Well this was going to be a real challenge! Last season, after forty years of using umbrellas to defend myself from the weather, I decided it was about time to look for something more substantial.
My criteria were that it new item had to be light, easily erected, durable and good value for money. Operating on a limited budget is in itself limiting.
After many days of searching the products available I came across the JRC Defender Brolly.
Looking at this Brolly, or really it should be called an open bivvy, I was first surprised at its compact size when nestled in its carry case. On lifting the Defender I was delighted to feel that there was a comfortable feeling of little weight weighing only 6.4kg, so I decided to experience more of this brolly.
Opening the case not only revealed the brolly, but also a ground sheet, albeit a little light weight and a generous set of steel pegs, so no extras needed here.
Now for the real challenge; erecting the Brolly without reading the instructions which are brief, but concise, my first attempt was achieved in eleven minutes. Now, after using the Brolly for a season, this can be achieved within seven minutes for erecting and ten minutes for packing away, which for me is most acceptable.
The brolly itself is completely self assembly having, apart from the groundsheet and pegs, only one part to attach, which is the main support bracing pole; all the other poles are integral to the system and interlock together prior to assembly.
The size allows the Brolly to fit and go where another would not fit, but is still generous enough inside to fit a bed chair and all other kit, one of the benefits of there being no centre upright. There is a choice of two heights by the use of a tension strap.
All in all a great piece of kit for those short session or the long summer nights and at a RRP of £90.00 something worth a very close look.
Other technical specification
5000PU 210D oxford nylon.
Fully taped seams.
16mm jointed aluminium frame poles.
9.5mm PE coated bracing pole.
120PE ¾ ground sheet.
Two height positions.
210D nylon stuff bag.
Dimensions
Internal: 2750mm Wide x 2000 – 2100mm Deep (Twin Position) x 1200mm High
Folded: 900mm x 1500mm x 1500mm
Weight: 6.4kgs
