Which EZ UP?

[heisler3030]

Birthday's coming up and the girlfriend's parents want to buy me an EZ UP for the track. What models are you guys running?

A search of the archives showed a strong preference for EZ UP versus other brands but not a clear indication of which particular model. There is a pretty big range in price, from just over 100 to over 500 for other models.

Their generosity probably only goes so far so 500+ is a bit much!

Where's the best place to pick one up? We found http://ezupdirect.com but are there better sites?

Thanks,

-Hamish

[omegajeff]

Big 5 Sporting Goods has 12' x 12' models for $150.

[FlatulentDan]

Make sure you get the ones that have the inner support. There are some cheaper ones that don't have the cross-members inside. they market this as better head room.....

well, at the first wind, the thing is coming down. I've persoanlly seen 3 break on thier first weekend out.

Get the "straight leg" style with inner support.

I have a Caravan from costco and it seems plenty strong so far. Prior to that my EZ-Up lasted for YEARS!!!!!

[NSR250SP]

I have been very happy with my Ez-Up brand Speed Shelter. Going on something like 7 years in service with no issues. has a good heavy duty top, with a good heavy duty frame.

I think I got it for something like $250-$275.

[GPgofast]

You will definitely get what you pay for. I've got 2 Eclipse's. A 10X10 and a 10X15. I bought the 10X15 used as new they are close to $800, BUT it is a VERY nice EZ up. I will back up Dan, you get what you pay for, make sure you get the ones with the inner truss and not the "bows". Express II is their most economical model with the inner truss. The Speed Shelters are also good...

[NSR250SP]

I had an DomeII (Ez-Up with fiberglass bows for roof support) I bought in 98. Lasted 2 seasons before the top ripped. Made a new top out of much heavier (500D) material. Sold it and I think it's still hanging around the AFM.

I bought a 10x10 caravan from Costco. used ot for three weekend and sold it for 1/2 what I paid for it. Top was good heavy duty, but the frame sucked. The telescoping legs always slipped down bringing the thing down on your head.

Spend the money now on a good Ez-Up and know you won't be replacing it for a long time. or you can buy something else and spend the money again to get an Ez-Up in a year or so.

[evolution247]

I have been using the 12'x12' one from Big5 that works great. I picked it up for $99. Every now and then they put them on sale (every other week). You can get the 10'x10' one for $75

[secn8ure]

The first and only canopy I own is an EZ-Up 10 x 10 'dome' which I purchased at SportsMart (aka Sports Authority) and I'm very happy with it. I use it primarily for the track.

If you want something for the park like a picnic or party, get something larger.

[Felix el gato]

I bought an Eclipse 10x15 (new) and I'm happy with it.

Althought I had to replace 8 beams ( broken or badly bent) ...we get nasty winds here in SoCal @Willow Springs in particular.

[summitdog]

I have had a Quick Shade for 6 years. I replaced some broken connector pieces which I attribute to the person I lent it to.

Scotty

[Trackho]

Originally posted by NSR250SP
I bought a 10x10 caravan from Costco. used ot for three weekend and sold it for 1/2 what I paid for it. Top was good heavy duty, but the frame sucked. The telescoping legs always slipped down bringing the thing down on your head.



Sounds like user error--mine has been fine for 5 years--by FAR, the most popular sun shade at the track--for $200 cant beat the value. Mine has been thrashed to NO end--high winds, rain, 110F--bla, bla, bla--it needed a slight cover repair yr 3, primarily because I am NOT careful with it. Ask around, I think Charles issue was an anomoly--and could have been quicklty resolved with an exchange--Kind of wonder why he didnt do that instead of losing $100.

Pretty funny that NSR250SP's Caravan was smarter than him though--I knew it was bad, but not that bad:laughing :laughing :laughing

[NSR250SP]

Nope, not smarter then me, just a crappy design. The pull pins on the legs don't go in far enough to deal with the inner pole shifting inside the outer pole.

I guess I wasn't smart enought to redesign a crappy design, instead of just dumping it on my good friend for some cash. he got a good deal (if he wanted to deal with the crappy design), and I went back to my Ex-Up that has worked for more years then you have been riding on the track.

[ColinP]

I got a 10x10 Quik Shade and its pretty good, its probably 4-5 years old now. The frame is in good condition but the top is starting to wear out. The good canopies have all-metal construction, no plastic pieces for the sliders or joints. I think it weighs about twice as much as the bargain shades so I think that's a good way to determine how sturdy the construction is.

[heisler3030]

Thanks for all the input guys! Impressions are pretty similar to a thread I started a few months ago about generators - there are other options out there with mixed results, but other than price I hear very little _against_ the EZ UPs so that is where I am going to go!

-Hamish

[ZXR400SP]

Yea, I have the same problem on my caravan, though I think they have corrected it as others I've seen have longer pins. I put zip ties on the pins to keep pressure on them, works fine now.

[Outta Control]

Originally posted by GPgofast
You will definitely get what you pay for. I've got 2 Eclipse's. A 10X10 and a 10X15. I bought the 10X15 used as new they are close to $800, BUT it is a VERY nice EZ up. I will back up Dan, you get what you pay for, make sure you get the ones with the inner truss and not the "bows". Express II is their most economical model with the inner truss. The Speed Shelters are also good...

+1

I have the 10X15 Eclipse and so far lasted me almost 7+ years with everything thrown at it. Rain, beating down 100+ heat, Crazy ass wind, and multiple weights on the beams. Still runs strong.