Hello everyone, I’m in the market for some brand new cantilever Parasols to go around our pool area and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or opinions on the two brands I’m currently looking at.
The first brand/model I was looking into was the Belveo Mistral. What I like about this one is that it comes in a faux wood color for the structure, which gives off a nice resort vibe when paired with a white/off-white canopy. This parasol is unique because it moves and flaps around with the wind as the canopy is not completely attached to the rest of the Parasol, and is mostly just resting on the support arms. Apparently this helps to avoid damage during strong winds. It sounds like a good idea. I think the price seems fair (if the quality is there) for ~1200 euro per parasol. However, the parasol does not look as sturdy as some other models I’ve seen and in pictures I can see the screws and other hardware parts which is a bit tacky. Oh, and every part is replaceable if something breaks.
Product here: Parasol déporté Mistral 3x4m inclinable - Paiement sécurisé – Belveo
The next one I was looking at is the SunTop Sunflower – twice the price but it seems much more sturdy and a cleaner finish without all of the screws and stuff showing. The canopy is a traditional canopy so it’s completely attached and free to act as a giant sail in the wind (I’ll try my best not to leave it open in high winds or storms anyways). It doesn’t come in a faux wood finish but the finish still looks clean and sleek. Not sure if I’d pair it with a white canopy to keep the classic look or go for something with a bit more pop of color like bright red.
Product here: https://www.lamaisonduparasol.com/parasols/parasol-sunflower-base-housse?r=3030&gad_source=1
Does anyone have any experience with either of these models? Opinions? Reviews?
Or do you own a similar style Parasol you can vouch for that you love?
I am not keen on cantilever umbrellas at all - I think they are fundamentally flawed.
I fixed one to a very large block of concrete (approx 400kg - 900mm deep!) that I poured into the ground - but even in the slightest of wind you simply couldn’t have it up as it would try to destroy itself.
I’m with Mat on this one. We have two large cantilever parasols. Despite having concret block fixings to ground one took off in a sudden gust (not a storm or general high wind day) and ended up on the roof. It now sports a line of decorative daisies mending the rip.
When they need ro be replaced I too will go for sails. I also think they look a lot nicer
Thanks for the replies. It seems for two of you, the wind was a major problem even if it wasnt very strong.
Mark, thanks for pointing out that parasol is no longer available… I completely missed that!
Well, it seems the Belveo Mistral is the front runner now. Since the other two of you mentioned wind issues, I wonder if the Mistral solves the problem.
Also, I dont think i could do a traditional parasol with the central support because it just limits the use case possibilities. I havent looked into sails… that could be a possibility.
We used to have the issue that they provided so little shade and inevitably it was never where the table was - due to the sun being lower at 5pm when it is very hot (just not this year!)
This is what we bought in March - the price at the time was 389€. Providing you keep it away from areas of high wind, it’s very good. We also have a base which you can move around quite easily. We have this poolside.
We also have sails which are very good - they’re in our patio/outside kitchen area and providing you fix them well, they can stand quite a bit of wind.
