Canopy disasters

So we're out camping last weekend and a Quick-Shade canopy collapes in light winds. The thing just failed, folded, and smashed my favorite surf rod to pieces on the way. After picking the thing up and looking at the flimsy design of  the truss connections I'm sort of surprised the thing could stand on its own to start with. Anyone else have trouble with Quick-Shade? Any good 10' X 10' canopy recommendations out there?

Perchy
RIP
2005-2009
 

Terrifying! 

As a lifeguard at UCLA, I had the same thing happen.  I was guarding at Men's Gym Pool during a morning shift, this huge pop up shade got picked up and slammed right on top of the Master's Coach.  I guess the impact was of such a force, two of the legs broke!  He reacted quickly enough to drop to ground.  Luckily it came back down at an angle, only trapping him, instead of delivering a crushing blow.  Surely would've been good night charlie with that kind of impact

Bummer about the perch rod. And unfortunately, I don't have any recommendations for a new canopy. I did witness the destruction of a cheapo from Costco a couple years ago...and it wasn't even THAT windy.

Do you guys have these anchored to the ground???

I don't know the brand but the one I got at Sports Authority seems very sturdy, and came with stakes for the feet, 10x10, around $100.

I've seen most of these canopy's last 3-4 trips at max... But I do like my EZ-UP, which seems a  bit more well built than some of these fragile sun shades. 

Got me through Reggae on the River, BAM, and several other camping long trips last year.  Had to oil it after the second or third trip, cause the joints started to get stuck when folding and unfolding.  I don't think that it could survive a roll, but I always anchor it down.

Do you guys have these anchored to the ground???

Yep staked and weighted. The feet stayed put, but the trusses snapped in a light breeze.

I called customer service and they basically told me that they can't warranty the canopies from wind - Any wind at all. No breathing around them either. Crazy thing is that there were four undamaged canopies right next to it, one is 6 years old.

Maybe they are only intended for indoor use???

Here is where the failure started according to my structural engineer neighbor...

Last year while cleaning up at my Hensley Lake event, as I was organizing my vehicle to fit the canopy a wind came up and lifted the "Pop-Up" about 30 feet and carried it about 50 yards. The end result was not good but at least there wasn't anybody under it when it came down. Prior to that it was staked and had no problems for the past 3 years. 
Eric

 I had one anchored in the back yard.  A light gust came through and folded the legs in half.  The stakes held, the canopy didn't.  I tried rewelding the breaks, but the metal is so thin is just burned through.  It was the first time I ever put it up.  I was using it to shade the kid's pool, good thing they were not in it at the time.  I doubt I will ever mess with one again.  Matt

  I use a 10x10 Ez-up, got it at Costco, probably 10 or so yrs back, had it a BAM IV.  Its heavy, and PITA for open to open & set up alone, but I manage to get it done.  I do stake it with the large "10 nails"  The canopy has a few holes from firepit ember's, the collapsible support arms are still working really well, the carry bag, well, its duct taped together, sadly it hasn't lasted as long as it contents.  Overall I really happy with it.  It is a heavy Sum $%^&* though.

We bought a 10'x13' for our backyard deck. By the time I got it assembled, night was falling, so I made a mental note to screw it onto the deck when I got home the next day. Well, there was a storm the next day, and when I got home and walked into the backyard, the thing was gone - no trace. It turns out that the wind picked it up and flung it onto the roof. This thing was at least 80 lbs. It was all mangled, but rather that buy a new one I rebuilt the tubular steel mess with aluminum stock and it lasted for about three more years.

I almost forgot that, but for this thread...

I was thinking of getting one of those things.
Now think I better not 
Thanks for the warning

If you wear a nice shady hat, it'll never come down 'n bashya.
Toooo much technology, dude....

Judd

My daughter was on a traveling Swim team and we saw a lot of close calls with these things one time at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek at the North Coast Finals a gust came up and half the 100 or so were airborne and destroyed her Team had the "Quik Shade" Commercial with the Vents and leg weights and they were fine and lasted about 3 seasons. I think they are about $200 without the weights.

I want a canopy but I don't think a free standing will last with the winds on the coast. I think I am going to make one that can run from the lumber rack of my trailer to some very big stakes like the ones you screw into the ground for tying out a dog. I was thinking a 12x14 piece of heavy canvas or military netting.