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

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.

Like the operation and handle.More inversion resistance than the Tunmell brolly ( that I sent back)Feels like it will be reliable.Not weather tested yet.Like the herringbone design. A ' mans' brolly.

I was looking for a travel umbrella with a sturdy feel and a good quality.I found this one and it was perfect.Absolutely great umbrella, very sturdy with a thick material.Handle has a good weight to it and very comfortable to hold.Another great factor for me was that this umbrella comes with 1 year warranty, so it is great when companies offer that as they are confident in their product and care about their customers.The customer service is brilliant also. I needed to contact the company and they were very fast to respond and very helpful. It is my pleasure to support small british family run business.

Love this umbrella. I bought this to replace another umbrella in the same colour and from the same brand but had misplaced, and I was very pleased to see that the quality is the same—it’s durable and doesn’t feel flimsy like other cheaper umbrellas. It’s definitely pricier than other umbrellas but I personally found it to be worth paying for because the price isn’t crazy and you’re getting something of high quality. The wood for the handle is nicely polished, the colour looks great (opaque) and overall looks and feels classy; I’ve gotten a lot of compliments for it and I bring it with me everywhere (living in the uk you never know when the rain will hit) so it’s basically like an accessory to my outfit!

Really good quality umbrella. Sturdy and really good specially for the uk weather.

Love this brolly. It is strong, a decent size when up and looks really smart. Would recommend.