Let me begin by saying that, I research things VERY carefully before I buy them. And as an avid amazon shopper, I have never written a bad review... until now.

Like most of you, I was tired of buying cheap umbrellas, only to have them die on me within months. So I decided to invest in a "nice" one that would hopefully last longer and actually keep me dry. When I read the reviews for this umbrella, I decided I would take the chance to buy it since so many people were rating it favorably, despite the bad reviews. The aggregate customer rating was good, I reasoned to myself.

Admittedly, the shoulder strap carrying pouch is extremely convenient... other than that, that's about the only design aspect that's done well about this product. I am an extremely responsible owner. I've never stuffed the umbrella into a backpack, have always carried it carefully, have never swung it around, have always followed the directions for drying as directed on the manual, etc.

But the bottom line? It lasted for about 11 months before it COMPLETELY came apart--which maybe means about 15-20 days of use TOTAL since obviously it didn't rain every day for the last 11 months. Once one of the joints breaks on the metal ribs that provide the underlying structure for the bell-shaped canvas part of the umbrella, rest assured that the rest of them will soon follow suit on this thing.

And the first metal rib broke quite easily... Again, I'm not even sure how, since the umbrella NEVER suffered any impact or unusual torsion. The second broken metal rib soon followed, and I got a few more months out of it since I didn't mind using just a slightly busted umbrella. Today though--again, not even a year after I purchased it online--after I walked out in the rain with a moderate wind, the ENTIRE THING JUST SNAPPED. There is literally only one rib remaining, and the umbrella is now essentially useless.

For an umbrella brand that prides itself on durability, I would absolutely not recommend this particular product. Furthermore, the product warranty requires you to essentially pay near the full price of the umbrella to repair it. If you insist on buying a GustBuster, look into one of their other umbrellas. But mostly, do yourself a favor and DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID. LISTEN TO THE BAD REVIEWS ON THIS ONE. Avoid this umbrella and go for a sturdier golf umbrella or different make instead!!

(I live in New York)