Balios (Designed in UK) Travel Folding Umbrella Lux Hardwood Handle Auto Open & Close Windproof Single Canopy

Hands down the best umbrella in the UK. Stylish, comfortable to hold, sturdy and easy to use. It would be great to see a bigger version from the same brand. I ordered it 3 times now as I keep losing it hahaha.

I’ve only had this umbrella a short time but have already used it twice — and I’m genuinely impressed. It’s a beautifully designed product that looks far more expensive than it is. The materials feel high quality, and the opening mechanism is smooth and satisfying, especially for the price. Visually, it’s sleek and stylish, and it really stands out. In terms of performance, it handles wind reasonably well - it’s not completely wind-resistant, but certainly not the worst either. Overall, it’s a smart, well-made umbrella that strikes a great balance between form and function.

I’ve had this umbrella a while now and it still doesn’t fail to amaze me how aesthetically pleasing it is. The materials and the mechanism are very impressive given the reasonable price tag. As a fashion accessory I really can’t fault this umbrella. However, when it comes to using the umbrella, it does not quite live up to its ‘wind-resistant’ status. It’s not the worst in coping with winds but I’d be lying if I said I was completely at ease using the umbrella with winds. The umbrella is able to withstand mild winds but even so, it’s not quite comfortable with that and I’ve used umbrellas which have felt much sturdier and were within a similar price bracket. Overall, it is a lovely umbrella that certainly looks more expensive than it is. However, it is not the best in withstanding winds. I’m happy to keep mine for the time being but I would have been happy to pay £10 for it to be sturdier in withstanding wind.

This is a very strong umbrella, I guard it with my life as it's quite a bit of money but it's absolutely worth it. I never have to worry about it going inside out as with plastic umbrellas and it stands it's ground against British wind. It's very well made and feels like it (the handle is heavy) though I carry it in a tote bag or backpack because I can't bear to lose it! It's not a golf umbrella so expect it to only cover you and maybe your partner if you're quite snug and they're quite small.

I push the button. Instantly the runner is propelled up the high grade steel shaft, extending the eight premium fibreglass ribs into place. With a snap, the Balios Travel Umbrella is at full stretch (a generous 1 metre in diameter), and I'm ready to face the drizzle. I stride out from my stairwell refuge, and feel the first few droplets hit the 300 thread count high-density fabric of the canopy; their blows are momentarily absorbed by the flexible, silky membrane, then repelled, springing off to land at a safe distance. "Damn that's satisfying" I think. I feel impenetrable. Impermeable. Impetuous. Dry. As I saunter through the deluge, I can’t help but feel the polished finish of the golden rosewood handle, and enjoy its smoothness in the grip of my right hand. “Now that’s craftsmanship” I purr. But, as I angle it to examine the Balios maker’s mark etched (flawlessly) into the stainless steel base, the tip of the brolly nudges a fellow commuter coming the opposite way. He stops and tuts at me from under the dripping hood of his ludicrous lime green parka. Jealous. Ignoring him, and deftly swivelling the hilt of my sturdily light weight Excalibur till it sits once again, loftily, above my kingly bonce, I make for the bus stop. After a brief wait on the rapidly puddling pavement (it really is drizzly), the bus arrives and I ready myself to embark. Bone dry. I push the button. Instantly the eight premium fibreglass ribs retract, and come to rest flush with each other at the runner hub. After a brief wait, I realise this will not propel the runner back down the high grade steel shaft as I had hoped, meaning I have to push it down myself, but it’s still pretty convenient. I smile to myself as I tuck my (already quite dry) bumbershoot neatly into its external dust case. “That’s British design for you.” I breathe. “Pretty ruddy convenient. Pretty ruddy good.”

I prefer to buy a quality umbrella, if only in an effort to move away from the throwaway culture of consumer goods. And living in the north of England an umbrella is an essential everyday item. When the time came to replace my well-worn Fulton model I decided to try something new and ordered the Balios travel umbrella in black. From opening the package I could tell Balios had invested time and effort into making the experience different with a focus on quality. The umbrella was simply but well packaged, with additional wrapping to protect the wood and metal handle. I like that it came in an outer pouch, which would help with storage and transit. The focus on quality continues to the umbrella itself, from the wood and metal handle, shaped so it can be gripped easily, to the metal snap fastener closure that is less likely to wear out than the standard Velcro ones. I’d say the size is half way between a standard compact umbrella and a golf umbrella. This gives a good level of shelter from the elements without the impracticality and frankly the anti social aspects of a golf umbrella. The automatic open and close function has a firm feel with an assertive and smooth opening, and reassuring click on closure. It’s a small thing but I also like that the storage cover has a tapered opening, meaning that you actually stand a good chance of getting the umbrella back into it following use – I usually discard this! Overall the Balios travel umbrella is well designed and an excellent quality product. At a price point comparable with my usual brand this stands head and shoulders above it.

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El mango destaca por su calidad. Muy fácil de usar (abrir y cerrar). Muy buenas calidades. Recomendable.

Excellent, belle présentation

Super produit et excellent rapport qualité prix

Sieht gut aus, macht einen wertigen Eindruck. Die Haptik ist durch das Holz sehr angenehm. Die Größe reicht aus um auch den Rucksack auf dem Rücken vor Regen zu schützen. Große Stürme musste er noch nicht aushalten, deshalb kann ich nichts zu Robustheit oder Langlebigkeit sagen,