Classic Collection

I have had the worst luck with umbrellas in recent years - cheap ones invariably let me down, and I’ve long ceased trusting myself to remember an expensive umbrella on the bus or train! I’ve tried a number of brollys, from no-name emergency buys to major brands like Totes, and none have lasted - so with this in mind I did a bit of research and comparison before buying this one. My first impressions are that this is a well-designed and high-quality item, particularly when put side-by-side with a similarly priced umbrella from a well-known drugstore. The item came well packaged to protect the canopy and wood handle, and has enough heft to inspire confidence. The handle is made of a lovely dark wood, and is perfectly smooth with no imperfections or rough spots. It is exactly the right size for my (average-sized) hand which is a huge positive given how uncomfortable the tiny travel-style umbrella handles can be. The umbrella comes in a matching sleeve, which rather uniquely has a zip down the side to make it easier to get on and off - a small detail but suggests the thought and consideration put into the design of the product. Overall it is very elegantly designed and put together -they haven’t just slapped some fancy script font on a cheap brolly, but have paid attention to the details such as stitching that help it seem a bit more ‘high-end’. The umbrella itself is similarly well designed - pressing the open/close button expands the canopy forcefully, revealing the sturdy metal and fibreglass frame. It is definitely a step up from the standard, thin metal ribs you’ll find on a cheap model which gives me confidence this will last more than a few trips around windy West Yorkshire! The canopy is vented, which allows wind to pass through rather than stressing the umbrella frame - this is a great feature and definitely helps, although no brolly is really wind-proof so just bear that in mind. The canopy fabric is pretty standard and blocks water just fine - the light blue colour looks very handsome in person and goes well with the wood handle. Pressing the button again snaps the canopy shut, again with some force, which helps shake off excess raindrops. The brolly requires a surprising amount of force to fully retract into the collapsed form - on the one hand this is reassuring as it’s all very sturdy, but I do wonder if having such strong springs in the frame may raise the risk of something breaking down the line. However after years of flimsy umbrellas breaking on me I’d rather take my chances with something that might be ‘too strong’!! Overall I am very very impressed with this product - it has every feature I was looking for (fibreglass ribs, vented canopy) and some I didn’t know I wanted (zip on the sleeve)! It seems well-made and sturdy enough to last, without being too heavy and while having an elegant, smart appearance. My only possible note for improvement would be to add a carrying loop/strap to the handle itself - the included sleeve has a loop attached but it would be better for it to be on the umbrella handle itself so the brolly can be hung to dry. Such a minor point really, and definitely not a deal breaker by any means. This would be an exceptional product for £30, so for under £20 it’s one of the best deals out there.

I go for a long walk five times a week and I always take my rucksack with me plus two of this umbrella for me and my son in case it rains. Many a time it looked like it wasn't going to rain or the forecast didn't predict it, but it did rain, and that is the strength of this umbrella: it's small and light enough that you can take it in a bag with you without it being that much hassle. It can cope with moderate wind, but in strong wind, it keeps getting inverted. So I give up using it in strong wind. But after over three years of use, both brollies are still going strong, even though my son's one has been inverted dozens of times - the brolly sorts itself out when you compact it back down and then open it again. The brolly opens itself when you push a button. To fold it back down, you push it down yourself, which requires some strength. My son struggled to push his down at the age of ten. From about the age of 12, he could do it himself. The umbrella has moderate coverage, so if you are out in windy conditions with rain coming in at an angle, you're likely to get a bit wet at least on the legs. But it is a very good option to keep on you whenever you go out, and most of the time it will do a good job of keeping you dry. It looks smart and the durability has been great: I've used it for over three years with it chucked into my rucksack along with other stuff. I've used it many times, as has my son his, and both brollies still look in great condition. Good value for money for how smart it looks and how practical it is. I especially love the wooden handle, which gives it a quality feel and has a lovely pattern.

Quality, stylish, sturdy umbrella. Have had one of these for past 6 years & wouldn't buy elsewhere. They offer a 1 year guarantee which I used for the first time a couple of weeks ago when it blew inside out on a very windy day and broke (hence one star deducted). I sent Balios an email with my Amazon receipt & pics of the damage, they responded the very next day and I received a brand new replacement within a week! Very impressive customer service. Would highly recommend!!

We love these umbrellas. They are really well made and feel super durable compared to most folding umbrellas. The real wood handle is comfortable to hold and feels premium, and the auto open and close button works smoothly and makes it very easy to use one handed. The vented canopy also helps in stronger winds. Worth calling out that we bought two of these years ago and only needed to replace them because we lost them, not because they broke. That says everything about the build quality. Would happily buy again and recommend.

I ordered my second one of these after using regularly for 7 years. Amazing, easy to open, waterproof, good size, remains in my rucksack. Never failed me. Highly recommended.

Très très bien. Pratique et ne mouille plus mes pieds quand je le ferme. Génial et solide.

Buen producto y elegante, un poco cara, pero si se nota la diferencia de los paraguas convencionales.

La verdad es que no era fan de los paraguas plegables por la fragilidad estructural, pero este me parece robusto. sobre todo, el gran enemigo de los paraguas es el viento, este paraguas viene con un refuerzo extra de tela en la cúspide entre varillas que no permite que se de la vuelta y eso me parece genial. una buena elección.

Compact and well designed high quality umbrella with comfortable wooden handle, robust design and materials and also special design to combat wind pulling the umbrella due to the air pressure. One click and it unfolds instantly. One click and it closes the umbrella hat making it easy to pull down and secure when there is wind. Comes with a high quality case that helps dry the umbrella and keep it safe as well as having a handle. I bought it for roughly 13 Euros but would have paid twice without hesitation. Solid 5 star!

Just a plastic handle with a wood like cover.