Fulton Stormshield Men's Umbrella Blue/Navy One Size

I purchased the mighty Storm Shield in March of 2013 after my previous umbrella disintegrated following one too many breezy and drizzly South Wales squalls (I'd also dropped some hog roast sandwich in it, but that's another story).I needed an umbrella that could withstand with rigours of the Welsh weather, specifically the windy and wet valleys; I was torn between the Storm Shield and one of those umbrellas with a katana handle, but after taking the auspices it was decided the Storm Shield would be the one.It speaks volumes that I've never felt moved to write a review for an item I've purchased before, but for this I am compelled to share my experiences.The Storm Shield has served me well over the past year; never once failing to fend off the violent gusts and erratic rain. The rubbery grip of the handle gives you confidence when wielding it in awful weather, the good size of the canvas provides excellent cover from rain; and the quality of the double-skinning is such that I've not had it turn inside-out, even during the most violent of gusts!It compares favourably against other umbrellas; a good friend and I were out walking with our respective umbrellas when nature decided to put our defences to the test! The lesser quality of his double-skinned umbrella buckled very early on, my good friend had to use electrical-tape to hold the umbrella up for the rest of our 20 mile walk, and had to cut through this tape anytime he needed to holster his cover. The Storm Shield scoffed at nature's challenge and held strong the entire way. Ask yourself, do you want to carry electrical tape and a knife with you everywhere in case your lesser umbrella is defeated by nature?I believe the Storm Shield also has uses as a divining rod which can help interpret the wishes of the Gods. Only today was I out for a lengthy walk, my planned route led me up a large hill over the back of a valley to a small hamlet then onto home. The weather held for most of the day, but as I began the ascent the weather broke and a fierce storm was unleashed. The rain lashed and the winds howled; I could feel the Storm Shield urging me to turn back but I fought it until I neared the top of the hill... It was then I realised the hopelessness of the journey and acquiesced to the Storm Shield's subtle hints to turn around. As I descended the hill the weather calmed, and by the time I was back on the main road the clouds had parted and some blue sky could be seen. By listening to the Storm Shield I had appeased the Gods and my journey home was clear along the main road.This powerful umbrella is spoken of in hushed tones amongst colleagues at work, it has protected many a head from the wet on the journey to the supermarket next door. Alas, one of my colleagues has recently purchased a Storm Shield for himself and now I have the fear. We hear the distant rumble of thunder and we know that one day our paths will cross in the rain, the Storm Shields will be drawn and we will be overcome by the desire for battle; for there can be only one...

This umbrella is not cheap to buy but is very well made, very attractive and worth the extra expenditure. I noticed that the umbrella has a royal warrant too and it's clever vented cover allows strong winds to pass through it, without damage or turning it inside out.

It is big, strong, and of course on the heavier side ...but it is the only umbrella I could find which actually covers a 6ft adult, both head and shoulders, in rain. Doing a school run, waiting outside, I can stand in the rain comfortably and also provide cover to another adult or two children.

This is a very robust and manly brolly that laughs in the face of driving rain and coastal gusts, great value for the money, it really does feel very strong. In fact, if you were a small person with a strong grip there would actually be a genuine danger of being lifted off your feet! My main gripe is with the mechanism used to secure the umbrella when opened. In a bid to avoid previous finger catching devices, we all know what its like when your fingertips get nipped by the metal lock, this umbrella employs a plastic catch that was often problematic, refusing to simply lock into position and often requiring great force to snap into place. I don't think my umbrella was faulty but rather I believe its a design error that really lets this umbrella down. This may seem a small point, but when you leave a building in the pouting rain the last thing you need is a fight to securely open your umbrella. If they fixed this I'd gladly give five stars as it is great value for money and will keep you dry, even in the wind, something few umbrellas ever achieve.

This is the best umbrella I’ve ever used and the only umbrella I would ever use. I would never buy another umbrella again. It is quite large when opened out, it is also a little heavy, however, it’s very sturdy stops the wind from blowing out your umbrellaWhilst other people are struggling with their umbrella walking down the pavement I am walking confidently with mine. It has a vent which allows the extra air to go through. It is a study umbrella and comes with a cover. It is fibreglass so very strong and you can be confident with this umbrella.I’ve lost a couple, so I’m so glad I found one on Amazon