Pop-Up

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

Online Sources: Sportsman's Mercantile - excellent selection and prices, great comparison charts
Made in the Shade - rebuilt canopies, parts and accessories
Cabelas, EZ-Up Direct, Oshman's
Store Sources (click to find a location near you): Oshmans

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

Online Sources: Cookin' Campers (best prices, sell the full line, including accessories)
Outdoorworld of CA, Oshman's, Salesco
Store Sources (click to find location near you): Orchard Supply Hardware, Home Depot

Last updated 11/07/2010