Road test: Blunt Classic umbrella

An umbrella that'll give you a "uniquely enjoyable bad weather experience", according to the people at Blunt.

road test

WHAT is it?

An umbrella that'll give you a "uniquely enjoyable bad weather experience", according to the people at Blunt.

Are they having a laugh?
No, they're deadly serious. They "set out to revolutionise the umbrella", apparently, and came up with a design that boasts a Radial Tensioning System to "redirect, transfer and distribute" the umbrella's force vectors, an opening mechanism that "utilises the latest push/pull technology", and floating ribs that are telescopically mounted to the shaft.

Did you understand any of that?
Nope.

Any other clever features?
Yes, the tip of each rib is enclosed in a rounded, protective pouch, so you won't gouge passers-by in the eye. (Instead, noggins will simply bounce off the exquisitely tensioned canopy edge as you charge past.) It's a wonder that this simple design feature has eluded umbrella manufacturers since 1852, when Samuel Fox invented the steel-ribbed design.

Overall impressions:
The build quality is excellent. It's robust and stylish, with a pleasing opening mechanism and a nicely squeezable rubber-coated handle. It comes in five colours.

Bring on the bad weather. It'll be great!
I wouldn't go that far.

Price: $89, from bluntumbrellas.com.au