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G4Free Golf Umbrella Review

A great option for those wanting extra room or coverage that can be easily shared with another person
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G4Free Golf Umbrella Review (On a rainy day, it is hard not to appreciate the wide protection such a large canopy can provide.)
On a rainy day, it is hard not to appreciate the wide protection such a large canopy can provide.
Credit: Sara Aranda
Price:  $24 List
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Manufacturer:   G4Free
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 20, 2024
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 12
  • Rain Protection - 30% 9.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 4.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Versatility - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The G4Free Golf Umbrella is more traditional but made with a larger canopy. The extra width and depth allow for greater rain protection and the opportunity to share the canopy with another person. For its size, we find the design to be well-balanced and not overly cumbersome to wield, but it is notably the heaviest umbrella we've tested thus far. Its fixed-length means it won't fit easily into a bag or in certain spaces, but the sleeve comes with a sling. We believe this model is best used in casual settings or short commutes and is especially suited for those wanting to share an umbrella more comfortably. Our review of the best umbrellas shows how it stacks up versus competing products.
REASONS TO BUY
Clean design
Fairly easy to use
Large canopy
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Not as easy to transport
Editor's Note: This review was updated on March 20, 2024, with updated photos and video.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Room enough for two but heavy and not the easiest to tote aroundA more traditional, quality model at a great priceReliable automatic open and close capability with added style notesThe see-through canopy on this fun umbrella is more protective against the rainOf average quality and functionality, but with fun style
Rating Categories G4Free Golf Umbrella totes Auto Open Wooden Balios Double Canopy totes Clear Bubble SY Compact Automatic
Rain Protection (30%)
9.0
8.0
6.0
9.0
5.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
4.0
5.0
6.0
5.0
8.0
Construction Quality (20%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Ease of Use (15%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Versatility (10%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Specs G4Free Golf Umbrella totes Auto Open Wooden Balios Double Canopy totes Clear Bubble SY Compact Automatic
Measured Canopy Diameter 52.0 in 42.0 in 40.0 in 33.5 in 38.0 in
Depth of Canopy 12.0 in 10.25 in 9.0 in 16.75 in 6.5 in
Sleeve Included Yes, w/ shoulder sling No Yes, with zip No Yes
Measured Weight (including sleeve) 24.6 oz 18.5 oz 15.5 oz 16.0 oz 11.0 oz
Measured Length (collapsed) 39.75 in 36.5 in 14.0 in 35.75 in 11.25 in
Measured Length (deployed) 40.0 in 36.75 in 25.5 in 35.75 in 22.0 in
Handle Design Long foam handle and plastic trim, inset button operation Wooden crook handle, button operation Wooden ergonimic grip, inset button operation Acrylic crook handle Short, rubberized, non-slip handle, inset button operation
Canopy Material 210T pongee fabric (polyester) Polyester, velcro closure 300 thread-count water repellent fabric, snap fastener Thermoplastic polyurethane, snap fastener 210T pongee fabric (polyester), velcro closure
Support Structure Fiberglass and unknown metal Wood and aluminum Steel and fiberglass Aluminum and carbon fiber Aluminum and fiberglass

Our Analysis and Test Results

The G4Free Golf Umbrella is made with polyester 210T pongee fabric, fiberglass, and a foam handle, and has two velcro closures when it's time to pack it up. In addition, it comes with a unique sleeve with a sling to carry this rather large model. Features include an auto-open button and wind vents in the canopy. Still, the main perk and highlight of this model is its ability to more comfortably fit two people underneath (as compared to the other standard options).

Performance Comparison


g4free golf umbrella - the double canopy helps with higher wind events.
The double canopy helps with higher wind events.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Rain Protection


Ranking high in this metric, the more expansive canopy of the G4Free offers greater overall rain protection. The diameter measures 52 inches, which is quite generous. The depth measures approximately 12 inches, and the arc length ranges from 56 to 60.5 inches. The octagonal shape is undoubtedly spacious because of these design aspects. Due to its depth and width, we could hide much more of ourselves beneath the canopy. Even if we tilted the umbrella back to rest the shaft against a shoulder, we weren't compromising rain protection in the same way that can happen with smaller and shallower models.


This model prioritizes size and, therefore, coverage, which occupies a unique niche in the umbrella market. As there are to-be-expected drawbacks to its enormity, it serves well as an option for those wanting to share the canopy space with another. Granted, using an umbrella to shield oneself from the rain isn't perfect, no matter the size, shape, or clever design attributes. Two people can certainly squeeze beneath a standard model, but this one offers a more relaxed alternative. And as wind vents become more common, we appreciate this added feature to allow for more reliable use and steadiness in the wind.

g4free golf umbrella - with ample depth and a wide diameter, this model is very reliable.
With ample depth and a wide diameter, this model is very reliable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Ease of Transport


Unfortunately, due to its sheer size and weight, this is the metric the G4Free suffers in the most. Weighing in at 24.6 ounces (1.54 pounds), it's one of the heaviest umbrellas we've tested. And, since it is of fixed length, this model measures 39.75 inches from end to end, even when packed. When the canopy is open, the length is about 40 inches in total, not to mention the diameter being an impressive 52 inches. The bottom line is, there's a lot of umbrella to move around.


The design does not include a crook handle and instead has a straight foam-based handle that is seven inches in length. It's hard to say whether a crook would have been easier to hold or not, especially since the structure seems well-balanced. Of course, after longer periods of time, holding the umbrella up gets tiring, but since the shaft is so long (30.75 inches in total), we can easily rest it against a shoulder, diminishing arm fatigue. The biggest drawback is its lack of convenience for stowing. When packed, we appreciate the added sling to the sleeve to aid in carrying it, but stashing it in the car isn't as easy, and finding an adequate bag for it is just impossible. Not having a crook handle means you can't easily hook it onto your arm while you walk, and you can't hang it by its handle at the coffee shop, but, again, if you put it back in its sleeve, you can at least hang it by its sling.

g4free golf umbrella - shown packed away in its sleeve with the attached sling, the length...
Shown packed away in its sleeve with the attached sling, the length and weight can be deemed a bit inconvenient.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Construction Quality


The fiberglass shaft of the G4Free is relatively thick, which certainly instills confidence in us. The overall construction seems well done, and nothing ever rattled or felt like it would snap from casual, general use. During our wind test, the canopy inverted at 20 mph, which is actually better than most umbrellas. With the canopy pointed directly into the wind, it collapsed at around 40 mph, which is also rather impressive. The structure didn't suffer any damage, either.


We can foresee a hazard in that this umbrella is simply so large, and if left on the floor near a high-traffic area, one might accidentally step on it. On another note, there was a day when we noticed one of the ribs had come out of the end cap. The cap itself is sewn to the canopy, and if you stretch the canopy away from one of the ribs, then the cap can easily be pulled off, exposing the rib. So, when we noticed that one of the ribs was sticking out beyond the canopy, it was an easy fix to place the cap back on, but we wondered why these caps weren't glued or attached in a more permanent manner. If this were to keep happening — and so easily — then we think this could compromise the integrity of long-term durability, its functionality, and, of course, its desire to be used. Nonetheless, we feel this model yields an above-average quality.

A closer look at the soundly built structure and quality canopy material.

Ease of Use


We find this model to be fairly middle-of-the-road when it comes to this metric. Since it's so large, convenience is diminished when compared to the quick and convenient compact models. But it does have an auto-open feature, which is quickly utilized with the press of a plastic button. Manually closing it up is also smooth and easy to do — much easier than many of the auto-close competitors since those designs require a lot more tension for their spring-loading mechanics (which can require a bit of muscle to collapse). So we appreciate the simple runner of the G4Free.


During our repeated open/close test, we noticed that our thumbs often caught the plastic edge surrounding the button due to it being quite large. When you have a smaller button, your entire thumb doesn't depress with it, preventing your thumb from scraping or catching on any edges. This is a rather subtle and nuanced critique, but it is nonetheless something we noticed happening. Overall, the more minimalistic yet large design has some pros and cons, yielding a product that isn't difficult to use but is also rather far from the top competitors in the group. In regards to sun protection, we also feel that the fabric could have been a little more opaque.

g4free golf umbrella - we were surprised to find the g4free canopy is somewhat see-through...
We were surprised to find the G4Free canopy is somewhat see-through when the sun comes out.
Credit: Sara Aranda

Versatility


We've noticed that black-painted shafts and stretchers are really popular these days, and we agree that the color is often associated with modern and chic fashion trends. Certainly more so than exposed metal or raw-looking materials. The canopy color we tested was a very unassuming forest green, which is a color that never really goes out of style. It's easy to coordinate an outfit with it, if that's your thing, and more versatile across various settings, from the more professional to the casual.


The G4Free doesn't feel as stylish as many of the other, more compact designs in our testing group. We think it is on the more modest, antique-inspired end of the spectrum, and it is definitely noticeable due to its sheer size. At the time of this review, there were quite a few other colors and patterns that this model came in, some darker and some brighter. But, as I'm sure you've noticed, the name of the umbrella itself, the G4Free Golf, hints at versatility. Blocking out sunlight is certainly a perk if you are a golfer, and the sheer size is spacious and typical of golf umbrellas. But since it is so large, traveling with it won't be as easy, nor is it ideal for extended walks as the size and weight of it can become tiresome.

g4free golf umbrella - we liked how the autumnal color pairs with many of our outfits...
We liked how the autumnal color pairs with many of our outfits during such a transitional season.
Credit: Sara Aranda

Should You Buy the G4Free Golf Umbrella?


Made in China, this model is of relative value. For the amount and quality of umbrella you're getting, the price seems both fair and affordable. There are higher quality models out there, but we appreciate the low commitment cost and high rain protection. In the end, the G4Free Golf Umbrella is most notable for its size, especially if you're looking for a standard quality umbrella that can cover two people. While not the fanciest or easiest to transport, it certainly keeps us dry when needed and in the shade when it is sunny.

What Other Umbrellas Should You Consider?


The totes Auto Open Wooden isn't quite as large but still has an expansive canopy. If you need something much simpler and more compact, consider the very affordable Lanbrella Reverse umbrella, which has a unique reverse design when it collapses down.

The large canopy provides excellent rain protection.
Credit: Natalie Kafader


Sara Aranda