most durable umbrellas

[suyenfung]

i beat the crap out of my umbrellas. i've broken several. the ones that are still together are all bent out of shape. can anyone suggest a durable umbrella? or should i just get backups and continue to destroy them?

[TMR Design]

I can't speak from experience but from those I've spoken to about this topic they seem to agree that if you are working on location and the umbrellas are getting real wear and tear then the cheap umbrellas are not the way to go. They become disposable and even though they are cheap it's not cost effective to keep replacing them.

From what I've been told and from reviews I've read the Photogenic, Profoto, Westcott and Norman umbrellas are supposed to be very good quality with more durable components and better construction. They weigh a bit more and are visibly more solid.

[FlashZebra]

Personally I prefer the cast iron models, very durable

Are you tearing the material, or the wire structure?

If it is the material, you may want to look at models designed for hotlights. They typically are made of fiberglass cloth, not nylon.

Enjoy! Lon

[TMR Design]

Personally I prefer the cast iron models....

Hi Lon,

Which are those? Can you give some manufacturers and models?

I've looked at a lot of product descriptions and I haven't seen mention of the materials used.

[FlashZebra]

Hi Lon,

Which are those? Can you give some manufacturers and models?

I've looked at a lot of product descriptions and I haven't seen mention of the materials used.
Robert,

The matching set of two 52 inch models I have were hand made by Leonard and Cray Hubble (The Hubble brothers) at the Princess Furnace near Ashland, Kentucky in 1822. When Kentucky was one of the major players in cast iron products.

They are a bit heavy but very durable.

The Hubble Brothers were way ahead of their time. Producing cast iron photographic umbrellas before photography was even available.

Enjoy! Lon