totes Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella

I've had this umbrella for over a year and it's done well enough. I've gotten a couple of compliments on it (bought the totally clear version). But after several rains, I've noticed rust starting to build up from the metal and stain the plastic around it. And the plastic tends to collect and hold dirt when it's closed for very long between uses.Having to clean and maintain an umbrella just isn't something I'd ever given much thought to, you know?

I wear my son in a baby carrier on my chest so I got the bubble style umbrella to better protect his head (at my chest level) from rain and snow that get blown in by wind. It's a little heavy but it works fine. The dots are cute but it's still not hard to see through so you don't hit anything. I just wish the part you push in the close the umbrella wasn't so thin and sharp. It's very uncomfortable. There are more user friendly ways to make an umbrella and I'm disappointed that wasn't taken into consideration for this one. Other than that, good buy. I haven't used it that much though so I can't say if it's durable and long lasting yet but it looks like it will do fine.

Pole of umbrella arrived BENT at top, with super-sticky tape wrapped around it that left residue. Clear vinyl looks cloudy, possibly used before. I can't be bothered to return it, so I'm stuck with it, no pun intended.

I go to school in Cleveland, where the weather is even more out of control than Joffrey Baratheon. I carried my umbrella with me at all times, and it withstood even the harshest winds that had everyone else's umbrellas blowing out. In fact, the wind was hard enough to almost blow the umbrella out of my hands, but it still stayed intact.The only con about this umbrella was that it got my backpack wet, which was dangerous since my laptop was in there. But I stuffed a small towel in the top of my backpack, and that problem was solved.All in all, the short time I spent with my umbrella was great. I actually began to enjoy walking around in the rain. But apparently my umbrella was very sought after, because it was stolen. However, I am buying another one, because it's too precious a commodity to give up!

I live in an extremely windy area, and needed an umbrella that would not turn inside out in the rain. I decided on this cute dot umbrella.Unfortunately, the very first time I attempted to open it, the spring button that is supposed to hold it open did not engage, and the whole mechanism went right to the top of the rail, making it impossible to stay open.Totes does offer a lifetime warranty on their umbrellas, but I cannot bring myself to spend the required $5 shipping and handling fee on an umbrella I never even got to use!

In Texas where I live, we often get driving rain that comes at you almost horizontally. This causes a big problem for opaque umbrellas. You can't see anything where you have the umbrella pointed. Now Totes has a great product to fix that problem. Pop open this umbrella, pull it down over your head, and no matter how you need to point it, you can see through the clear plastic.The construction is solid and holds up to heavy winds. Also the deep drop to the sides help prevent frequent umbrella problems. Notably the wind moves easier around it and it is nearly impossible to invert it. This umbrella has quickly become a must-have item for the whole family.Overall - I highly recommend this umbrella.

I'd like to write a review about how well this works in the rain, but I guess I never will. The main stem was bent out of the box making it difficult to open. I've sent this back.

It's clear, and it's bubble-shaped. You don't bump into anyone, and you stay protected. Added bonus - the winds of downtown Boston can't make this bad boy go inverted.I've tossed many an umbrella to the curb when they either bust up, go inside out, or just infuriate me.With this umbrella, I am in heaven.Only negative - I forgot I had left it on the baggage shelf above me on the commuter rail - it's hard to see. So I ordered another. It's cheap enough that I don't even feel bad about it.We've had an awfully rainy and tropical spring and summer so far this year in the Boston area and this umbrella has helped make my commute less painful.