BetterBrella Deluxe Review

The BetterBrella Deluxe is constructed with polyester and unknown metal components. The most notable aspect of this model is its inverted canopy, collapsing upward instead of downward to collect the water. Uniquely, the ribs and stretchers are hidden between two layers of canopy since the skeletal structure would otherwise be exposed in this inverted design when closed up.

Performance Comparison

Rain Protection

We measured the BetterBrella canopy diameter to be 41.75 inches with a depth of 4.5 inches — the shallowest of the bunch. This shallowness is due to the concealment of the ribs and stretchers, necessary to help protect them when the canopy is collapsed in its inverted position. In a way, we feel this isn't as effective for rain protection to have to eliminate depth for the sake of an inverted design. The diameter is quite large, which is great, but because you can't hide away under a dome, more of the upper body is left exposed.

Ease of Transport

This metric is where this model suffers the most. The length of the entire umbrella is 32.75 inches, and it weighs in at 20 ounces. Needless to say, this umbrella is not at all compact or lightweight, proving cumbersome to carry. Additionally, most traditional fixed-length models tend to also have a crook handle to help stabilize the grip or offer alternative means of hanging. The straight grip handle of the BetterBrella doesn't do much to help in this sense, and even the small lanyard attached to the handle is only useful if there are hooks already available — not quite as versatile as a crook handle.

Durability

The metal on this product is notably sturdy, which is likely why it's so heavy. The feel is smooth for the most part, and we were pleasantly surprised with the results of the high wind test. We hit 45 mph before noticing the canopy dramatically change shape, which means it can likely hold up to even faster speeds. It did invert fairly easily at 15 mph, which seems to be standard for most umbrellas. Overall, durability is this model's greatest attribute.

Ease of Use

This is another metric where performance for the BetterBrella isn't the best. The handle isn't the most comfortable to hold, and our arms tired quickly due to the weight (this model is a two-hander for sure). The automatic deploy button is easy to use, but it is a little inconsistent and sometimes we had to help the canopy fully open. Manually closing it up isn't a hassle, but what to do afterward is where things get really tricky. The inversion becomes questionable because now that you have water pooled into the canopy after you've collapsed it, now what? There's no means to hang the umbrella in this position to keep the water there, which means you have to dump and shake like you would for any other. Also, if you ever have to stash the canopy with other umbrellas, this means exposing the underside of the canopy (since the inversion exposes it) to the wet outers of any neighbors in the bin.

Style

We're not quite sure how to describe the style. It's already unique due to its inverted design, so it looks a little odd at first glance. The handle is quite masculine when compared to the doily-like, and therefore more feminine, cutouts in the under-canopy. The cutouts make us think vintage, but the overall design is definitely not that, since inverted canopies aren't traditional at all. Interesting to say the least.

Value

If you really want something more novel or against the status quo, the price here is certainly affordable. With sufficient rain protection and durability, the value is decent enough, but there are lighter and more practical products out there.

Conclusion

The BetterBrella Deluxe is quite the invention. Unique in style and function, its rain protection and ease of use are sufficient but just average. The weight makes this model very cumbersome, but it's still a decent accessory for casual use around town.