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

I purchased this for travel since my “go to” umbrella was looking pretty shabby. I wanted something more professional looking, and this one caught my attention for its sleek design and double vented umbrella. I also loved the nice touch of the engraved, wooden handle. I ordered in black, which is a safe, every-occasion color, but the other bright colors and prints were also really appealing! When I got it, it was impressively wrapped in a dust cover in addition to matching zippered case. The push button feature both opens and snaps shut the umbrella at the touch, which is convenient and mesmerizing! Despite all the added features, the umbrella is astonishingly lightweight and folds tightly into its zippered pouch for safekeeping during travel. The metal components appear to be very sturdy and well manufactured. So far it has stood up well to rain, but I rated 4/5 stars on sturdiness since my trip didn’t take me to any places where I encountered gusty winds. Still, I can confidently say this is a really nice umbrella with an expensive look and feel at a reasonable price point!

The wooden handle and double canopy (to allow air to escape on a windy day) were the main reasons for this purchase. Leave it to the British to design a nice umbrella, but the Chinese to actually make it. (As in this case.) Initially, the standard colors of (yawn!) black, grey and green almost eliminated the Balios for me. But the more I looked around, the initially chosen sky lining (inner layer) of another model made room for a seemingly better build quality. (Which is putting a lot of trust into online descriptions.) Once received, the umbrella turned out slightly smaller and lighter than I anticipated. In fact, it’s nearly identical to a department store umbrella it replaced. The automatic open/close mechanism is fairly standard for this type of umbrella. Push a button and it opens fully (provided you took it out of the sleeve first). Push the same button again, and it folds the canopy without retracting the shaft. That still needs to be done by hand, but again that very much how most of them work. The springs in the Balios that are associated with the open/close are fairly stout and at least initially may surprise you with the force needed to actuate. To me it’s not a big deal. The canopy consists of two partially overlapping layers. This is not meant to be a liner as in some cases (i.e. for pictures inside the umbrella), the Balios is doing it to provide an opening for wind to pass thru while the overlapping layers make sure rain doesn’t get thru in normal use. The umbrella oozes build quality, and it remains to be seen if that translates into durability. The wood handle is well formed and stays in your hand despite the complete absence of any elastomer (“rubber”). The sculpted inside of the grip is fairly effective. The wood finish has a reasonable grip, too, and makes for a comfort grip in colder weather. The fabric of the canopies is claimed to be a tightly woven 300T and that seems to be about the tightest you’ll find anywhere. It also means that the fabric is fairly thin and once again it remains to be seen how it holds up. The handle doesn’t have a loop, but the sleeve does. I normally use the loop only for hanging the umbrella and this constellation is fine. However, at least in the past I typically didn’t keep the sleeve for that it didn’t seem useful. The Balios may change that. Btw., the metal finish at the handle is significantly darker than the pictures suggest. I think that’s a good thing, but it remains to be seen if this coating is as durable as Id expect from a nickel plating (or especially stainless steel).

Finally an umbrella that doesnt feel or look cheap. I waited till it was raining in order to do my review. Ive already used this umbrella several times and I must say, Im impressed. When I opened the umbrella, I was just looking at the detail finishes of it and everything looks good. I love the wood grain handle. It makes it look classy, but its not expensive though. I have a feeling that this umbrella will last me a long time. I also like the fact that it comes with a carrying pouch that you can unzip to take it out easily. Its also very easy to open and close it. All you have to do is click the button. I would definitely recommend this umbrella to anyone. Theres no point in even looking anywhere else. Just go ahead and get this one. Trust me, youll thank me later.

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.

No complaints, exactly as described. Very well made, looks polished, nice (navy) color. I wouldnt call this lightweight exactly, compared to other travel umbrellas. Its certainly not heavy, but it has a bit of heft. Very pleased with this purchase. I had it shipped to Hawaii as I didnt want to use precious suitcase space for an umbrella, and so far have mostly used it at the beach. It makes a nice sun shade and the handle is very comfortable to hold for long periods. No trouble with beach winds, either. The sand brushes right off when its dry.

The wood handle is very nice. I can fit all my fingers around it and the notches are a nice touch. The brass button is flush with the brass ring above the handle giving it a discrete and clean look. The action has a strong kick, giving a satisfying whoosh as it deploys. It retracts quickly and quietly and takes a decent push to lock it into travel mode. The dual layer design is great in the wind. It really makes a difference when a gust of wind catches the bottom it doesnt rip it out of my hand and it doesnt need a strap which would make it not look as clean. It packs up super tight and it comes with a nice water treated case with a tie strap.

Expected solid quality for good price

Ive purchased this model umbrella twice now, the first one lasted me 5 years before I finally decided to retire it.

ORIGINAL (2 STAR) REVIEW: Really great umbrella. Nice size, easy to open/close, good looking. Everything appears to be high quality, but I think they should use a higher quality stainless steel. As you can see, there is quite a bit of rust in my umbrella, after only 4-5 uses!! I reached out to the company via their website, sent the above pictures, but Ive heard nothing back. I want to like this umbrella, but I dont think I would purchase again, especially considering their (non-existent) customer service. EDITED (5 STAR) REVIEW: Apparently I have a very aggressive junk filter on my email client so it took a few emails from Balios before I received a response. They agreed that the umbrella shouldnt have rusted, and went above and beyond to get me a replacement. Assuming the rust was a manufacturing defect, this is a top notch umbrella. 5 stars for the replacement.

This is what people call an umbrella. It looks great and functions well, a glorified stick with a waterproofed tarp around it meant to keep our heads dry as we rush scurry and scamper like rats in a sewer to stay dry from the inescapable deluge falling around us. But you know what else is inescapable? US. WE ARE THE NEXT DEGENERATION. WE ARE PXN.