A day at the beach is probably the best way to enjoy the summer. Waves rush, the sun shines – only the wind blows the umbrella away. This should be avoided, because in addition to sunscreen, the sunshade is primarily used to protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays. The UV radiation is usually particularly high in summer and is given by the German weather service with the UV index.
According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, you should take protective measures for your skin from a UV index of level three. A look at the UV index is always worthwhile if you want to enjoy the day in the fresh air. According to the weather service, on Monday, June 19, 2023, it was far above that across Germany. Reason enough to take an umbrella to the beach. Only the right model is missing.
The main difference between a good and a bad parasol is its tip, which you stick in the sand. In cheap models, it usually only tapers to a point. Better models offer a drill-like head that can be twisted into the sand. This allows the parasol to be anchored deeper in the sand, which provides a little more security in windy conditions.
Models that can be attached to the ground with pegs or sandbags go even further. Otherwise, cheap parasols differ from slightly more expensive ones in their head part. This can be tilted and rotated on better parasols, so you don’t have to reposition the parasol as the sun dips lower during the day.
Such a parasol is, for example, this model from Sekey. Its drilling tip is ten centimeters long, and the height of the rest of the parasol measures 1.55 meters when set up. According to the manufacturer, it has a diameter of 1.80 meters when unfolded. With that he should cast a shadow for two adults. According to the manufacturer, it blocks 99.99 percent of UV rays. Sekey also states that the head of the umbrella can be rotated and tilted. Of course, the screen is also adjustable in height. A carry bag is included.
The SportBrella Premiere takes a slightly different approach. This is a kind of hybrid of parasol and beach shelter. The pole of the parasol is pushed sideways into the sand. On the back of the umbrella there are additional loops for pegs that you attach to the sand, which provides even more security on windy days. Of course, this means that the advantages of the umbrella compared to the beach shell are lost, because sitting on a chair underneath is no longer possible due to this condition.
After all, thanks to the ample shade diameter of 244 centimetres, two adults can be accommodated on a towel underneath. However, it is likely that you will need to position the parasol differently throughout the day as the sun moves. This is where umbrellas with an adjustable head section have the edge. As far as protection against UV radiation is concerned, the manufacturer specifies a textile sun protection of UPF 50. This means that 98 percent of the UV radiation does not come through the fabric of the umbrella. Of course, a carrying bag is included in the scope of delivery.
The most expensive parasol in this comparison is the Sunphio model. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not reveal which UV protection factor the umbrella offers. All he says is that the umbrella has four layers that block UV rays and are supposed to be windproof. What makes the umbrella special is its security options. A kind of anchor with three prongs serves as a base for a sandy beach, which should guarantee a particularly high hold. On very windy days, you can attach the umbrella to three loops with pegs. Of course, the parasol can also be adjusted in height and can be rotated and tilted – when the pegs are not being used. A carry bag is included.
If you already own a parasol that you know likes to fly away, an umbrella stand is worth considering. Here you have the choice of an attachment or an inflatable umbrella stand. The advantage of the inflatable umbrella stand is that it can also be used for pebbly beaches. Once filled with air, simply weigh it down with sand or stones (maximum 15 kilograms) and then insert the umbrella. A small pump is included so you don’t run out of air in the heat.
If you go to the sandy beach, you can also buy an attachment for the umbrella. Here you have the choice between an anchor or spike, as with the Sunphio model, or a drill attachment, which we already know from the Sekey parasol. However, you should prefer the anchor or trident, simply because it is also suitable for lawns if you also want to set up the umbrella in the garden, camping or fishing.
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