Blunt Metro Review

The Blunt Metro is designed with a unique, almost future-esque canopy shape. The construction is also unique, utilizing polycarbonate fiberglass and anodized aluminum in a way that seems to say "high tech."

Performance Comparison

The canopy feels small due to its shape, with a diameter ranging from 34 to 40 inches.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Rain Protection

This model didn't fare too well in this metric and performed rather average. The shape made us feel more exposed as if the canopy is too small. But the basic measurements aren't that different than most compact models, to our surprise. We measured the diameter to be 40 inches at its widest points, which is actually quite expansive. However, due to the odd shape, its shortest diameter span is just 34 inches. This is quite a difference and likely why we felt more exposed beneath it. The depth measured at around 8.5 inches, which also isn't that far off from others in the group.

It might be best to pay more attention to the smaller diameter measurement since the 6-inch difference from its longest points is significant. Such a gap will most certainly allow for more rain to make its way to you. During our high wind test, however, the canopy performed really well, which we discuss more below. Nonetheless, any wind presence will surely have rain coming in sideways, and the smaller overall footprint of this canopy won't be as protective.

A better look at what's going on underneath, from design to structure.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Ease of Transport

The Metro is slightly longer than the most compact models in this review. It is small enough to fit in a shoulder bag or backpack, and it comes with a half-zippered sleeve. The sleeve helps slim up the bulk, and the zipper helps you to access it with greater ease. This umbrella weighed in at 12.5 ounces, which is somewhat in the middle of the weight spectrum: not ultralight but not necessarily heavy either.

Almost too big for side pockets, but still compact enough to get by.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Durability

The scalloped edges of the Metro seem to help reduce the effects of high winds, but it still only made it to 35 mph before it began to collapse from the pressure of the wind. However, it didn't invert until about 22 mph, which is higher than most compact models in our group. Inverting didn't hurt the skeletal structure at all, and operating the canopy remained fluid and sturdy. The shaft wobbles a bit, but overall the joints, hinges, and moving parts all seem to fit tightly together.

The company claims to have tested the Blunt Classic up to 72 mph or Force 11 winds. That's awesome, but we're not sure how important it is. Most of our reviewers would prefer to be inside when the wind is blowing 72 mph, rain or shine. Bottom line, the model we tested is durable, with excellent manufacturing and quality materials.

The construction and materials are notable with this model.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Ease of Use

Blunt reports that all their umbrellas feature special tips, which form an integral part of the Radial Tensioning System (RTS). This "system" ensures that the effort used in opening is distributed throughout the entire canopy surface. In our testing, we found that the canopy deployed nice and taut, even and smooth.

When closed up, the canopy overlaps with the handle, which helps hide the auto-deploy button. When you want to use it, it does take a little extra effort to look for the button beneath the slack canopy. But the button is easy to press, and the mechanism is quick and fluid. Some testers found that the trigger would fire too easily, before intended, due to the large button size. Collapsing the canopy requires manual operation, but it is very easy to do, the easiest of all the compact models we tested.

For this shot, our camera is actually tucked underneath the slack canopy, which usually hides the handle and deploy button.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Style

The ribs insert into pockets at the canopy edges, which eliminates pokey tips on the outside. This is one of our favorite features of this product. This pocket system also contributes to the odd design, as the pockets are what protrude out in the scallop shape. It's difficult to say across the board what the style score should be. Some love it, and some think it's too strange. A few of our testers commented that to them, it resembles a flower. Undeniably, it's more at home in Uptown than Downtown.

At a quick glance the shape is similar enough to seem traditional, but you soon notice the deeper scoops along the canopy.

Photo: Sara Aranda

Value

For us, this umbrella is only worth it if you absolutely love the look of it. It is pricey for the minimal rain protection it provides as compared to the others in our lineup.

Conclusion

The Blunt Metro is unique in a variety of ways. It's made with high-quality materials and stands up well in high winds. The scalloped shape reduces the overall rain protection, however, and for an accessory whose primary task is to keep the water off the user, we think its performance could have been better.

The performance isn't exactly what we expected, but it fares well enough to get you from place to place.

Photo: Sara Aranda