GustBuster Metro 43-Inch Automatic Umbrella Reviews

• Strongly built!

  
  By A2Q8I99ZH0J771 on 2006-09-05
  It's a bit early for a full review since I've had the umbrella only a month and haven't used it in "gusts" yet. But, it is handsome, clearly well designed with the flutes to dissipate gusts, very strongly built, and opens crisply. My only disappointment is that it is smaller than I'd expected and need (I am 6'6" and need a larger umbrella to keep my feel/legs from getting too wet). The dimension quoted in the ads is not the diameter across the opened canopy (which would have sufficed), but the distance from rim-to-rim with the tape laid on the canopy, meaning the actual diameter is smaller.
  
  

• Wonderful umberlla

  
  By AQOHTXHVFFRXH on 2005-09-15
  Being a college student, I needed an umbrella for all the walking I did. On those days that there was only a chance of rain, I didn't want to lug a big umbrella around. I wanted an umbrella that could fit in my backpack for easy carrying and keep me reasonably dry. All the ones I tried in the past either didn't fit in my backpack, keep me really dry, or broke when the winds got strong.
  
  Then I tried the Gustbuster. This umbrella is the best one yet. It fits in my backpack and has kept its shape in high winds, and thus keeps me dry. It has worked prefectly for me and I am very satisfied with it.
  
  

• The original "wind proof"

  
  By A3SRDHXMXEXLYW on 2005-10-29
  The GustBuster was the first of the "wind-proof" umbrellas and remains one of the best. I especially like the fiberglass "ends" and the way they are attacted to the umbrella by elastic "bands" that help cushion the shock of a suddent gust of wind.
  
  Two minor cirticisms: I HAVE had problems in the past with the rivets popping loose. And I think the handle is just a bit on the small size. You notice this when it gets really windy and you are "struggling" to hold onto the umbrella. But other umbrellas would have folded up at this point.
  
  Overall, a good value. This is my second one. My first still sits in the car and has taken a lot of abuse over the years. It still works fine.
  
  

• Bulky, yet a solid product

  
  By A10RSMLWB7WXUW on 2006-09-02
  I ordered this thinking it was a sturdy version of the standard mini-Umbrella, that can fit in a jacket pocket when retracted. However, the photos don't do justice to its size. It's much bigger than the standard mini, and quite a bit heavier too (3 lbs according to product desc). When folded up, the top of it is noticably bigger than the handle end, as the sturdier frame and two-layer fabric canopy make it bulkier than standard umbrellas (which are typically cylindrical when folded). It just barely fits in my messenger bag, and shoulder strap for the fabric case now makes sense.
  
  That said, this is a *solid* umbrella. It's big enough for walking around in a downpour, and doesn't even budge in a wind. I found the handle and shaft to be plenty sturdy, and you can tell the underside canopy supports are not going to bend and break like the cheapo aluminum ones. All told, this umbrella, though slightly hefty, does a great job and will probably last a long time.
  
  

• Helped with wind - Broken within 4 uses.

  
  By A2WBCU921TOSOJ on 2006-11-26
  The umbrealla seemed to be easier to walk with in the wind, however, this one I feel did not offer enough protection from the rain. I should have bought the larger one. Now for the bad part. The umbrealla is difficult to close and multiple ribs cracked within the first for times of use. Basically the umbreally lasted a month and now I have to get a new one. I will not be buying this brand.
  
  
• Ultimate Umbrella
  By A1MJUFVIPJC5QF on 2006-02-20
  Here in the Pacific Northwest it's pretty common to see beat-up umbrellas that are hanging on by a thread. Not the Gustbuster! This thing stands up to that "sideways rain" that we so often get. I walk to and from work, at one point crossing a bridge over open water and believe me when I say that the wind nearly stops me in my tracks some days. I LOVE my GustBuster Metro which fits in my backpack when not in use and never turns inside out when it is in use. Always there for me when I need it, just like a good friend.
  
  
• Works fairly well but terrible construction
  By A3CTI496KXMB0K on 2007-08-23
  I loved this umbrella when I first got it. I live in Jersey City, which, being right on the water, is actually far windier than downtown Manhattan, where I work. Every time it rains, every trash bin on every corner is stuffed with another umbrella thrashed by the wind. So I hunted down the Gustbuster Metro.
  
  At first use, it was great. I never felt blown around by the wind, like I did with other umbrellas. And it never inverted or bended much. Then very soon, the umbrella started unraveling bit by bit. The first problem was one of the velcro straps. The stitching came undone and the strap was hanging off. My wife was able to sew it back on. Not a big deal.
  
  Then, one of the fiberglass ribs that gives the umbrella structure broke from its plastic rivet. All of the ribs broke off from the umbrella itself, so when the umbrella is closed, it collapses into a gelatinous mess. This all happened very quickly, in only a few months of use.
  
  On top of all of the defects, the construction just doesn't look very well-done. The plastics used look cheap, and the metal parts are not thoughtfully designed, and can easily cut and poke the user.
  
  I'm giving this 2 stars, because when I use it, it does do a very good job of breaking wind. But it terrible construction quality. I would recommend you steer clear of this umbrella.
  
  
• Poor Performance, Design
  By A1ZGYHSHL0Y0NI on 2007-05-06
  This is a letter I sent to the Gustbuster Company reviewing their products based on my experience with them...
  
  Dear Sirs,
  
  It's been a number of months (3-6) since I purchased four different gustbuster umbrellas: the doorman, the classic, the metro manual, and the metro automatic.
  
  I'm sorry to say that with the exception of the classic, the other three umbrellas have far underperformed with respect to my expectations.
  
  I don't doubt that the aerodynamics of the umbrellas might be superior, but the operability and construction design of those three models is inferior to other umbrellas I've owned, and definitely less than what I expected.
  
  Specifically:
  
  1. The hard plastic tip of the doorman cracked when it hit the hard ground from a distance of only a few inches. I had read the warning that it's not good for the umbrella to continually tap it on the ground, and I assure you that I avoided that behavior because I know it to be true. The umbrella slipped from my grasp, the tip hit the ground, and it cracked. End of story, and evidence of a design with low factors of safety on highly-likely failure modes, i.e., poor design.
  
  2. The metro-automatic can be opened by pushing a single button, but closing the umbrella is not as easy. In fact, it's quite difficult to the point of being aggravating. I'd rather have an easier-to-use umbrella that can't withstand 60 mph winds.
  
  3. The metro-manual is not only a pain to open and close, but when it is in the closed configuration, the handle continually slides to the extended position, even after repeated attempts to put it in the stowed position. This makes the unit unwieldy and problematic. The only reason we bought it was because it was physically shorter than the metro-automatic.
  
  In an ideal world, I would like to return all three umbrellas for a full refund of my money, but I don't think I could fairly ask or expect for that outcome.
  
  I will, however, not encourage anybody I know to purchase the gustbuster brand umbrella. It's just not very user-friendly nor well-made.
  
  Sorry to send you this feedback, but I accept constructive criticism on a daily basis with the attitude that the customer that complains is your best customer. Please accept this email in the way that it was intended, as honest feedback of your product.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Ken Davidian
  
  P.S. I don't expect a reply, but if you wish to contact me, please just send me an email to this address. Thanks.
  
  
• Flawless in the Windy City!
  By AURYDHCH43LS6 on 2006-08-30
  I bought this umbrella hoping to finally own one that won't turn inside out in windy weather. If you have ever visited Chicago, you will know that the city lives up to it's nickname.
  
  My sister walks a few blocks to work every day, and when it rains, she begs me to let her use my umbrella. This thing seems to be made of steel as it has yet to turn inside out. In strong winds that nearly knock a 140lb person off her feet, not to mention rip the umbrella out of her hands, the Gust Buster hasn't even shown any signs that it might possibly bend.
  
  Not to mention, the umbrella comes in a sleeve that has a shoulder strap for easy carrying. I love it!
  
  
• Poor stalk, worse handle
  By A256TVC5IMX959 on 2006-03-22
  One of my biggest requirements when buying an umbrella is that it be one of substance. The handle should be weighty, the stalk should be solid and able to withstand high winds.
  
  Unfortunately, this umbrella turned out not to have either of those qualities. The handle was quite small. Typically, a handle should at least be as long as my hand is wide. This handle was about half that, which provided for very poor grip in high wind situations. The stalk also felt like hollow aluminum, not confidence inspiring at all.
  
  I returned this umbrella, I would never buy it again.
  
  
• Great umbrella for windy cities
  By A2QWN9CSE4U62T on 2006-03-22
  This is the best umbrella I have ever owned. I used to just put away my old umbrella when it was windy, as I couldn't keep it from turning inside out without just pointing it into the wind, thereby defeating the purpose. This umbrella has lived up to it's name so far. I can feel the gusts trying to wreak havoc, but it continues to stay right side out and protecting me from the rain. It is very sturdily made, making it heavier than most compact umbrellas, but it is worth it.
  
  
• Good Product, But Don't be Misled!
  By A323EZ7HDHTR0W on 2006-07-28
  We travel, and liked the idea of a 43 inch umbrella canopy as opposed to the more standard 36-inch. Surprise, this unit may measure 43-inches along the circumference of the canopy; but, it is still only a 36-inch umbrella. While it seemed well made and sturdy, alas, it did not meet our needs, and was returned. As usual, Amazon was easy to work with on that count.
  
  
• Excellent umbrella
  By A2RQTKY1LNGK79 on 2007-01-22
  Canopy is little on the small side but that's a reasonable compromise for a compact folding umbrella. I leave it in my car for short walks in the rain and use my Gustbuster 62" Doorman for longer walks. Excellent build quality. 43" is a bit deceptive, since it measures the circumference. I was told by Gustbuster this is the standard for measurement in the industry. Actual size is 36" across from the tip of the ribs, and 33" across from the fabric between ribs. Would prefer something like a rubber coated handle for a softer touch (minor quibble). No problems in windy weather.
  
  
• Best umbrella available
  By A2767M7G1EOTYX on 2007-02-24
  I recently left my first one of these at a meeting complex--of course, it wasn't there the next morning of the meeting--I had another ordered by 5 p.m.
  
  There is nothing worse than a cheap umbrella--this one is well constructed and has a pleasing heft about it.
  
  It never fails to open with one press of the button--it doesn't flip out in the wind between the buildings of downtown--it closes easily--it isn't too large to carry--but it's big enough to keep me dry in a windy downpour.
  
  Definitely a keeper--if and when I lose this one I'll get another, and another, etc.
  
  
• no gust is too big
  By A26ZYJ6AR6WFP1 on 2006-02-24
  This is the perfect umbrella for the gusty city of San Francisco.
  
  
  
• Not worth the hype
  By A1HXWP11LX7Y6F on 2007-08-28
  I bought this after I read a lot of good reviews.
  
  Here are some cons:
  1. Shabby handle. The handle is wooden and resembles an umbrella you get at a dollar store.
  2. The strap is very small. It is impossible to insert your hand through the strap.
  3. Very crappy construction of the release mechanism. With the slightest touch, the release button keeps popping off and the umbrella tries to open.
  4. No auto close. A lot of umbrellas do this. Once the umbrella is open, you press the same button and the umbrella closes. Not this one.
  
  
  
  
• Gustbuster review
  By A2HZXTL9DLQ1Z1 on 2008-06-06
  Item description says lifetime warranty, but you must pay $10 to ship, plus $10 check to them - you might as well purchase a new umbrella. How is this a lifetime warranty? I would not purchase this product again.
  
  
• So So
  By AMEBIYM6C1LGQ on 2006-03-10
  This umbrella was purchased purely based on size. It was worth it for that alone. However, I am not happy with it's opening and closing system.
  
  
• Poor Quality critical loops of thread break making it useless
  By A13TNRUP3YTMEK on 2008-01-27
  GustBuster Metro 43-Inch Automatic Umbrella
  The design of the umbrella includes loops of thread that pass through holes in the frame. I only used it a few times and many of the threads broke. This makes the umbrella basicaly useless. With the threads broken, the plastic tips that are attached to the fabric and hold the umbrella to the ends of the frame, simply fall off of the frame -- the broken threads cause the tension to be missing which is what holds the tips to the ends of frame. Also, the button you push to open the umbrella is not recessed, but rather sticks up rather high. So, its hard to pick it up without it opening.
  
  
• Very good small umbrella
  By A32DYU82G6X3AO on 2008-02-21
  This was my first GustBuster brand umbrella but my third wind resistant umbrella. The first one (catalog purchase, no brand name on it, not sold at Amazon) I purchased was very heavy and very hard to hold as the canopy would get pushed by the wind. It would also sometimes flip inside out in the wind, although it snapped back without damage. The second (famous brand name, not sold at Amazon) one's inside mechanism broke into pieces the second time I used it.
  
  By comparison, the 43-inch GustBuster is much lighter weight and easier to hold on a windy day, no problems at all with flipping. I would have given it five stars, but I found it a bit too small. The arrangement of the inside spokes takes up a lot of room, and, as a result, I can't hold the canopy down close to my head and shoulders, and I feel that there isn't quite enough coverage. So I've ordered a larger size GustBuster, haven't received it yet.
  
  Several reviewers mention that these umbrellas are hard to close. Of the three wind umbrellas I've owned, the GustBuster is by far the easiest to close, but it does take the use of two hands. With my first two wind umbrellas, I actually had to brace them against a wall or the floor and push with my body in order to close them!
  
  So all in all, this is an excellent umbrella if you don't mind the size. It is small and light enough to carry in a tote bag or briefcase (keep in mind that all wind umbrellas have more weight to them than regular umbrellas), and it certainly stands up to high winds with no problem. I will probably carry this smaller one on days when there is a possibility of rain, and my new larger one on days when there is a certainty of rain.
  
  Some extra features: I especially like the option of carrying the umbrella (when it's not raining) by the wrist strap on the handle or the shoulder strap on the cover.
  
  I also like that there is an option to mostly-but-not-completely close the umbrella while it dries. You don't have to find a large enough space for a wet, fully opened umbrella in your office or doorway.
  
  I can't wait to see if those features are also available on the large size.
  
  
• best umbrella around
  By A14ICDH83PESE0 on 2007-03-29
  I bought this for my March trip to NYC. It was fabulous! We had a great storm when I was there and the wind was really gusty. I saw other people's umbrellas turn inside out, but mine never did. However, the really wonderful feature of this umbrella was the cover with the shoulder strap. When I wasn't using it I flipped it over my shoulder and it was never a bother. I can't imagine why all umbrellas don't come with this feature!
  
  
• Junk!
  By A3ALE7ZBLPJTCW on 2008-01-06
  I bought this to replace a gustbuster I bought from a reputable website last year but that I lost after only about 2 uses. I made the mistake of buying from Amazon to save a few bucks and I regret it. The umbrella came and I noticed that it did not lock into place when it popped open. I thougt it was not really a big deal and I needed it since I was leaving for a trip to Europe a few days later. After using it in light rain conditions about 3 times, the thing literally fell apart in my hand! I wasn't even using it when it broke, just carrying it in the closed position. I felt something rattle inside and when I opened it, the entire umbrella broke apart. Never again!!!! I'm not sure if this was a defective umbrella or if it was sold by a reseller of defective umbrellas but I will NOT buy this again.
  
  
• Ingenious design
  By A1QT5FGO4N8AR2 on 2006-11-03
  I LOVE this product. It works as promised. I was outside at an event where everyone else's umbrella was turning inside out . . . and I was fully protected.
  
  
• Nice, well made but too small
  By AGZDSR4R8SA2S on 2007-02-19
  I found this is too small to work well. Ended up buying a larger folder from Sharper Image that is longer when folded, but works much better at keeping me dry.
  
  
• Awesome umbrella
  By A1E7ZE1A2AIFEA on 2007-10-02
  I live in Seattle, and just made the 4 block trek from the bus to my office with my GustBuster umbrella. Winds were whipping at 25 MPH, and the rain was coming down as well. I watched 2 different people battle with their inside-out umbrellas, but I was dry as could be. I could feel the wind running through the vents, and was very pleased that the umbrella held up amazingly well. I recommend this umbrella very highly. You'll spend more money on cheaper umbrellas that will last you 1 rain/windstorm, so invest now in the GustBuster that will last you for years. Definitely worth it!
  
  
• Douglas Adams fans, start your engines
  By AA0HEBASYVWP0 on 2007-01-09
  All the Hitchhiking in one book, it's an amazing thing. The short story "Young Zaphod Plays It Safe" gives a little more insight into the whole story.
  
  
• umbrella
  By A1HGHH0RHJC10A on 2007-01-12
  It was a gift for my daughter. She said it works very well - just like the instructions said it would.
  
  
• Great Umbrella
  By A3M3LKFY7F8RI0 on 2007-01-12
  It's a little smaller than I had hoped, but it has held up better than the last 5 Totes umbrellas that I've owned.
  
  
• Awesome Umbrella
  By A3OKHZ2DTXOH22 on 2007-01-15
  I purchased two of these umbrellas as Christmas gifts, for my Mother and my sister. They absolutely love them! The quality is outstanding, you can see it as soon as you look at it. And it DOES stand up against very strong winds. If you need a good umbrella, these are a wonderful value.
  
  
• GustBuster Umbrella
  By A2E24OCC7B2IWV on 2007-01-15
  This is the perfect umbrella if you live in a wet and windy city like Washington D.C. Most umbrellas are useless in gusty wet weather but this one holds its own against the wind.
  
  

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