The Wall Street Journal-20080117-Home -amp- Family- Shopping Around - Windproof Umbrellas
Return to: The_Wall_Street_Journal-20080117
Home & Family: Shopping Around / Windproof Umbrellas
Umbrellas
That Stand Up
To the Windiest Days
A new breed of umbrellas is making it easier to stay dry when it's pouring.
The latest models aim to be windproof, meaning that they are made to withstand powerful gusts without turning inside out or breaking. We found that they all held up on a rainy day and were stylish -- but some were heavy and a little hard to close. For women, most were too big to toss into your purse.
The new umbrellas come with sturdier frames, handles and canopies, which often have extra lining. They are also larger and offer more coverage than your average umbrella.
Here's a look at the latest models:
-- SENZ Mini by Totes
Price: $50
Availability: www.totes.com and select Macy's and Lord & Taylor stores.
Comment: Its aerodynamic shape -- which is longer in the back than in the front -- is designed to minimize resistance to the wind. We thought it was both lightweight and sturdy, but its odd shape drew some stares. It has a foam handle and flat tips at the ends of the canopy to ensure you don't poke someone's eye out. It is small enough to throw in a purse or work bag.
-- Gustbuster LTD
Price: $55
Availability: Will be released this spring. See www.gustbuster.com for retailers.
Comment: The prototype we tested was a little heavy. Has a convenient button on the handle that opens and closes the canopy. But it was tough to push down the top part of the umbrella after closing it.
-- Windbrella Georgetown Folder
Price: $30
Availability: www.windbrella.net
Comment: Has a mesh lining on the inside and double padding so the canopy doesn't leak. The handle is ergonomically designed to fit your grip. Has a button that opens the umbrella automatically. It was a little heavy.
-- Gustbuster Classic 48"
Price: $49
Availability: See www.gustbuster.com for retailers.
Comment: It was sturdy. We thought the green-and-white zebra-print design with the J-shaped hardwood handle was stylish. But it was a bit difficult to close while on the go. And it's a little big if you are walking on a crowded street.
