GustBuster Proseries Gold 68-Inch Golf Umbrella (Style 3)

Received the package a full week earlier than I expected. I knew the umbrella would be big, but you don't fully appreciate 68 inches until you actually have the thing in your hands. It's freaking HUGE! I haven't had a chance to use the umbrella (raining almost nonstop right til I get the GustBuster, go figure), but I'm almost itching to face the next storm head on with this behemoth. Will update after I have some experience with it.EDIT 01/19/2018: More than three years after buying this (I actually forgot I even gave a review), and I can safely say that this was a worthy investment. The umbrella has paid for itself twice over by still being in perfect working condition--and there's been some storms in NYC over the past few years, I tell ya. Since I'd bought two, one black and one blue, I keep one at home and the other at work. My friends, family, and coworkers had laughed when I mentioned this, but seeing as the years have passed and I'm still using the same umbrellas, no one laughs anymore, they're impressed. Also, because of the size, it's REALLY hard for me to forget them anywhere (only happened once, and I got it back). Along with the size, I think that them being expensive (so far as umbrellas are concerned) also contributes to how mindful I am of them. And I just have to say that there is something to holding this massive umbrella and not feeling a single drop of water on you, meanwhile other people are struggling to decide which shoulder should get wet more, never mind the umbrella breaking outright!All in all, I very highly recommend getting these. Worth every dollar, and it pays for themselves in time.

If you have never owned a GustBuster, then you don't know what you're missing. I am a teacher and often have a cart or bags going back and forth to work. This is the must have umbrella that I keep in my vehicle at all times. I never get wet and living in a mountain valley, the winds can get really high (50+mph is not unusual for my area). Walking my dog is actually fun in the rain and my ankles and legs stay dry even if there is wind. People often stop me and ask where I got my umbrella. The trick is to get the one with the elastic connecting to the tips on the sides of the umbrella and the top vents. Don't get the 40 inch ones...go 64+ inches for max. coverage. Worth the $ every time!

I was excited to finally receive my umbrella after almost a month after placing my order. I am active duty Navy stationed overseas in a tropical location and was quick to show off my "biggest and baddest" umbrella. I will admit that it served me well for the first few weeks. After exactly one month to the day, my 68" Gustbuster Pro-series Gold inverted when a gust of wind came from underneath me during a walk across a 3rd floor platform. One of the fiberglass ribs snapped and frayed. I would estimate the damaging gust to have been around 30mph and although inversion would by typical on other umbrellas, I had higher expectations for the Gustbuster. Other sailors are no longer impressed with the Gustbuster and the ones who previously considered purchasing have changed their minds. Due to shipping delays to my FPO, the incident fell just outside the time frame for Amazon returns. I contacted the company and the cost is $10 for return shipping and I probably won't have a new one for another 2+ months due to shipping delays. I cringe a bit when I read the label that says "UNflippable"/"The one you buy ONCE". I guess there may be some truth in that second statement.

In my opinion this is absolutely the best umbrella on the market. This is only my 2nd one needed in 15 years. I take it to work every day (I live in North Florida). The only reason I needed a new one was because someone recognized the quality brand and decided to steal it. If you can hang on to it you won't have to buy another umbrella for many, many years.

i had my last gustbuster since 1997 before the ends started popping off this year. i decided to get the larger size. still a great product. the only complaint i have is that the runner and top spring do not feel as secure as my original. this may be because the parts are not both aluminum, and i've had it snap back on me because i did not check to see if it snapped in place.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: This umbrella is worth every penny. I've now owned mine for close to three years. It's handled unnervingly intense wind gusts without any apparent damage, and it's large enough to keep both my backpack and my toes dry. Enough said. ;-)UPDATE: After six years, the elastic straps are starting to sag a bit, but the umbrella is otherwise still rock solid. That's worth celebrating in a world of throwaway goods.

Made well, looks great and handles foul weather well. The only problem I have encountered is staying open. The umbrella has a tendency to collapse in the open position. So, I have to try to secure it in the open position 3-4 times each time I use it to make sure it remains that way otherwise it comes down on you. Very awkward if your hands are full or in a downpour.Business Development ExecutiveBetter Business Bureau of NW NC

I’m a GustBuster fan for 20 years. Use them on golf course in crazy wind conditions. Bought a new GustBuster on Amazon to use at work. I live in Los Angeles, so this doesn’t get much use. After a few days use in recent rain, the umbrella fabric tore at the tip. Also, the fastener that keeps the umbrella neatly folded broke, and now it hangs there uselessly.The GustBuster logo is poorly stitched. It doesn’t look high quality, unlike my authentic other GustBuster umbrella.I likelt received a fake product. Too bad, GustBuster is great. Just be careful purchasing on Amazon.