The Indestructible Umbrella Standard Model Walking Stick Straight Handle Defense

Missing my traditional walking stick umbrella, which finally broke after years of faithful service, I was thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to find a replacement with self defense features. I hoped this would at least insure its durability and performance in hard rain and wind like I require walking around in stormy Northeast coastal weather. After research, decided to try The Indestructible Umbrella Standard Model Walking Stick. It matched features of The Unbreakable Walking-Stick Umbrella, with a much cheaper price - one fifth, currently.I also purchased a compact Indestructible Umbrella. I mention it because this "walking stick" model under review is the only one in their "Indestructible..." line of self defense umbrellas which actually has genuinely intended self defense features. The rest are pure snake oil - ShedRain umbrellas designed and manufactured for nothing else than fighting rain and wind. To be fair, as ordinary umbrellas, I like their quality for the price. So I've only knocked off a point for shady salesmanship.This particular model is really a ShedRain 3620A WindJammer auto-open vented 62" golf umbrella. "Indestructible..." customized it by adding a two and a half inch, solid steel point at the end of the tip. IMHO, it's a good value for the money. It's a real self defense weapon and quality performing umbrella with justifiable price even for its everyday purpose. That's my objective assessment of how good a self defense golf umbrella product this is.My personal experience, has been a learning one. Getting older, my real objective is to get an umbrella that doubles as a functional walking stick. It needs to be sturdy enough to support my 200 lbs, comfortable to hold and most importantly, has to be 35" long to fit my 5'10" height.This model measures 39" long. Its handle is straight. There is no way to hold it horizontally, on the end. This forces me to grip it vertically from the side, like a trekking pole. It's uncomfortable on my wrist for longer walks. On trekking and ski poles the hand is supported by a wide strap that is attached from under the handle. Given the umbrella locking mechanism location, there is no room to tie one. There is a hole in the end of the handle and a doubled loop of thin nylon ripcord installed in it. It's a generous length of strong cord, but I found it difficult to configure in any way helpful to hand/wrist comfort.The tip is as sharp as a trekking pole's. This is only good for dirt roads and stony trails. For the average city walk on pavement and floor, a rubber tip will be required to prevent slipping. Yes, the shiny metal point is very visibly nasty for threatening a would-be assailant. "J-just hold on a minute, dude, while I take off my rubber tip"...they don't pull off fast. Uncorked, however, I'm concerned it will attract undue negative suspicion. In cramped places like subways, a bare point's more likely to be a hazard to myself and innocent bystanders. My bigger problem with the tip has been how heavy it is. While not adding too much to the overall weight, it's enough at one end to completely unbalance the umbrella. I noticed during normal use, holding it up or walking with it, that the extra heaviness on the opposite end caused strain and pain on my wrist and elbow - said by a chef who slings around 30 lb roasts like footballs, working at a restaurant. Take it from a practical self defense veteran, too, this issue will be even more problematic for movements required to fend off a real attack.I knock off a second point for this item's one flaw, so far - it's very difficult to close the catch on it. I'm no weakling, but on many occasions, struggle just the same, with several attempts, before being successful in closing it. "Don't be waving that switchblade around, man...'til I get this umbrella c-closed."If this was a comfortable walking stick for me, carried in hand, it wouldn't feel like such a burden, but let's face it, it's bulky. On a city street, a 62" diameter is overkill-sized for a single person and 39" length, clumsy to hustle around. It comes with a nice cover, but not a carrying strap. I would say this jumbo requires one so it can be slung over your shoulder, like a rifle. In any sane self defense system, step #1: always run away. Any sign of serious trouble, I'm dropping anything which may slow down boogieing out of danger ASAP - guess what gets ditched first? Could snag and hang me, scrambling down a fire escape.To transport as a straight handled golf umbrella, it doesn't take up more space than any other stick in your bag. The fabric is very light duty, which could be a problem in torrential downpours. But on the green, you'll be blocking sun/UV more than fending off hard rain. On your average golf coarse, however, aren't you less likely to find muggers? And if you do get into a deadly T-off dispute, at your disposal is a whole arsenal of metal headed clubs. In a clinch, are you likely to reach in your golf bag first, for a light umbrella? So...why bother with the heavy, pointy steel tip part at all?Now in an urban situation, things are likely to be cramped. Inside, with low ceilings, there are fewer swinging options with a cane sized stick. If you're thinking that a jumbo sized golf umbrella just isn't practical for many of your average EDC situations, then maybe not only don't bother with this product, but also it's expensive competitor, the Unbreakable model U-111. That one comes with 2 rubber tips and sometimes a carrying strap - like they realize everything wrong with the whole length issue. Even their original U-115 Crook-handled Unbreakable Umbrella is 37", only comfortable for walking if you're 6'2".All considered, this umbrella just isn't practical for my needs. I've totally talked myself out of bothering finding a new walking stick umbrella, too. Learned from all this that for my activities a compact umbrella is the most convenient, versatile rain gear . IMHO it's also a more effective EDC, .Still have your heart set on a walking stick self defense umbrella? This is the genuine article for only $30. If you liked what I said about it as a golf umbrella, this ShedRain model, without pointy steel tip, currently sells elsewhere for $20. You can find the manual version for $10.

Negative: handle pulls off with < 10lbs pressure. Unusable out of the box. Most likely: ineffective epoxy. Recommendation: steel rivets.Positive: solid construction for everything except the handle.Summary: for the price, a much higher quality item was expected. A proper handle that cannot be ripped out of your hands should be mandatory. Producer: reconsider your design.

Poorly Constructed & Breaks Easily!! The Locking Mechanism Broke & The Steel Tip Broke Off After Less Than Two Years!! I Want It Replaced Or Refunded To Me! William Wilkins

first five minuts, the handle felt of, indestructible?? this is a joke

I don’t know ab the self defense aspect but the metal tip is useful to poke into the ground. The plastic tips at the end of the umbrella have been popping off but nothing has broken yet. The opening mechanism works well.

Arrived broken not durable or indestructible. Then they want it returned to get a refund. To much hassle not worth it at all.🤮

Heavy duty light weight walking / fighting aid

good value

I had been looking at this item for some time now and decided to buy. Good decision. Fast delivery and meets my expectations for an all around tool for travelling. So far have not had any issues but will take the Umbrella on vacation to Cuba and Bermuda.

Works OK so far as I know.

Excellent a must buy for everyone

Everey thing is ok Thanks.

Excellent Produit Merci

Certes, je ne l'ai pas acheté pour "sortir à l'Opéra", mais pour faire office de "canne de défense": mais le look est "à chier"... Rien que de le voir, le passant "lamda" le voit autre que simple parapluie. Re travailler le look est une urgence.