If you're considering buying this umbrella for torrential rains, this is your umbrella . . .but if you need it to block the sun, this isn't it.  I mean really . . .what were they thinking???  The black exterior, ABSORBS heat and the silver underside reflects light back on the unfortunate person holding the thing.  If you look at a car's sun shade, you'll notice, the silver lining is facing  the sun so as to reflect the light away from the car's interior.

Three stars for it's quality build and ability to stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws it's way (save heat/sun). But GustBuster makes less expensive rain umbrellas so paying extra for a task it fails miserably at, wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done so if it saves you a few bucks, I'm glad.
If you're considering buying this umbrella for torrential rains, this is your umbrella. . . but if you need it to block the sun, this isn't it. I mean really. . . what were they thinking??? The black exterior, ABSORBS heat and the silver underside reflects light back on the unfortunate person holding the thing. If you look at a car's sun shade, you'll notice, the silver lining is facing  the sun so as to reflect the light away from the car's interior. Three stars for it's quality build and ability to stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws it's way (save heat/sun). But GustBuster makes less expensive rain umbrellas so paying extra for a task it fails miserably at, wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done so if it saves you a few bucks, I'm glad.