Pop-Up Canopies
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Two companies dominate the pop-up market: EZ-Up and Quik-Shade. The EZ-Up is the original pop-up canopy, with a huge presence in the commercial market. The Quik-Shade models are generally less expensive, and some models have the UV-lining. Repair parts are readily available, and they each offer a variety of accessories, including solid and screen sides, corner weights, and heavy-duty carry bags. EZ-Up also offers a rain gutter, which links two canopies together for better coverage. Both have good reputations and are well represented at trials; your decision may depend more on regional availability than anything else. I've included specs on the commercial products for clubs that may be looking for heavier duty canopies.

E-Z Up

The E-Z Up is the granddaddy of all canopies - they were the first to come up with the accordion style framework, and have been making commercial-grade products for years. I don't know how long they've been in the consumer market with their lower end products.

  • Review:
    Pros: proven technology and well-established company (we've been using the commercial models for car racing for years); easy to set up; easy to clip on sunshade fabric to sides to adjust as sun moves; wide range of available accessories (sides, screens, etc.)
    Cons: hard to find a local source (at least in the SF Bay Area) if you need it in a hurry.
    Feedback: "The Domes seen to stand up a little better than the Quick Shade...(observation only)"; The same friend that reported the Kelty situation also stated that she can easily set it up her E-Z Up by herself, and she only weighs about 120 lbs.

  • Specifications: I was able to find many more details at Sportsman's Mercantile, a discount e-tailer of E-Z Up canopies.  Check out their feature comparison table and their summary price chart.

Model

Fabric Base Dim Top Dim

Weight

Prices

Comments

PERSONAL USE
    10'x10' same 46# $140-$200  
Domes 150D         angled legs
Dome II   9.5’x9.5’ 7’8”x7’8” 34# $120-$170  
Pyramid II 250D 9.5’x9.5’ 6’7”x6’7” 30# $171-$200 angled legs, taller than Domes
    10’x10’ 9’x9’ 36# $200-$260  
Express II 250D 10'x10' same 51# $230-$280 straight legs
COMMERCIAL USE
Enterprise II 375D or 500D 10'x10' same 61# $280-$350 straight legs
Speed Shelter II 500D 8'x12' same 58# $302-$350 straight legs
Eclipse II 500D 8'x8' same 57# $441-$485 straight legs
    10'x10' same 70# $504-$555  
    10'x15' same 86# $621-$686  
    10'x20' same 188# $808-$888  
 

Quik-Shade

Quik-Shade makes several models and sizes; I've listed five of the models with their size options. The Weekender model has angled legs - I think it's probably stronger geometry to compensate for the lighter framework. So the base measurement and the canopy measurement are not the same - for instance, the 10'x10' Weekender actually has an 8'x8' canopy. Which makes the 8'x8' Weekender pretty useless in my opinion, because the canopy is even smaller. The rest of the models have upright legs so the measurement is true.

  • Review:
    Pros: similar design to E-Z Up with same advantages; more available online; less expensive than E-Z Up; UV-protective lining; accessories available.
    Cons: unproven company and unknown long-term durability.
    Feedback: "We had a rain storm and about 15 to 25 mile an hour winds and [my Quick Shade] was one of the few that stayed up and in place, where the EZ-up had to be taken down and several others went flying into the parking lot."; "I own a quik shade and love it. Actually I think the top is better than the EZ up."; "I haven't had any personal experience with them but the people I know who have used both prefer the Quick Shade product over the EZ-up."; "We have had both the EZ-up and the Quik Shade. The Quik Shade is sturdier and easier to put up. I would go with the Quik Shade. Both our EZ-ups got bent and ripped before they should have."

  • Specifications: By far the best source of information and product is  Cookin' Campers.  The Quik-Shade website really stinks - it was built using Macromedia Flash instead of HTML, so it's slow and very hard to navigate.

Model

Fabric Base Dim Top Dim

Weight

Prices

Comments

PERSONAL USE
Weekender 150D 8.5'x8.5' 6'x6' 36# $100-$110 angled legs
    10'x10' 8'x8' 44# $120-$150  
    10'x10' 8'x12' 48# $140-$175 no vertical eaves
    12'x12' 9'x9' 57# $155-$190  
Recreational 250D 10'x10' same 60# $150-$200

straight legs

COMMERCIAL USE
Compact 300D 10'x10' same 67# $190-$350 straight legs, folds to 45-3/4" long
    10'x10' same 47# $260-$310 same as above, but aluminum
Corporate 300D 10'x10' same 72# $200  
Professional 600D 10'x10' same   $250  
    10'x10' same 39# $300 same as above, but aluminum
 

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Last updated 11/07/2010

© Holly Newman 2000-2016. All rights reserved.
Photos for owner's use only. Reproduction or commercial use allowed only with permission of both owner and photographer.