I want a good umbrella

[masraum]

Most of the umbrellas that I've had over the years have been $10-20, and probably last 10-20 uses. I don't often need to use an umbrella, but when you need one, you want to be able to rely on it.

I'd like to get a decent compact umbrella. I thought about the Porsche design, but $80 seems a bit steep although I'm sure it's top notch. I just figured that they can't be the only people to make a good umbrella.

I feel a bit silly asking this question, but hey, you guys know everything. I've seen huge threads on blenders, sun glasses, spoons, etc.... why not umbrellas?

So, what's a decent umbrella and a decent place to get one that will last and won't break the bank? I'm thinking maybe up to/around $50 or let me know what you think.

[onlycafe]

not a compact, but gustbuster has a pretty good rep.

[kstar]

How about a Senz mini?

I like the mini models because I can keep one in my car, and the Senz is a nice model.

Check 'em out:
http://www.senzumbrellas.com/

Wind tunnel test video here:
http://www.senzumbrellas.com/en/senz-collection/

[svandamme]

umbrella?? and i suppose you want one in rainbow colors?

[DARISC]

You need one of these:



Keio University doctoral student Takashi Matsumoto displays the prototype model of the image or net browsing umbrella "Pileus" to make rainy days fun, at the university's advanced technology exhibition in Tokyo,Japan. The web images are downloaded from the Internet and projected from a mobile projector mounted on the grip of the umbrella.


The Pileus Internet Umbrella has a large screen on the top surface, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, GPS, and a digital compass, and it provides two main functions : a Photo-Sharing and a 3D Map Navigation.

The photo function is connected to "Flickr". A user can take photo with a camera on the umbrella, and pictures are uploaded to Flickr via a wireless Internet connection. User can also enjoy theirselves watching photo-streams downloaded from Flickr (and video-stream from YouTube on an advanced proto) with simple operation of wrist snapping.

3D Map Navigation is powered by "Google Earth". Detecting a location data from GPS, it shows a 3D bird view around the user. User can walk-through a city comparing the 3D views and real sights, and the map is always updated by GPS and a digital compass. As it has a large screen, it create virtual reality but not immersive.

The Pileus Internet Umbrella has been making its rounds for approximately one year already, but until now there is no official word on whether it will be made on a commercial scale or not. A Pileus Internet Umbrella Prototype was first demonstrated in 2006 at UbiComp, a computing conference held in California.

It might not be the most expensive umbrella in the world when released,but it will definitely be the most technologically packed version.

[RWebb]

Oregonians don't use umbrellas - sorry i can't help.

i hear porsche makes one tho

[masraum]

Originally Posted by svandamme

umbrella?? and i suppose you want one in rainbow colors?

Hahah, exactly.

No, an umbrella is easier than relying on the weatherman and carrying a jacket/coat.

I don't care who you are, if you get soaked on the way from your car to work in the morning, or from work to your car for the commute in the evening, you're going to be miserable. Driving home in rush-hour traffic, soaked to the bone sucks.

Having a small umbrella in your laptop bag beats nothing at all.

[JavaBrewer]

I have never owned an umbrella for more than 1 week. I'm so unfamiliar with the concept that I lose them very quickly. The wife and I were in London 10+ years ago and over the course of 8 days purchased then lost 3 umbrellas. We spent the final couple days running for shelter (pub) when the water fell from the sky.

[svandamme]

how many days a year does it rain in Tejas?
how many days a year does it rain in Belgium?

i don't nor will i ever buy, own, borrow or use a brolly

the ONLY time where i will go onder one of those things is when walking around in the rain, with a chick, and she pulls one out, and offers me to share, and only if it's a hot one i wouldn't mind getting jiggy with.

here you go Mas, it'll go great with the Miata !

[teenerted1]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Oregonians don't use umbrellas - sorry i can't help.

in seattle that is how we can tell who is from out of town.
we dont tan we RUST

[Heel n Toe]

I don't like compact umbrellas... gimme a bigass conventional umbrella with a metal spike on the end in case I need to use it for something else besides keeping the rain off of me.

[masraum]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

Both look like good products.

[VINMAN]

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

I don't like compact umbrellas... gimme a bigass conventional umbrella with a metal spike on the end in case I need to use it for something else besides keeping the rain off of me.

Yeah, I'd prefer a big umbrella, but since I want to keep this one in my laptop bag, it needs to be small.

I found this site
http://www.rainorshine.biz/

It's a store in NYC that sells umbrellas, parasols, and walking canes. Kind of an odd idea. Browsing through their list of umbrellas, I saw an umbrella that's almost $1k.

They have an $895 with a sterling silver handle.

this one

Kirchtag

Reference No.: 838
Cost: 795.00

The ultimate umbrella. Hand made one piece handle and shaft of various exotic woods. Canopy of 48" wide consists of 10 super sturdy ribs on a shaft of 40" in length. Made in Austria.

They also have some pretty odd stuff










And this one with 16 ribs as opposed to the usual 7 or 8.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by svandamme

how many days a year does it rain in Tejas?
how many days a year does it rain in Belgium?

i don't nor will i ever buy, own, borrow or use a brolly

the ONLY time where i will go onder one of those things is when walking around in the rain, with a chick, and she pulls one out, and offers me to share, and only if it's a hot one i wouldn't mind getting jiggy with.

here you go Mas, it'll go great with the Miata !

If it was lace trimmed, I'd say "Sold"!!!

[Porsche_monkey]

My car has this:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/MediaNav/articleId=108933/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=24682

No such option on your Miata?

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

I don't like compact umbrellas... gimme a bigass conventional umbrella with a metal spike on the end in case I need to use it for something else besides keeping the rain off of me.

That's what I have. One from London Fog. Easier to keep track of and keeps the water off of you!

[slodave]

Mary Poppins had a pretty sweet umbrella...

I bet she'd say it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by slodave

Mary Poppins had a pretty sweet umbrella...

I bet she'd say it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

might work if he get's a matching purse and shoes

[masraum]

No concealed option in the miata. Last night when I left work it was pouring down rain. If my umbrella had been in the car, it would be worthless to me.

I think some VWs also have the hidden umbrella cubby. Porsche also sells one for a cubby in new Porsches.