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

Most umbrellas of this size are pure garbage. These are high quality and very nice looking.

I was initially concerned when I saw that the umbrella was made in China, but when I opened the case I saw that the handle was carefully wrapped in brown paper. When I unwrapped it I noticed a beautiful, polished, engraved handle. This is the nicest thing Ive seen come out of China. The material looks to be of the highest quality. A great deal of thought has gone into the design, (designed in Britain), it is elegant...and the product is lacking the distinct acrid stench of plastic chemicals found in many Chinese products. There was no new product odor. I see only two issues that I may have. One, it takes a great deal of strength to retract the umbrella. Second, it is somewhat cumbersome to fit it back into the original case. I look forward to using this umbrella for many years, and will find excuses to take it out and show my co-workers.

This British-made unbrella is far better than what I see in the US marketplace. It is exremely well made, with an nicely shaped curved wooden grip that is easy to hold on to. Opened, it is a ample size that is not too big nor too small, jus right (its not one of those mini travel umbrella nor is ait a huge “golf” type - it is in the middle , big enough to protect you , but small enough to handle in the wind. Unlike many other umbrella it folds back into place very well, and it has a very useful button snap closure to hold it togeether. instead of the velcro closure that eventually fails. PLus a zippered case. It’s well worth the higher price because it will last longer. It easuly opens automatically at the push of a button, but you need to close it manually. Excellent.

Updated review... The customer service was fantastic! I was able to get a full refund and replacement umbrella. Hopefully this next one will perform as expected. I have upgraded their rating from 1 to 4 stars because of the exceptional service. I would give 5 stars but I havent had an opportunity to test the new umbrella yet. I will update my review in the future based on performance (if warranted)! Previous review... I only used this umbrella two times and the third attempt was the last because it broke when I pressed the button to open it! I expected so much more than this and unfortunately I cant return it because Im outside of the return window. Epic let down!

Easy to open but VERY difficult to fully collapse. It’s very awkward and embarrassing esp in public.

Its always a good sign when you like something right out of the bag (or package in this particular case). Ive had quite a few umbrellas in the past and have a pretty good sense of what to look for. The wood handle is everything. Umbrellas handles tend to be cold to touch, especially the plastic and metal handles, but that isnt a concern with the wood handle. Another feature that immediately caught my eye was the storage bag. In the past Ive struggled to get my umbrella in its bag (can never fold it the right way) but having a zipper makes it hassle free. The Balios Umbrella has an open close button located right above the handle making operation simple and easy. Other umbrellas may have a click to open but not to close. Good luck with that. I love the classy look and feel of this Balios Umbrella, not to mention it’s durability. I would highly recommend.

Expected solid quality for good price

Revised February 22, 2019*** The company had contacted me to let me know that they are happy to ship me a complimentary umbrella that would suit the needs better - no folding umbrella but the walking one where its more wind resistant. I have not yet received it but it is coming my way. I have updated this review to a 4 star because of the phenomenal customer relations service that Dianne, from the family company had provided in contacting me, offering a seamless solution. Previous review: I really wanted to like this umbrella after reading some of the reviews online. Upon receipt, it was a rainy day in New York and the umbrella just got my entire pants sprinkled with rainfall. It didnt resist the wind even though it was average windiness. The handle is very nice, a wooden one (thats why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1), and has a signature carving on it to make it look classy. In terms of being practical, its just not useful. You will get rained on with it.

I bought this for husband to use. Good size umbrella, strong spring when you open it up. Lightly wobbly like most umbrella are. The wood handle is very nice. You can get a good feel in your hand holding it. Check the top part because mine came loose. Just twist it to screw it tightly, that way you wont lose it. Overall, this is a good umbrella, I just dont know how it will hold when there is heavy rain and wind. So far, it is good.

Best umbrella I have ever owned! I know that sounds strange to talk that way about an umbrella, but this is a really great piece of rain-protecting gear. I bought it for a trip to NYC and, luckily for this review, it rained, snowed and was windy the whole time. This umbrella was amazing! I have been using it as my go-to umbrella ever since and it has been put to the test (wind-wise) several times. Heres the rundown: Pros: Easy to open - the button works great! Really slick, actually. Makes you look like a real baller. Easy to close - again, just hit the button. Closes right up. Very James Bond. Real pro-style. Keeps rain off of your head - LOL right? I mean, it is an umbrella. But, for a small umbrella, it really does a great job of keeping a wide swath of rain off of your melon and body. Wind resistant - I should have put this first. I have used this thing in sustained winds of 40 mph and it didnt flinch. Gusts up to 60 mph and it didnt even think about going inside-out. .Rock solid in the wind. Buy it just for this fact alone. Wood handle - It really sets off this umbrella. Really makes you look like a player. Seriously. If I wasnt married, I am pretty sure I could have gotten several dates just based on the wood handle of this umbrella alone. Cons: None. It is the best umbrella on the planet. It may actually change your life. Pick one up now.