulled it out and it was protected by another little carrying case that was just fine, and the umbrella was too. Not worth taking stars off for those minor things, still the best umbrella Ive ever used!

This umbrella is a good value for the price but was out of stock when I ordered it. It is a great size and weight for traveling, either in a back pack or carry on. I’m not confident it can withstand heavy winds and the handle seems unusually small, but it has a good size canopy.

Wobbly umbrella upon opening the package. The pole of the umbrella that connects to the handle is looser than a drunk college freshman girl at a frat party. Also, it’s only big enough for one person. I read a lot of reviews on this specific umbrella and I’m upset I bought this. There are better umbrellas out there for a similar price point. EDIT: Changed from 1 star based on product (possible lemon) to 5 stars simply to customer service. Diane was very accommodating and dedicated to fixing the problem, and offered another umbrella at a 99% discount, as amazon doesnt allow free items. I opted for the Walking Stick umbrella https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075TCW4LV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 instead of the folding travel umbrella, and the craftsmanship is excellent! Happy to give Balios another try, especially after their superior customer service.

Tiene un mecanismo de apertura rápido y fuerte, tal vez niños pequeños no deben manipularlo. Los acabados son buenos y el mango cómodo de portar. Para una persona es adecuado, ya dos, alguno se mojará un poco. La estructura del varillaje es fuerte. Sin embargo hay que cuidarlo y no prestarlo, porque mi esposa lo dejó en un taxi.

Expected solid quality for good price

So when it comes to umbrellas, I always thought you had to make a choice: either a big golf umbrella for quality (but a lack of portability, plus its expensive), or a smaller one for an on-the-go lifestyle (cheap, and cheaply made). So color me pleasantly shocked with this umbrella from Balios. For starters, when I opened the box, I was happy to see that it was a decent weight... you could tell it had a bit of a rugged feel that made me feel this thing, before trying, felt well-made. Then I saw the handle. Yes, the style is nice (though style doesnt really make me purchase an umbrella, per se), but the ergonomic grip was fabulous. My hand felt like it belonged there, and that it would be easier to hold should conditions be more blustery than an average rain shower. The first time I pushed the button, it opened effortlessly, and I was really surprised to see a vented canopy, like youd see in much bigger (and much more expensive) umbrellas. I havent seen too many like that in this size, and I have to say it was really impressive. But the real clincher for me happened this past Saturday. Sadly, weve had a TON of rain in the area where I live this year, with flooding at near-historic levels. It seems like every other day were getting rain, and not just the wetness, but lots of wind, as well. We had a ridiculous soaker the other night, with a good 15-20 MPH wind. I dont care how well this thing feels like its built... its not going to stand up to the weather. Or so I thought. This umbrella not only kept the top third of my body dry (not a whole lot you can do with blowing rain), but it held its shape and didnt fly up like many I saw that evening. I was absolutely shocked. And it fits two people surprisingly well, though adding a third means that one of you is getting at least half-soaked. I seriously cannot recommend this umbrella enough, and I will absolutely be buying a few more to keep in our cars, as well as by the front door. It really is remarkable.

UPDATE: Balios customer service is fantastic, leading to a revision of my review and increase in the product rating. They reached out the day after I posted this review, offering an apology, a full refund, and a heavily-discounted replacement -- far more than most companies would consider providing. I have not yet had the occasion to test the replacement umbrella under gusty conditions and will update again if it fails the challenge, but for the moment Im hopeful that it is more robust than the first unit. At the very least, with first-class customer service and return policies, the Balios is worth serious consideration as a low-risk purchase with polished design upside. ============================================== ORIGINAL REVIEW: An elegant umbrella at a surprisingly affordable price, the Balios largely lives up to expectations, albeit with one very fatal flaw. The quick-drying canopy snaps to attention at the press of a button and closes just as readily, while the fiberglass and steel construction seems to be an asset to prolonged durability. The sleeve adds to the convenience, offering a rare zipped side that makes it significantly easier to reinsert the umbrella after use. And although I would definitely prefer an option for a golf-size canopy to accommodate two people and/or shield packages being carried, its still perfect for the stated purpose of shielding a single person from the elements. Design-wise, its suitable for a quick run to the pharmacy or a trip to the board room. The classic navy/black canopy remains taut, with clean lines and an opaque canvas that easily surpasses that of other umbrellas in this price range. Moving to the signature element of the Balios, the handle is well-crafted, with a comfortable grip and a rich, wood grain finish that gives it a truly refined look. However, the fatal flaw present in the unit I received is its failure to withstand even moderate winds. Despite being described as windproof and possessing a vented design for just such occasions, it immediately and repeatedly inverted in 15mph winds with 30mph gusts, leaving me out in the rain without a usable umbrella. Others have reported better experiences in similar conditions, so Im being generous with my two-star rating in the hopes that I simply received a defective unit. No amount of design and longevity can overcome the inability of an umbrella to function should a rain storm present more than just precipitation. Unfortunately, I am just past Amazons 30-day return window to request a refund.

It needs a strap to hang to dry ON the umbrella handle itself. There is a strap on the case, but when youre hanging it to try, you dont want it in a case; you want it hanging loose and free. Its also very heavy, so not ideal for lightweight travel. I keep mine in the driver door of my car.

Great umbrella! It fits nicely in my back back, and when I need it, it flips open with a push of a button. I love that feature. I also keep one in the car. It fits nicely in the pocket behind the driver’s seat, and it’s great when you need to get out of the car. You can open the door, use one hand to open the umbrella outside of the car before you get of of the car and thereby minimize getting wet. It is also very sturdy, comfortable to hold and has a nice wooden handle. The only thing I wish was different is the rope for easy carrying. This thin rope is attached to the case and not to the umbrella itself. In previous brands I have owned, this rope has been attached to the umbrella itself, and I find that more convenient in case I want to carry the umbrella without its case. But this is not a big deal for me. The benefits far outweigh this minor isssue. The Brits have done a great job in designing this classy, sturdy umbrella. Absolutely top notch, I’d say. Cherio!

I was hoping that it was made in England