Top positive review
196 people found this helpful
Great canopy, but compare all models before buying
By SE on Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2012
I bought this from Amazon Warehouse at a discount since it had a damaged shipping box. The canopy arrived in great shape, but was missing the roller bag (presumably it was lost when the box was torn open). I did an online web chat directly with E-Z UP, and they sent me a replacement right away without charging me for the bag or shipping. Excellent top notch service from E-Z UP!The canopy is very nice, very well made, and similar to all other E-Z UP canopy products in design. However, since this is the first one I have personally owned and looked at carefully while assembling it, there are two things about this model that surprised me.First, it is surprisingly heavy. I don't think my wife could carry it. The case has wheels, so she could probably wheel it to the car and get it in the trunk, but it would be tough for her to lift and move around otherwise. I have setup friends' canopies, but never really moved them around, so I don't know if this model is any heavier than others [I have since looked at several brands and models--this one has a heavier duty steel structure which makes it heavier, and it is relatively large for a portable canopy]. I was just surprised by how hefty this model was. [I have since received a sarcastic remark on Amazon comments indicating that "44 pounds" isn't heavy. It actually weighs over 50 pounds, which to me, is more than I want to carry around for more than a few feet--this isn't a weightlifting contest. My point was: Try lugging around a 50 pound object the next time you go camping, to the beach, or to a picnic in a park. Try dragging 50 pounds across 500 feet of sand at the beach with your umbrella, chairs, ice chest, towels, blankets, sand toys, and two kids. If it isn't being setup within 30 feet of my trunk, or there isn't a nice smooth path to roll the thing along, I'm not bringing this canopy.]Second, the main "arch" beams on this model only have a single hinge in the center. This means that they look somewhat weak or flimsy, as they are relatively long and pivot around a single small screw. When the canopy is put up, these long arms aren't all straight or properly aligned. Not a big deal since the canopy isn't supporting any weight, but it looks like a weak spot in an otherwise very well built product. This might be the same design used by most / all models, but just an observation.These long arms also seem to make putting up the canopy very hard, as you have to put a lot of upward pressure on each corner to get the arch to expand fully. And it's extremely difficult for one person to put this canopy up--I did it by myself and it was very tedious and laborious working in circles to move each corner outward gradually. 2-4 people make the process much easier.But once it is up, it's great. The fabric is nice and tight and held on well with the velcro at each corner. And the canopy is very stable and solid. The fabric is pretty tough, well sewn, and should hold up well.Taking the thing down and putting it away is much easier, and can be done by one person in a few minutes. I had the thing back in the bag in maybe 10 minutes. If you remove the fabric top, just make sure to pay attention how to fold the fabric to get it back in the bag. It's not difficult or complex, just spend a few seconds looking at the folds when you unpack it, and it will save you time putting it away.I got a good price on this particular Pyramid model, but one frustration I had when shopping was that E-Z UP (and Amazon) seems to have limited information about the different models that are available, so I wasn't sure which one I wanted and what the pros / cons were of the different models. I would recommend doing more shopping and research, as it may help you make a more informed purchase based on your needs.It's exactly what I wanted for outdoor family events, outdoor recreation activities, camping, etc. I would have preferred a white model instead of the bright blue, but since I got this from Amazon Warehouse at a discount, I didn't have a choice on the color.Again, based on my experience, the customer service at E-Z UP is top notch, so I have zero concerns about support, service, or getting replacement / repair parts in the future. I'll be using it this weekend at a family get together, so I'll try and take some photos to post.UPDATE 1: Since using my canopy a few times, I'm now paying attention to other canopies that I see to compare them. Here's what I've learned so far:1. The 10' model is pretty big for portable canopies. If you don't need one that large, you can save weight and perhaps cost by going with a smaller one.2. This canopy is all steel, and heavy duty, which is why it is heavy. I saw some aluminum models at the beach, and those are presumably significantly lighter, although the aluminum may not be as strong or durable as the steel.3. I've added some photos.4. Regarding the other review that gives 1 star and says the canopy broke after 5 uses, I think I've made it clear that the E-Z UP customer service is excellent. If something breaks, I would call, e-mail, or do an online chat with them. Based on my experience, they'll work to resolve the problem.12/10/2012: UPDATE 2: I attended an outdoor class in the mountains recently and the 30% chance of intermittent rain forecast turned out to be 100% chance of rain all day long. We spent 7 hours in the pouring rain, and luckily I brought my E-Z UP so we were all able to huddle under it during breaks. Everyone was grateful that I brought it, and it kept all of our gear dry. And I was thankful that I had the 10 foot model, since it was plenty big enough to completely cover a picnic table with room to spare.The canopy was fantastic in the rain. The canopy material repels water, or is coated with silicone, so the rain just rolled right off and didn't leak through the fabric. However, there is a stitched seam in the middle of the canopy, and the stitching holes did let water through. It was minimal--just light dripping, but it may be something you'll want to address before relying on it in the rain.After my rain day, I picked up some Coleman Seam Sealer (the most recommended, due to its applicator on the bottle) from the local wally world camping section and thoroughly coated both sides of the stitched seam (just make sure to let it dry thoroughly). The sealer remains slightly visible and looks kind of ugly if you look closely, but I doubt you could tell from 10 feet away, and nobody will care if it is raining and the E-Z Up is keeping them dry.I have another outdoor class this weekend, and the forecast is 40% chance of showers, so this time I'm ready.I love this canopy. In the short time I've had it and few times I've used it, it's been well worth the investment.April 2013: UPDATE 3: In late December 2012, I took the Pyramid II out to the desert. There was light rain in the morning that the canopy handled with ease. But in the afternoon, the wind picked up. I used 10" nails as stakes and tons of paracord to tie the canopy down. It all worked quite well until the wind hit 40+ mph in the late afternoon. The entire canopy was lifting off the ground and it took two guys just to hold it down, keep it from flying away, and disassemble it. I thought the canopy would be destroyed, but it held on like a champ. One portion of the fabric that was constantly flapping in the wind and rubbing against the frame had a 3" hole worn in it. And the force of the wind caused the frame to move so much that it bent two of the "struts" on one side. But it folded right up and didn't fail on me. EZ-UP has replacement parts available for order on their web site (at ezupdirect dot com), but the Pyramid II struts were always out of stock--the web site doesn't let you back order. I finally called them and they back-ordered the parts for me. I received the fabric repair kit and one set of struts, but am still waiting on the second type of strut--it seems that repair parts for their consumer models can be difficult to obtain. But my canopy has now been through pouring rain and punishing wind and survived with minor battle scars. I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of this canopy.May 2014: UPDATE 4: After having the canopy for a few years and using it many, many times, the weight doesn't really bother me as much. It is just as heavy, but I've become used to lugging it around and dragging it in and out of the car and don't really notice it anymore. (But I still wouldn't take it to the beach where I have to walk a half mile.) My sister-in-law borrowed it and used it several times and loved it--but found that it did require 3-4 people for her to setup and take down easily.The only problem I've had so far is that the zipper on the roller bag is much too small and weak for something this big and heavy. I tried to be pretty careful with the zipper, but some time in 2013 the zipper started separating and then the metal zipper came off one side completely, so it is no longer usable. I still use the roller bag (which still works fine), but the bottom just flops around.But the canopy still works fine and is going strong despite a fair amount of use and abuse.After using my EZ-UP, a friend went to WalMart and bought a cheap Coleman canopy. The Coleman model lasted maybe 3 uses before it fell apart and was unusable. You definitely get what you pay for with EZ-UP vs. other brands. This canopy is simple, solid, and tough.July 2014: UPDATE 4: After just over two years of use, the roller bag is falling apart. The fabric around the two handles on the sides is starting to fall apart, so I expect the handles to tear off after a few more uses. The replacement price of $99 on Amazon seems excessive, so I may call them to see if they have any warranty on the bag. If not, I will probably break out the heavy duty duct tape.
Top critical review
1 people found this helpful
Tent good, bag not so much
By Susan Franklin on Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2014
I sell fresh produce at a farmer's market twice a week and bought this for that use. It is my third E-Z UP in as many years. I budget it for one new one a year due to the wind problems. I have to use weights because we set up on concrete and about 1 time a year, the wind and rain gets so bad that the tent gets bent so bad there is no saving it. I am always pleased with E-Z UP products, they are quick to go up and down, store well, transport well and generally do what is expected from the product. Bad news-the bag zipper broke the first time I put it away! I have not gotten a chance to try and get it handled by company yet, we shall see if they will replace or not. The bag fits way too tight and is hard to use! E-Z UP leads the field in my opinion...I hope this one lasts the necessary year!
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