I installed this 9x12 umbrella on a large rectangular deck, using the large water/filled plastic base. The entire umbrella and base are very sturdy, easy to unfurl and adjust, and surprisingly compact when retracted. The offset allows the frame and base to be placed at the edge of the deck, leaving the center free. It tilts down to maintain shade as the sun sets, and can be rotated 360 degrees using a hand crank. None of these adjustments are difficult. I am 62 and can walk under the umbrella without crouching or ducking when it is parallel to the ground (using the large base). It does tend to catch the wind when tilted down (I mean, its basically a big sail so I am not sure how this could be avoided) but less so when parallel with the ground as it has an exhaust gap at the top. I received a defective cover, but contacted customer support and they sent me a new one promptly at no cost. The cover is put on and taken off using a push rod to place the cover over the top of the retracted umbrella. I am tall and I have to extend fully to get the cover on and off. A shorter person would probably need to use a step ladder. I am pleased with this umbrella and think the quality is well worth the cost.
Nice, big umbrella. Worth the cost.
I installed this 9x12 umbrella on a large rectangular deck, using the large water/filled plastic base. The entire umbrella and base are very sturdy, easy to unfurl and adjust, and surprisingly compact when retracted. The offset allows the frame and base to be placed at the edge of the deck, leaving the center free. It tilts down to maintain shade as the sun sets, and can be rotated 360 degrees using a hand crank. None of these adjustments are difficult. I am 62 and can walk under the umbrella without crouching or ducking when it is parallel to the ground (using the large base). It does tend to catch the wind when tilted down (I mean, its basically a big sail so I am not sure how this could be avoided) but less so when parallel with the ground as it has an exhaust gap at the top. I received a defective cover, but contacted customer support and they sent me a new one promptly at no cost. The cover is put on and taken off using a push rod to place the cover over the top of the retracted umbrella. I am tall and I have to extend fully to get the cover on and off. A shorter person would probably need to use a step ladder. I am pleased with this umbrella and think the quality is well worth the cost.