Totes Signature Golf Size Auto Open/Auto Close, Awning Stripe

This particular Totes umbrella collapses into a compact object about 13" or 14" long, and easily fits into most backpacks or large purses. When you push the button to release the umbrella, the main shaft telescopes out while the umbrella itself opens up automatically. In order to retract the umbrella, pushing the button again causes a pulley/cord system to retract the umbrella but it is up to the user to push back the spring-loaded telescoping center shaft. I found that with gloves, and the upper body strength of a young and fit male adult, it wouldn't always close properly. Talking with a co-worker who is about my age and physically fit, she also purchased a new Totes of the same design (sans the auto close feature)  and recommend pushing the center shaft against a hard object like a wall or table. I found that I could push the center cap down with my hand to retract it more easily. However, this system isn't always reliable because the pulley/cord may not retract the umbrella properly. The tiny shafts are made of fiberglass at the very edge, but the other shafts are hinged aluminum.

This Totes had very good coverage for a single person, and definitely had enough room for a second person. Unfortunately, the size of the handle is too small. It fatigues the hand very easily especially if you are fighting some gusting winds.

Although the umbrella is covered by Totes' lifetime warranty, the user pays a fixed handling fee as well as return postage. If you add these costs up, it is probably more worthwhile to go out and buy another umbrella.

UPDATE: 29 FEB 2012
I just noticed that Totes used stainless steel safety wire to hold the bottom part of the hinges. When fully collapsed, this part is very close to the handle. The problem is that the manufacturer forgot to cap the cut end of the twisted safety wire and to push it into a recessed groove. I could clearly see that the design would normally call for the assembler to push that twisted part into the groove to avoid cutting your skin or hands when operating the umbrella. I checked a co-worker's Totes umbrella of a similar configuration, and her Totes had the same safety wire except it was capped with a stainless cap and pushed into the recessed groove. It was clearly a more refined assembly than this particular Totes. Had I not caught this, I could have seriously cut myself like with a cheap dollar store umbrella. Anyone familiar with racing cars and motorcycles, or operating aircraft will know what I'm talking about with regards to safety wire.

Overall: 3/5 stars, not very easy to retract, the handle is too small but it has excellent coverage and stores in a compact size. Durability is questionable, and the cost/benefit analysis suggests just going with a less expensive no-name brand umbrella and consider it a disposable tool.