7.1.2019

I am now updating my review and revising up my score based upon some actual real world usage of the product and to reflect the excellent customer support I received in response to my original review.The original review can still be read below this new one. I've kept it as I think it's important to not whitewash my original observations as although my interactions with the manufacturer have had a very positive impression of the the product I still think those initial impressions are important.Firstly this umbrella is definitely more than your average travel umbrella. Its canopy is larger, the materials (canopy material, frame, wooden handle)are of a higher grade than most and its automatic open close action much faster and more consistent than other cheaper automatic umbrellas I have had in the past. Unlike those where the automatic action would fade over time (even the first 10 - 20 openings) this one has not had that issue and suspect it wont. Speaking of the canopy material this seems to be a very water resistant one, this combined with the speed and force of the automatic opening action means you'll never have to drip dry your umbrella again. Once you leave the rain just auto close and push the umbrella down to reset it and then open again. The force and speed will leave the canopy virtually free of water.Contrary to some of the other reviews I believe it does have better wind resistance due to the venting. The venting does not mean you can ignore the direction of wind, but it does give you more leeway on responding to it. Additionally, unlike some reviews my umbrella has not had any any issues with the venting letting rain through.The umbrella size and weight is definitely more than I am used to with any other travel fold up umbrella I've had. The canopy size is nice, you can cover two people walking side by side. I found the weight increase initially a bit annoying, but overtime you get used to it. I still think that if it were at all possible to redesign the umbrella with lighter materials that could still exhibit the strength and capability as the original (even if the price went up), it would be an upgrade worth paying for. Consequently the weight is the main reason given for why my fiancé won't buy one.The customer service was really surprising. Rick of ePorter contacted me with a long detailed response directly referencing my reviews original concerns with the product. He apologised for packaging and the less than stellar quality of some of the products manufacture. He welcomed my feedback, he really seemed to take to heart all of my comments and insisted he'd use the feedback to improve the manufacture of future umbrellas. Rick went the extra mile to reinforce his commitment to the quality of his product and see that I was happy, even going so far to send me another umbrella for free or the money back. I feel a bit guilty getting a free umbrella, but true to Rick's word this one had some marked improvements. The packaging on arrival was excellent being sent fully wrapped in bubble wrap inside a padded jiffy envelope. Rick had said in his emails that sadly he had little power over how amazon packaged things from its own warehouses, so this direct packaging showed his commitment to making sure this extra umbrella would not arrive with further disappointment. Once opened this new version of product addressed most of my original reviews concerns. It had a much better finish to the case and zipper, a more even finish on the wooden handle (and insignificant it may seem overall) no typos on the cardboard labels.Given my usage experience and the follow up customer support I can definetly recommend this umbrella and you can gurantee you'll be looked after by their customer support should you have any issues or product feedback.Original review:I have not used this in the UK's wind and rain yet so this review will be updated once I have. For now I'll review what I can based on delivery and first impressions.The parcel arrived day after ordered via amazon prime. Arrived in a oversized semi crumpled box, zero padding inside. The umbrella was presumably free to slide all around. The umbrella itself comes enclosed inside a nicely fitting case with a zipper, the handle wrapped in soft card. This zipper bag it's self comes inside of an outer fabric sleave with a draw string.From first glance the ensemble looks like a quality item, but there were/still are a couple of details that irked me from the off and differ from the product detail images and those of other customers reviews. Firstly the logo on the wooden handle is missing its registered trademark 'R', the grip is a bit lobsided (more of a visual annoyance as it does not affect how it holds) and finally the open close button text differs in style. These are quite noticeable differences to have on the one bit of the umbrella that is most unique, so it does bother me. Next I observed that the finish on the zipper bag is a bit rougher than I had expected, the zip stitching is rough and not great, enclosing the zip at it's terminating end rather than around it (as per the pictures). The cover is also missing the Balios tag and the overall finish is quite rough, it's shame because the materials and sizing are perfect and fit the umbrella well. Finally and minor though it is, the tags on the fabric sleave and zipper bag have some classic grammar and typo errors. "&Crafted" and "tpwards".Onwards to the actual Umbrella: it's quite weighty, heavier than any cheaper travel umbrella I've owned before, I hope the weight doesn't get annoying, the handle does seem like it would be better than a simple cylindrical grip, time will tell from real use. The automatic opening is unnervingly quick and has some serious power to it, same with the close, both actions are satisfying to use. Given I have not used it outside of the house yet I can't report on its rain and wind resistance,so I can't confirm nor deny the contrasting opinions from the five and one star reviews. I have however played around with opening and closing mechanism a number of times though and the automatic opening and closing action does not seem to be lessening any in that time, so although I'm a bit non plussed with some of the aesthetic finishes of the umbrellas handle and cover I do still hold out hope for it to fully fulfil its capacity to do its intended job.

24.10.2019

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.

7.8.2019

I have now owned three Balios umbrellas. I will discuss customer service towards the end.I originally bought a Balios several years ago. A few months after owning my original, it jammed when I tried to close it, and I broke one of the umbrella ribs forcing it closed -- this was minor damage to the aesthetic and did not change the functionality of the umbrella. I had years of use after this issue, but lost the umbrella a few months ago. I liked my Balios and so I wanted to replace it like for like, and so I bought the new version of my previous (the new ones have a darker rosewood handle). The second, more recently, also jammed. I have been completely unable to close the umbrella.I contacted Balios,

1.11.2017

I want to start by saying this is a really handsome umbrella. The handle is a very attractive piece of wood that definitely gives the impression of premium quality. The Balios logo engraved in the wood is a nice touch in elegant cursive (although the little R in a circle next to it does spoil the effect a bit). The sleeve that comes with it is lovely as well; nice and secure when the zip is done up, with a that allows you to carry it on your wrist or attach it to a bag. Generally, I keep mine tucked in the open side pocket of my rucksack, where it fits very nicely. Even the little tag you will immediately remove and throw away has embossed text on nice thick card that will remind you of the

26.8.2018

I decided to write a review about this purchase, because I was blown away by the actual product. England is a rainy country, so an umbrella is something that everyone carries constantly. Most of my umbrellas were broken, so I decided it was time to buy a new one that will hopefully last and stay with me for the years to come. I made a quick search about ethical brands that use sustainable and fair trade materials and Balios came up in the results.I visited their website and read the About section. I tend to shop from ethical brands whenever I can and this one fits the description perfectly. If you care about the environment, where your products really come from,

7.4.2019

I confess, I usually subscribe to the karmic law of umbrella acquisition and wait to find one on the train or bus rather than spending money. However, it can't have escaped your notice (and it certainly hasn't escaped mine) that rain rarely comes without a howling gale these days, so a flimsy cheapo designed to shield the user from nothing more than a light drizzle isn't going to cut the mustard any longer.Armed with a budget (no more than £25) and a list of requirements (must be sturdy, solid handle - preferably wood, and portable), I went in search of the Holy Grail.PriceThis umbrella came in under £20, so I had change from my budget. That's a winner for a start. It looks more expensive than it is,

4.5.2018

In the past, I've avoided umbrellas. Not because I like getting rained on, but simply because I've - on the whole - had bad experiences from them. More often than not, the average umbrella will be bought in a hurry during a downpour from a nearby petrol garage, only to turn itself inside out within a matter of minutes, before being dumped in the bin.Well, I can tell you one thing straight away: Balios Umbrellas are *not* your average umbrella. As a lover of the finer things in life, I was absolutely delighted by the softness and beauty of the wooden handle, and as soon as I opened it up, it was clear this was a well-made, superior product that wouldn't let me down. Luckily (in a sense)

23.8.2018

Rarely write these reviews but i succumbed to an email prompt so here goes...i'm in an out of the office a lot which provides plenty of scope for umbrella loss hence the need for regular stock replenishment. I normally fall into the £30 plus brolly category and have had many brands across the years but based on the price and the reviews I decided to take a punt on this one.Only had it a matter of weeks but have to say I am very pleased with it and it has withstood the Irish rain on a number of occassions already. The quality seems weirdly good and I still cant work out where the profit is being made.The handle is super tactile - i did read a review that it was a bit small for a normal hand,

29.9.2019

The item arrived well packaged and in good cosmetic condition.I intend to use this umbrella in London thus it will be subjected to all of the elements!>>>BUILDThe construction of the umbrella feels well made - whilst being made in China, it doesn't feel as if it's going to fall apart anytime soon.>>>>SIZEThe umbrella is adequately sized when compacted and will easily fit in a backpack (or gym bag) or a medium handbag.When opened, the umbrella adequately covers my person, though I would personally would prefer a larger canopy.Compacted length: 35cm/13.7inExtended length: 66cm/25inCanopy diameter: 93cm/36.3in>>>>FunctionWhen the umbrella is unsheathed from its cover, pushing the button on the handle sees it spring open.

12.8.2019

When I first opened the umbrella I was immediately impressed with the craftsmanship of the whole product. The handle is made of wood and fits really comfortably in the hand. The open/close mechanism is clearly indicated on the button and it has a really strong spring action - I found it easier to push it closed from the top than pulling from the bottom of the spokes. The canopy is made up of 2 sections incorporating air vents which allow air to flow through the middle section making it more resistant to wind gusts.The automatic open function allows the brolly to extend and canopy to open fully. The automatic close, however, just enables the spokes and canopy to close - you will need to push the extension close to the handle yourself.

12.3.2019

I bought this on the strength of the reviews and it had 1 or 2 uses in the year I had it.I also found it elegant and nice quality with beautifully shaped wooden handle being a nice touch .. however ..Then today it was bucketing down and windy. When I got under a roof and tried to close it, it wouldn't lock .. embarrassing.Later when at home I found that it needs an inordinate amount of pressure to close it and it will finally lock but you have to push from the top VERY hard.Edit: After leaving this review I was contacted by the manufacturer who not only replaced the umbrella for me but provided me with a full refund.I think they are genuinely confident in their product and I probably got one that malfunctioned untypically.

27.2.2020

UPDATED REVEIW READ TO THE END.All I can say it’s lovely umbrella and worked perfectly fine until we used it.My wife misplaced it and only found it today. Used once and of the stems has snapped can’t fix it and it won’t open. I’m not sure if I was too rough opening it or it was one that was faulty (which happens). It’s a shame as it is a lovely looking umbrella and feels like it should be much more money.UPDATE the company read my review and offered a full refund Which I will decline and take another umbrella. It’s brilliant that they got in touch and I will give the new one a good test and write another review soon.UPDATE PART 2.The company as they promised sent out a new umbrella,

20.10.2018

This is a great product indeed. Here is some details which got my attention:- Stylish design: compared to other umbrellas, I've found it quite beautiful from close look. I think the stylish handle makes it unique and look luxury. Holding the handle is comfortable.- Auto-open button: the button to open and close worked absolutely fine. It's quite handy. To shrink it back inside, I don't need a huge force. On other side, its robust, and compared to other umbrellas I don't feel its loose and breakable.- Dries fast: in my experience the umbrella dried pretty quickly. Only few minutes of leaving it open would suffice to get fully dried.- Good size: I always wanted an umbrella which is huge when opened and relatively small when closed.

22.3.2019

There's something very British about an umbrella. Afternoon tea, Beefeaters, fog, rain and umbrellas - that's us. So I suppose it makes sense to get one that's actually designed in Britain.... and if you're after that classic, traditional English style, this Balios one certainly does look the part. The wooden handle is very classy indeed - it really gives a solid, high-end feel and it's actually very comfortable to hold - it's nicely carved to fit your hand. Overall it seems very well made and put together; mine arrived just in time for the last big storm - so it got a proper work-out from day one and it definitely does the job. I also like that it's got the traditional look,

12.4.2019

Finding an umbrella that is sturdy, lightweight and reliable feels like a never-ending battle. Rather than wasting money sporadically purchasing sub-par umbrella’s, I decided it was time to invest in a long-term resolution to my brolly bother.As someone who commutes frequently through the city, I was looking for an umbrella that was easy to manoeuvre, protective against all rainfall and boasts a smart appearance. Step forward Balios Umbrella’s. The quintessentially British look and feel of the umbrella blew me away as soon as I removed the umbrella from the stylish protective cover. You can instantly tell that the handle is handmade real wood,

Balios Folding Umbrella Wood Handle Auto Open Close Vented Canopy Black - Reviews

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