Becko 44-inch Stick Red Manual Opened and Closed Straight Shank Strong 24 Fiber Bids Windproof Travel Golf Umbrella (Red)

Unlike some of the other reviewer's, I bought this umbrella. It's OK as far as it goes - it doesn't feel very substantial (although the lightness may appeal to some), it seems smaller than I was expecting - partly as the 44 inch dimension is measured over the crown of the open umbrella whereas I was expecting it to reflect the actual diameter - such that it is more of a standard size at the end of the day rather than the size of a golf umbrella. The carrying handle / strap which was another attraction for me is rather insubstantial on a flimsy cover supplied but I suppose it's functional.For the price paid - this is OK but unremarkable. If you are looking for a strong, large umbrella - this is probably not right for you.Update : I have been using this umbrella in the recent high winds / gales - it does work - it may be temporarily be bent out of true but the umbrella recovers whereas other umbrellas I saw being used were permanently deformed - so it is in my opinion - windproof. My major gripe remains that it's too small - being incorrectly being described as a golf umbrella - it does not have sufficient span nor sufficient length (measuring only 31.5 inches from tip to toe whereas my other umbrellas (which may be less windproof) are 38 - 39 inches - so with the Becko - I cannot walk comfortably with the umbrella.

Living in a very wet and windy part of Scotland with the need to exercise a large dog daily, I consider a reliable umbrella an essential piece of dog walking gear. When the locking mechanism of my long-serving, trusty Fulton Stormshield finally succumbed to extensive over-use, I decided to try this more compact Becko as a suitable alternative in my search for the perfect dog walking brolly. I'm delighted that I did so as, to date, it has ticked all of my boxes and has performed well beyond my expectations. It is smaller than the Fulton, but still offers good protection from rainfall. Its aerodynamic design deflects wind readily and the numerous struts offer considerable strengthening support to the water repellent black cover. The main stock is shorter with a solid handle at the base. This has a soft, rubberised feel and fits the hand well. An elasticated loop at the base is handy both for carrying it while closed and for hanging it up to dry after use. It has a slick manual operating system which opens with a minimum of effort and locks with a comforting click. Little effort is also needed to unlock and close the brolly which can then be held secured with a single velcro fitted strap. Constructed from strong, but very light, modern materials, and finished to a high standard, all the design features combine to make it very easy to control in gusting winds with one hand which is a big plus when you have a dog on a lead held in the other. Especially if you have a "puller". As a bonus, it comes with a neat carry case which can be slung over your shoulder on long walks leaving both hands free. This is great if, like me, you normally shoot pictures or tote binoculars. The case is made of the same light material as the cover and this folds down to almost nothing to slip into a pocket. While the makers describe this Becko as a golf umbrella, I imagine most regular golfers would much prefer the greater cover afforded by a larger umbrella, such as the larger Becko units or the Fulton Stormshield. As for dog walking, if this Becko proves as durable as my old Fulton, I think my lengthy quest will finally be over!

Really excited about this brolly. Have always bought cheap umbrellas or recieved free promotional ones. They have all had widely spaced metal ribs and joints making them susceptible to the wind, and without exception all have had the metal bent or snapped . From the outset you can see the quality of this brolly, the fibre ribs are very close together and flexible, which will obviously make it more durable especially in windy conditions, they are also firmly attached to the canopy, no little 'cups' to attach fabric to frame tips. The canopy is of a decent size, will shelter two without being a thorough nuisance to other pedestrians. Handle is of good quality and firmly attached. The cover is also well made with a convenient shoulder strap. Finally this is surprisingly light for a large umbrella. My only gripe would be the colour, mine is a darker blue than the picture, a little disapointed about this but not enough to drop a rating star as photography lighting can be tricky. Hope it rains this afternoon when I collect grandchildren (and I hate the rain).

The spokes are not metal so they flex and don't bend - this is great! Extra spokes make it look very unique and combined with a strong shaft also makes it very sturdy in the wind.Have to be careful with this one as a strong gust of wind could either rip it out of your hand (because the umbrella does not give in) or make you look like Mary Poppins.I think the latter is less likely though.

Purchased this for a gentleman friend who walks everywhere in Breezy Brighton: he is highly delighted, & especially likes the shoulder strap, so he can carry it over his shoulder next to his rucksack: great buy!

I don't like the cheap foam handle or the squeaky mechanism, but it's ok for the price. The carry case is a nice touch.

This is my second Becko brolly, the first I had to leave behind at a recent concert as they wouldn't let me take it in :(

Used this several times now and its excellent. The extra cost to cheap shops is well worth it. You can just feel the quality with so many supporting braces and a bag to carry oiver shoulder