JEAREY 10ft Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella - Offset Patio Umbrella with Crank & Cross Base for Backyard, Garden, and Market - Perfect for Poolside Lounging, Outdoor Dining, and Shade Protection

OK, like every product there are plusses and minuses. We’ve bought five of these cantilever umbrellas and still use four (one broke after three years). Overall we would buy again. Originally our biggest complaint was the color faded over the course of the summer. The Jearey fabric seems to be better quality though. Here’s a secret: when it fades, you can pop the cap at the end of the retractor pole in the middle of the canopy, cut or untie the tether rope, and reverse the canopy. It’s a little quirky but it gives you another year of good color. We’ve done this with three umbrellas. As far as sturdiness of the structure, yes the plastic support sleeves can crack. Honestly this didn’t really change how we use the umbrella (which is either completely open or closed). So, yes the plastic sleeve can break or be damaged, but my advice is to make sure to fold down the umbrella during wind storms and at night. This simple tip will extend the life of your umbrella. Overall, these are stylish and very functional umbrellas but not indestructible. Keep in mind other “high end” similar umbrellas sell for over $500, so this much shade in a functionable package is a good deal.As far as the base, the best solution is to drill a hole in your patio deck to keep these things in place (we have two)- problem solved. That being said, we also use the free-standing base for two umbrellas. To keep from blowing over, we stack 150+ pounds of rocks on top of the base (25-50 pound bases are not enough). We’ve never had a problem with the base blowing over (remember to fold up the umbrella during strong wind storms). So expect 2-3 years use out of these umbrellas (more if you take good care of them and replace the canopy)- a very good deal for about $130 I think.I like this product. I was able to put it together myself, even though it was a bit too heavy for me. Meanwhile if I go to open it up to see what the full affect looks like it till it’s over and wants to fall. I’m going to have to order the base for it. Otherwise I’m pretty much satisfied with it. It’s what I was looking for.Upon opening the umbrella the very 1st time there was a hole in it. It probably won't last very long. The price was too good to be true.Great for the price. I haven’t used with strong wind so not sure how it will hold up in that but you do need a stand. It cannot be used without one. It’s big and really nice but the pole is bit flimsy. If you are carful it should work. Compared to the $500+ ones I see in the doors I am good with this one. Great for the price.Perfect for over xiversatiin set in my back yardI didn’t like that it wasn’t clear to me at first that I needed to buy the base. But after I figured that out I ordered a base and it was fine. I like how big it is. My pool gets no shade. I am not sure how it’s gonna be in the wind. But we shall see. Overall happy w it’s quality and price.We have only had this umbrella for a short time and it has begun to malfunction. It began to hang lower and lower as we would put the umbrella down after use. I noticed what appeared to be drag lines on the metal and saw what appeared to be screw holes without screws. This is not part of what you assemble on your own and I'm very disappointed that this otherwise nice umbrella is already not working correctly. I would also say that the "wind proof" is questionable as every time there is a light gust, this umbrella does not stay in place. The only things they have to secure the umbrella from moving side to side with gusts of wind are two screw in pieces lower on the pole, and they don't keep it in place no matter how tightly they're wound.Anyone that could think this thing would stand on its own without a lot of weight on the bottom of the stand will be very disappointed. If it was designed to do so, the maker needs to take some more physics classes. The heavy top leaning way out from the light weight base makes it impossible to forego some pretty darned heavy weights. That being said, it is very pretty and creates a shady spot on the swimming pool so that my little ginger granddaughter doesn’t burn to a crisp. I put this together myself while my husband took a nap, so that says something for ease of assembly. Don’t skip it, but also don’t skip a heavy weight set for the stand or at least some very large rocks.