Umbrella opening mechanisms
Comparing all opening mechanisms
There are three widely used opening systems when it comes to umbrellas. We will briefly introduce them to you and show you their respective advantages and disadvantages.
1. Manual opening
When opening manually, the umbrella's slider must be pushed up by hand until it engages and the umbrella has stretched open fully.
Advantages
Most inexpensive variant
Lighter than automatic systems
Disadvantages
Requires both hands for stretching and closing the umbrella
2. Automatic
When opening automatically, the umbrella can be stretched open at the touch of a button. To close it, it must be pushed together with slight force. This allows the spring to tighten, ready again for reopening. This opening system is usually recognised by a button with an arrow pointing upwards.
Advantages
Stretches quickly
Really easy to use
Disadvantages
Requires both hands for stretching and closing the umbrella
3. Automatic open and close (fully automatic)
The automatic open and close function enables the umbrella to not only be opened automatically at the touch of a button, but also closed again automatically. Usually recognised by a button with a double arrow.
Advantages
Very modern and practical
With just one hand, the umbrella can be stretched and relaxed again.
Disadvantages
Slightly more expensive and somewhat heavier than other types of umbrellas.
To tighten the spring again for reopening, it requires a little more force to close than with the simple automatic umbrella.
4. Reverse opening system
Umbrellas with a reverse opening system are becoming increasingly popular and attract a lot of attention. They usually open manually, but the main difference is that umbrella opens upside down.
Advantages
When closed, the dry side faces outwards.
Can simply be placed down to dry and drip-dry the wet inside when closed.
Can be opened in confined situations, such as when getting out of the car.
Disadvantages
Like any manual opening system, this umbrella requires two hands to open and close.