Umbrellas that flip inside out are more than a nuisance. They leave you soaked, stranded, and lighter in the wallet. If you have trudged through a storm with a snapped rib and a dripping handle, you know the frustration. There is a better option.
BLUNT Umbrellas were born in New Zealand, a place that knows a thing or two about wild weather. The brand set out to fix the weak points of typical umbrellas, then built products that stand up to gusts, sideways rain, and daily use. The result is a range that holds firm in heavy wind, looks smart, and packs down for city life.
How to Care for Blunt Umbrellas
After rain, leave your Blunt umbrella to dry completely (standing with the handle facing up in limited space) before placing it back in its protective sleeve. If a tip goes ‘pointy’ push it back into place. To clean, use warm water and a clean cloth to wipe off marks (do not use detergents or bristle brushes).
Also keep away from dogs (apparently some mistake umbrella handles for chew toys). You can send Blunt Umbrellas for repair, register an account first.
What Makes BLUNT Umbrellas Wind-Proof?
BLUNT’s strength starts with the frame. Standard umbrellas use thin metal ribs that kink under load. BLUNT uses fibreglass elements that flex under pressure, then return to shape. This controlled bend absorbs the hit from gusts so the frame does not snap.
The canopy is not loose fabric hanging from wire points. BLUNT uses a radial tensioning system that spreads fabric tension from the centre to the edge. The canopy is pre-tensioned, so it stays tight and smooth. There are no sharp tips at the edges either, which improves safety and reduces snagging.
In high wind, weak umbrellas invert because wind pressure spikes at a few stress points. BLUNT’s design spreads that force across reinforced ribs and a stiffened edge. The canopy keeps its shape and channels air around the structure. Independent tests have shown BLUNT models holding steady in gusts up to 110 km/h, a level that turns most umbrellas inside out.
Grip also matters. A contoured, non-slip handle helps you keep control when rain makes everything slick. That secure hold works with the balanced frame.
For scale, a compact BLUNT like the Metro opens to around 100 cm in diameter, which suits one person without getting unwieldy in crowded streets. Folded, it fits into a backpack or tote.
How does this compare to a standard umbrella? Think of a tent that is properly guyed and tensioned, then compare it to a beach parasol with a wobbly pole. Both block rain, but only one is built for wind.
Conventional umbrellas are little more than ‘rags on sticks’.
The Flexing Frame and Canopy Design
Two details set BLUNT apart in rough weather: how the frame behaves and how the canopy stays tight.
- Pre-tensioned canopy: Fabric stays taut, which sheds wind and rain more cleanly.
- Colour-coded ribs: Visual cues help with care and folding, and reflect the internal structure that spreads load across the frame.
- Reinforced tips: The rounded edge removes weak points and sharp spikes.
- Coated fabric: Water beads and rolls off, so the canopy dries faster and resists soak-through.
This combination reduces the chance of the umbrella flipping inside out. The frame flexes just enough to relieve stress, then snaps back into place. The canopy does not balloon or slacken, so wind cannot get underneath and turn it.
Portability and Ease of Use in Daily Life
A strong umbrella is no help if it is a burden to carry. BLUNT’s collapsible design answers that. The Metro model suits commuters, with a compact fold and a quick open for sudden showers. It slides under your arm or into a bag, and it weighs less than you might expect given its strength.
In practice, this means you can move through turnstiles, hop on a bus, or nip into a shop without a fight. When the rain stops, the canopy’s water-repellent finish helps it shake dry, so it does not drip all over your seat.
Conclusion
BLUNT umbrellas solve the core problems that make most umbrellas fail. The fibreglass frame flexes rather than snaps, the tensioned canopy resists inversion up to 110 km/h, and the handle gives a secure grip in wet hands. Add smart colours, and you have a tool that fits your life as well as the weather.
If you want a windproof umbrella that lasts with a 2-year global warranty this brand has New Zealand engineering at its heart. Ready to stay dry on the next wild day? Choose your style, and step out with confidence.