Westcott 7 foot Parabolic Umbrella worth the money?

For $99 I thought this large translucent umbrella by Westcott would be a perfect addition to my lighting equipment as I could use it with flash inside and to block the sun with it outside. It is compact and would take the place of a large bulky softbox which could cost 3 times as much.

Westcott is now making most all their umbrellas with flexible fiberglass spokes instead of metal. So if the umbrella tips over, when used outside, the spokes don’t bend or break. Over the years I’ve had to throw away several umbrellas I used outside as the wind caught them and knocked them over causing damage beyond repair!

Umbrella used outside to block direct sun from hitting my subject

Moments after taking this image a slight wind came up and slowly knocked the umbrella over. I tried to reach it in time but was too late. After resetting it back up I noticed the steel center shaft was bent to the point of breaking!

White fiberglass spokes flexed but steel shaft cracked and bent when a slight wind knocked over the umbrella

The steel shaft broke in two pieces when I tried to close the umbrella

I emailed technical support at Westcott thinking that maybe they could repair it by replacing the shaft? Instead I was informed that they would work with me to purchase a new one. I was offered a 15 percent discount code.

Conclusion and my reply by email to Westcott Technical Support:

“I feel this is a design flaw. The fiberglass spokes are a big improvement but until Westcott starts making the main shafts stronger, that will resist a fall, I won't be purchasing another. As the umbrellas is too large to be used inside of most homes and can't be used outside as the slightest wind will blow the 7' umbrella over.

Thanks anyway,

Dave Likes”