Reviewer:

Dotty

Rating:

4

Date:

8/23/2012

Review:

It is by far lighter and easier to transport than the EZ up styles.....and probably more durable in high winds ......but not any more shade than the EZ up style.....even with the shorter side to the sun. Very satisfied with my addition of a flap on the sunny side.

Reviewer:

Ryan

Rating:

5

Date:

7/4/2012

Review:

I bought this shelter for the beach, and so far it has worked wonderfully. Setting up/taking down: I put it together in the backyard by myself first, and it took about 15 minutes. At the beach, I had my 4 year old hold down the cross poles as I finished setting it up. Takes about 5-10 minutes with someone doing that little part. Take down is equally easy, about 10 minutes solo in a stiff beach breeze. Shade: Compared to an EZ up tent, this provides better shade in the morning and evening, but less during the middle part of the day. With the sun overhead, expect around an 8x8 area of shade more than enough for 4 adults, or some variation with kids. We have a family of 4, and we were more than covered and had visitors that were also covered. Where this shadehouse is significantly better than the EZ tents is in the location of the shade. Sure there is some shade outside of the tent, but for the most part you are actually under the tent all day. If you setup in the middle, you wont even have to move all day because you will remain shaded as the sun moves. The EZ tents you start outside of the tent on one side, and end up outside the tent on the other side. Stake: It Stake 3 times at each corner, not counting the guy lines. I didnt use the guy lines and never worried about the tent blowing over in about 15 mph wind. In a windier condition a storm blowing through you would probably need to guy it out with some sand anchors purchased separately, but I would just as soon take it down since its easy enough. Price ratio: I obviously was looking at this compared to the ~$100 ez tents, and I would purchase this again. This will outlast the EZ tents in durability terms easily, and the shade area is more convenient to me, even if less expansive during the afternoon. If you have a group you go with that has EZ tents, this make a wonderful bookend to maximize shade in a group. Austin Kayak: Fantastic as always. I buy from them so I can use their 30 day testing period. So far I havent had to return a single thing because they stock quality gear.