2017 GOLF UMBRELLA BUYER'S GUIDE
Did you know that the umbrella was invented over 4,000 years ago? With so much time passed, it's reasonable to expect significant innovation. The thing is, most of the umbrellas on the market today are the same as they have been for decades, perhaps even centuries. How can a product improve if it doesn't change? Golfers are accustomed to companies to push the envelope, and we've set out to figure out if anyone has done that within the umbrealla category.
We're Here to Help
The process of buying anything in today's time has become stressful and time-consuming. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. This way you can buy with confidence and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. We are here to help show you how a product will perform before you buy.
One key to our testing protocols is that we test products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put them through extensive and detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.
THE METRICS
An umbrella is expected to keep you dry, but it's also a must for it to be durable as well as easy to use. Those looking for a golf umbrella however, demand more. Everything from the grip of the handle, the speed of opening, the quality of materials, and the effectiveness of wind resistance were examined to determine the best golf umbrella of 2017.
We're always fine-tuning the process to make sure we're collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we've updated and refined this year's analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
UMBRELLA FEATURES CHART
| Name | Cost | Canopies | Opening | Shaft Material | Colorways | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUSTBUSTER TOUR SERIES GOLD | $44.95 | 2 | Manual | Super Strength Fiberglass | Customizable | 62" |
| PING TOUR | $65.00 | 2 | Manual | High Density Fiberglass | 1 | 68" |
| SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO | $44.96 | 2 | Manual | FiberGlass | 1 | 60" |
| VICE GUARD | $44.95 | 2 | Automatic | Carbon Fiber | 1 | 55" |
| COBRA DOUBLE CANOPY | $46.01 | 2 | Automatic | Faux Carbon | 1 | 68" |
| PROCELLA 68 INCH | $27.99 | 2 | Manual | FiberGlass | 2 | 68" |
| BLUNT GOLF | $71.10 | 1 | Manual | FiberGlass | 5 | 57" |
| TOTES STORMBEATER | $19.19 | 2 | Automatic | FiberGlass | 4 | 60" |
| PROCELLA 62 INCH | $27.97 | 2 | Automatic | FiberGlass | 6 | 62" |
| TOTES AUTO OPEN GOLF NEVERWET SUNGUARD | $30.00 | 1 | Automatic | FiberGlass | 5 | 60" |
| LOUDMOUTH CLOVER | $49.99 | 2 | Manual | Braided Fiberglass | 1 | 62" |
| GFORE PEACE | $120.00 | 2 | Manual | Braided Fiberglass | 1 | 62" |
| SRIXON TOUR | $59.99 | 2 | Manual | FiberGlass | 1 | 62" |
| WILSON STAFF PRO TOUR | $34.91 | 2 | Manual | Graphite | 1 | 68" |
We put in hours of testing leveraging data-driven protocols to examine new metrics. The process is more detailed than ever.
In order to best examine golf umbrellas, we waited for rain and then headed outside to test. We tested in different over multiple days to see how the umbrellas would perform in a variety of storm conditions. During testing, the umbrellas were rated in multiple categories. In consultation with experts, we also created a series of lab tests. These tests focused on wind resistance, coverage, and handle effectiveness.
Wind Resistance (30 points) - We put the umbrellas to the test both in our lab and on the course. On the course the umbrellas were subjected to storms with wind gusts of up to 45 mph. We then put the umbrellas to the test under simulated wind conditions. Poor performers had shafts that bent and canopies that nearly collapsed. Top performers didn't falter at wind speeds approaching 50 mph.
Coverage (20 points) - It's important to note that an umbrellas diameter isn't the sole factor in the coverage score. Some umbrellas are designed to provide greater clearance for the head, torso, and clubs. Umbrellas that feature domes that force the water to cascade out as opposed to down performed best. Poor performers were either too small or their design didn't maximize the potential coverage of the umbrella.
Opening Speed (15 points) - How fast does the umbrella open? The opening speed score is a combination of both the velcro straps and opening mechanism. Some umbrellas have automatic opening while others must be opened manually. Umbrellas without multiple velcro straps were inconvenient to operate.
Handle (5 points) - How easy is the handle to hold in both wet and dry conditions? Do you feel like a gust a wind could blow the umbrella out of your hand? Umbrellas that performed well had sandpaper like handles that were contoured to the hand. The best umbrellas are easy to grip under the wettest of conditions.
Durability (30 points) - Is the umbrella made of high quality materials? Is the umbrella constructed in a way that limits breakable pieces? Did the umbrella break during any portion of the test? An umbrella isn't a bank-breaking purchase, but it's important that it lasts for as long as possible. The best performers durability wise were incredibly sturdy, and some even boast lifetime warranties. Poor performers were battered around by the wind, while some even broke.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring golf umbrella, and awards are given to the top three umbrellas. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to umbrellas in certain categories (like wind resistance, durability, and coverage) that push the industry's design envelope.
We also give an "Editor's Choice" and a "Best Buy" award to those products that provide value products that compete with the bigger names on performance.
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THE BEST GOLF UMBRELLA OF 2017
GUSTBUSTER TOUR SERIES GOLD
"Best Buy"
|
Price
|
$44.95 |
|
Wind Resistance
|
1st |
|
Coverage
|
7th |
|
Opening Speed
|
6th |
|
Handle
|
1st |
|
Durability
|
1st |
|
Score
|
94.1 |
What We Liked
GustBuster has eliminated all fears of the elements with its wind resistant design. Even in the strongest winds, the elastic straps connected to the canopy allow the GustBuster to bend and flex without breaking. It’s the one standout design in the test. The super strength fiberglass shaft ensures the durability of the umbrella. A course handle promotes consistent grip even in heavy rain.
Pros
- “Best Golf Umbrella” in 2017
- “Best in Class” Durability
- “Best in Class” Wind Resistance
- “Best in Class” Handle
- Customizable design
- Also available in 68 inches
Cons
- Not automatic opening
PING TOUR
|
Price
|
$65.00 |
|
Wind Resistance
|
2nd |
|
Coverage
|
1st |
|
Opening Speed
|
10th |
|
Handle
|
2nd |
|
Durability
|
2nd |
|
Score
|
91.9 |
What We Liked
The enormous 68 inch double canopy provides great coverage from wind and rain. Style plays exactly to the middle for consumers. The high-density Fiberglass shaft barely bends in strong winds. Another strong performer from PING’s accessory lineup.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Coverage
- 68 inch coverage
- Sylish for an umbrella
Cons
- Only one color option
- Not automatic opening
- Manual opening mechanism is questionable
SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO
|
Price
|
$44.96 |
|
Wind Resistance
|
4th |
|
Coverage
|
3rd |
|
Opening Speed
|
8th |
|
Handle
|
3rd |
|
Durability
|
3rd |
|
Score
|
90.5 |
What We Liked
Did you know that Sun Moutain’s H2NO technology is featured in the company’s golf bags as well? The double canopy design holds up well in the wind and rain. Coupled with the sturdiness of the shaft, there is no fear of the umbrella snapping. Integrated mesh between panels allows the umbrella to breathe for faster drying.
Pros
- Above average performer in most categories
- Extremely durable fiberglass shaft
- Well stitched to ensure durability and wind resistance
- Effectively contoured handle
- Balanced center of gravity
Cons
- Only one color option
- Least effective auto-open technology in the test
- Style doesn’t play to the middle
2017 GOLF UMBRELLA BUYERS GUIDE
| Name | Cost | Wind Resistance | Coverage | Opening Speed | Handle | Durability | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUSTBUSTER TOUR SERIES GOLD | $44.95 | 1st | 7th | 6th | 1st | 1st | 94.1 |
| PING TOUR | $65.00 | 2nd | 1st | 10th | 2nd | 2nd | 91.9 |
| SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO | $44.96 | 4th | 3rd | 8th | 3rd | 3rd | 90.5 |
| COBRA DOUBLE CANOPY | $46.01 | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 9th | 5th | 89.3 |
| PROCELLA 68 INCH | $27.99 | 7th | 5th | 9th | 12th | 7th | 88.8 |
| VICE GUARD | $44.95 | 5th | 13th | 5th | 4th | 8th | 87.1 |
| BLUNT GOLF | $71.10 | 6th | 14th | 7th | 8th | 4th | 86.1 |
| TOTES STORMBEATER | $19.19 | 9th | 8th | 4th | 5th | 6th | 84.8 |
| PROCELLA 62 INCH | $27.97 | 13th | 12th | 2nd | 12th | 11th | 76.8 |
| TOTES AUTO OPEN GOLF NEVERWET SUNGUARD | $30.00 | 11th | 10th | 3rd | 5th | 10th | 75 |
| LOUDMOUTH CLOVER | $49.99 | 14th | 6th | 11th | 10th | 13th | 73.1 |
| GFORE PEACE | $120.00 | 12th | 11th | 11th | 7th | 12th | 73 |
| SRIXON TOUR | $59.99 | 10th | 9th | 14th | 11th | 9th | 71.8 |
| WILSON STAFF PRO TOUR | $34.91 | 8th | 4th | 11th | 14th | 14th | 70.1 |
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