The lucite-looking handle tip is very attractive, but it broke off the first time I dropped it (only from a height of waist-level to the floor).  Without the lucite part, the handle is a jagged stump and there's no cord.  Prior to the damage, I did also notice a bit of stickiness in the auto-open/close feature even though I only had it two months or so.  The umbrella still performs great once open, but I don't really use it as a result of the handle damage (the stickiness I could deal with).  I fully expect that Totes will honor their amazing warranty and provide a replacement, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.  I love the look and color of this umbrella, but I'd just as soon have a plain handle instead of an interesting handle that's more fragile.