I looked around for a popup shade to take to ultimate frisbee tournaments around the PNW, and this seemed like an upgrade from the Fred Meyer cheapos I've seen collapse or blow away on sidelines, so I ordered it during a sale. I've used it three times so far and mostly like it, though there is a glaring flaw if you plan to travel with it. Pros -Popup itself seems to be of pretty good quality. The material is thicker and more durable than the cheaper ones, and the coating on the metal pieces seems like it will keep them protected from rust longer than most. -Easy to set up. The large releases are much better than the nubs found on most other popups. Smooth expansion and contraction regardless of whether the canopy is on. -Stable. There are enough Velcro attachment points (including automatic ones at the four corners) that the canopy is securely attached to the frame. -Large stakes. The main stakes are very thick and rely on the cap to keep the feet from moving, not a bend in the stake head. Something else will fail in high winds before the stakes give out. -Bag has nice features. The included bag has a hard bottom with two wheels that are large enough to go over most grass/turf with no issues. Two compression straps take the tension off the zippers once you get it all packed up. Cons -If you plan to use it on the beach, be aware that those nice height releases will get sand in them and be much harder to engage. -The vent on top seems to let a small amount of rain in during even mild winds. -The bag is not very durable, not included in the warranty, and will not be replaced by Coleman if it fails. More on that last one: I've used the popup three times (two grass tournaments, one beach), and while unpacking it for the third, a friend noticed the bag was ripped near the top (picture attached). It is a major failure and in exactly the spot I'd expect the manufacturer to reinforce the zipper. I contacted Coleman via email, and they happily dispatched a replacement bag at no charge. I received it five days later, and to my chagrin, it was a basic nylon bag roughly the size of the frame without the canopy (picture attached). No wheels on the bottom, no zipper, no compression straps. Not having wheels is a major problem when I routinely have to walk across several fields every morning and evening at tournaments. I contacted Coleman again, this time via chat. While friendly, the representative insisted they could not replace the bag because they did not sell them separately. I offered to pay for shipping to send the entire set back for replacement, but they said the bag was not included in the warranty, so it did not qualify for a replacement. They explained them sending me the basic nylon bag was a courtesy, not part of any warranty claim. I asked if there was any way I could get a wheeled bag (even if I paid for it), and their reply was to purchase another full popup set. I pointed out it was pretty ridiculous to sell a set like this without the ability to replace a very important part, one without which the unit isn't feasibly portable. They repeatedly apologized, but said there was nothing more they would do other than let me keep the second-rate bag they'd already sent. So if you're planning to use this around your property, I'd say it's a good purchase. However, if you're like me and plan to routinely take it with you to cookouts, tournaments, and other events, I'd recommend looking at other brands that actually support their products.
