Umbrellas come with various opening mechanisms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here we introduce the four most common systems and help you find the right mechanism for your needs.
1. Manual opening
With manual-opening umbrellas, the runner has to be pushed up along the shaft by hand to open the umbrella. To close it, the runner is pulled back down.
This is the simplest and most reliable system.
- ✓ Advantages:
- Cheapest option
- Lighter than automatic umbrellas
- Fewer wearing parts
Very reliable
- Walking-length umbrella with manual opening
- Pocket umbrella with manual opening
- 2. Automatic (auto-open)
Umbrellas with an automatic-opening system pop open at the push of a button. Closing, however, is done manually by pushing the runner down.
This option is especially handy in sudden rain.
✓ Advantages:
Quick one-handed opening
Handy in sudden rain
Cheaper than open-close automatic
- Walking-length umbrella with automatic opening
- Pocket umbrella with automatic opening
- 3. Open-and-close automatic (auto-open/close)
The open-and-close automatic is the most convenient solution: at the push of a button the umbrella not only opens automatically but also closes again automatically.
- Ideal for anyone who wants to operate the umbrella with one hand.
- ✓ Advantages:
- Maximum ease of use
One-handed operation possible
Fast opening and closing
Modern and practical
Open-and-close automatic
4. Reverse opening system
With the reverse opening system, the umbrella opens and closes the other way around. The wet outer side is folded inward when closing.
- This innovative design is especially practical for the car and tight spaces.
- ✓ Advantages:
- Dry outer side when the umbrella is closed
- Ideal for the car and tight spaces
No dripping on the floor
- Reverse opening system
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With the reverse opening system the umbrella opens and closes the other way round. The wet outer surface is folded inwards as it closes.
This innovative construction is particularly practical when getting into the car or in confined spaces, because the wet fabric never comes into contact with your clothing.
✓ Advantages:
- Dry outer surface when the umbrella is closed
- Ideal for the car and confined spaces
- No dripping onto the floor
- Can be stood up on its own
✗ Disadvantages:
- Manual operation with both hands
- Unfamiliar handling
- Often somewhat larger and heavier
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