Have so many of umbrellas out there, and we’re always testing more. Here are a few more that we liked but didn’t quite make our top picks list.
Blunt Subway for $89: The The subway is more compact and a slightly lighter version of the Blunt Coupe above. It automatically opens (and closes manually) and offers almost the same coverage. The canopy rotates 360 degrees which is supposed to avoid damaging the core mechanism. My only problem with it is that when you fold it all down and secure the canopy with a Velcro strap, it covers most of the handle, so you have to hold the Metro with a wet cloth or wrist strap.
ShedRain Vortex Umbrella for $25: This auto open/close umbrella works well, though nothing worth writing home about. It is quite compact at 38 inches in diameter and performs well against high winds thanks to its vented canopy design. It doesn’t look great and the handle is a bit small for my large palm, but at least it has a strap.
ShedRain Unbelievabrella Reverse Umbrella for $33: Get in the car often? You will love this umbrella. It’s reverse-engineered so when closed you won’t get splashed in your hands. Just close it and point the end towards the ground to drain any excess water out. It’s a really clever design and I love the rubber grip. My main complaint is that the umbrella is too flat when opened, so you will have to tilt it in the direction of the rain to avoid getting your clothes wet. The nearly 43-inch canopy is big enough for two people. Just know that it doesn’t automatically open or close; you need to do it manually.
Repel windproof double vent travel umbrella for $30: This one is sturdy, withstands high winds and offers good coverage when open, collapsing down to just a foot in length. It comes in a variety of gorgeous colors and a single button opens and collapses the fiberglass frames. But it is. So. Dang. Hard. Arrive. Close,” according to my umbrella reviewer, Louryn Strampe. Fully closing this umbrella is a two-handed operation, and she got so sick of it during testing that she usually just used it. the ground as a lever to push the handle all the way down, which is a problem in the formation.
LifeTek New Yorker Umbrella for $40: This is a beast of an umbrella. The 54-inch canopy is too big to keep you and others dry, and its fiberglass shaft and windproof frame can withstand winds big and small. The handle has a rubber grip and a single red button to open and extend the canopy. The Teflon coating ensures it dries quickly after the storm has passed. But between the awkward handle, 1.5 lb weight, and 3 foot length, my colleague Louryn Strampe felt the umbrella was too heavy for her 1.5m frame.
Senz Original Umbrella for $88: The first time I took this umbrella outside, I overheard someone say, “That’s a great looking umbrella.” That is! It looks like a kite shield and the aerodynamic design can withstand winds of more than 60 mph. On a windy day in New York, the Senz just bobbed up and down. Unfortunately, the canopy is difficult to collapse unless you use both hands, which is not always free. The narrow shape also offers less coverage, though it makes it possible to tuck the opened umbrella into your backpack and walk around covered. and Handsfree.
