Whether you are playing sport or cheering on from the sideline it can get pretty hot when you’re out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. An umbrella is a great way to give yourself some person shade and protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Whilst an umbrella does not take the place of other forms of sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. There are many benefits of using an umbrella including:
- Providing portable shade to a large area
- Assisting in keeping you cool in hot conditions
- Protecting your skin from sun damage
See! Multiple reasons why you should add an umbrella to your list of sun protection protection items.
After thorough research into requirements for sports umbrellas to be effective when used for sun protection, SimplySunSafe recommends Sport-Brella Super-Brella as the best umbrella for sports for sun protection. Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sports umbrellas for protecting you from the sun.
Buyer’s Guide
With so many options on the market it can be hard to know what to look for in a sports umbrella. To set yourself up with the best sports umbrella you’re going to want to look for a number of must have features
Size
Umbrellas are available in a huge range of sizes and are measured across the arc or the curve.
A personal use umbrella will measure somewhere in the range of 35 to 50 inches. A larger umbrella can be anywhere up to 68 inches. Today we are also going to check out some even larger umbrellas which reach up to 8 feet!!
You will want to take into account the space you have available and how many people you want to cover. Are you providing enough shade for yourself or a small family of cheerleaders?
Style
While you are probably used to seeing your usual hand held umbrellas, sports umbrellas can be a little different. After all, you need your hands to cheer on your favorite team.
Today we are going to check out some umbrellas that will clip to your chair to provide you a personal area of adjustable shade and larger umbrellas that are mounted using the ground to provide shade for multiple people.
UPF
Now this one does not assist with windy conditions but it important for protecting you from the sun. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This number gives you a tool on measuring how much ultraviolet rays may reach your skin and cause sun damage.
See the table below for further information on UPF ratings:
| UPF Rating | Protection Category | Percentage of UV Blocked |
| 15-20 | Good | 93.3 – 95.9% |
| 25-35 | Very good protection | 96.0 – 97.4% |
| 40 and over | Excellent protection | 97.5% or more |
Weight
If you’re after a small personal option the weight probably won’t play too much of a part in your search.
However, if you’re looking for a larger sports umbrella you will want to make sure that it’s not so heavy that you need an army to carry it, but not so light that it’s flimsy and ineffective.
Color
No need to think you can’t have some fun while protecting yourself from the sun. Umbrellas come in all different colors and patterns.
The best color for sun protection is silver as it assists in reflecting UV rays away from you. But if you have a great UPF rated umbrella you’re always going to protected so let yourself have some fun or stand out from the crowd with something a bit different.
Ventilation
Super important in windy conditions, ventilation assists with letting air flow through your umbrella and also helps keep you cool.
Manual v Push Button Opening
This is how you open and close your umbrella!
Umbrellas come as automatic opening which open (and sometimes close) with one press of a button. Others will require you to manually push them open or assemble them yourself.
To make the comparison easy to consider check out my pros and cons for both below:
Push Button Opening
Pros
- Easy to use – especially for children and the elderly
- Fast opening
- May be more expensive
- Convenient when getting into cars
- Only require one hand to open – perfect for those who are always doing two things at once
Cons
- Once broken may be unable to be used
- Hard to fix
- Could potentially cause injuries if opened unexpectedly or by children
Manual Opening
Pros
- Easy to use
- User controls opening and closing
Cons
- Hard for children to open
- Requires some coordination and hand strength
Price
You want to get a quality umbrella for the best price possible. This article has you covered no matter how big or small your budget.
Best Sports Umbrella Comparison
| Sport-Brella Super-Brella |
 Sport-Brella Versa-Brella |
 SunTek Wind Cheater |
 SolPro Clamp-On Umbrella |
 AosKe Portable Sun Shade |
|
| Protection | Sun & Rain | Sun | Sun & Rain | Sun | Sun |
| Size when opened (inches) | 8 Feet | 40×42 | 68 | 30×40 | 79 (h) x 70.9 (w) |
| Weight (lbs) | 8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 4.23 |
| Manual or Automatic Opening | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Color options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| UPF Rating | 50 | 50 | 50 | Blocks 99.5% of UV | Blocks 99.9% of UV |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sports Umbrella
1. Sport-Brella Super-Brella Portable Sun and Weather Shelter
- Canopy, Made of 190 D Polyester with side flaps for Full shelter Protection
- UPF 50+ sun and weather Protection and Water repellent, protects from UVA and UVB rays
- Canopy Supported by 4 millimeter steel ribs and a 4 millimeter steel stretcher
- Telescoping pole with a plastic tip held in place by nylon clip
- Side zippered windows for efficient airflow
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Enter the Super-Brella! I love the name of this one. It’s a great option for the whole family to sit under to cheer on your friends and family. Or for the team to sit under at half-time. This is my pick for the best sports umbrella.
The Sport-Brella Super-Brella protects you from all the elements. Rain or shine – you’re covered.
Super fast and easy to set up it features a large UPF 50 rated canopy. A silver undercoating also helps keep you cool.
The canopy has side panels to assist protection against strong winds. Wind vents and zippered windows also assist in creating a great wind-resistant option!
When erected the umbrella is a whopping 8 feet wide and folds down to 54×4 inches and weighs in at 9 pounds. It’s not hard to carry along with everything else you need to carry to sporting matches!
There are two colors to choose from so not too much variety there. Obviously due to its size this umbrella is in a higher price range but well worth it if you are after something to provide coverage for a small army.
- UPF 50
- Innovative design
- Large to cover a number of people
- Specific use not suitable for everyday ‘umbrella’ use
- Limited color options
2. Sport-Brella Versa-Brella All Position Sun Umbrella
- Upf 50 Plus Protection. The Versa-Brella Is A Clamp-On Shade Canopy Umbrella That Offers Upf 50 Plus Protection To Help Keep Skin Safe From 99.5% Of Uva And Uvb Rays
- Rugged Cover And Durable Connector. The Rugged Canopy Cover Won'T Rip Or Tear; A Heavy-Duty Universal Clamp Connects To Square And Tubular Surfaces And Ensures A Secure Hold On Golf Bags, Beach Chairs, Or Even Bleachers
- Adjusts To Any Angle: The 4-Way, 360-Degree Swivel And 2 Push Button Hinges Allows The Versa-Brella To Be Adjusted To Any Angle To Block The Sun
- Easy Transport For Easy Protection. The Versa-Brella Conveniently Folds Into A Compact Carrying Case, Weighing Only 1.8 Pounds, So It Can Be Taken Anywhere.
- Have No Fear. From The Beach To The Sidelines, The Versa-Brella Lets You Stay Committed To Your Team, Family, And Friends, While Keeping Your Skin Protected Against The Sun
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sport-Brella Versa-Brella is an innovative and well-designed umbrella that allows you to adapt your golf carts, sports chair, or esky into a shade bearing structure.
Instead of featuring the usual handle, the Sport-Brella features a universal clamp that can be attached to almost anything. It has a 4 way, 360 degree swivel so you can manipulate this umbrella to keep you covered from an angle.
There are two sizes to choose from, regular and extra large, and 3 different colors.
The regular size reaches a span of 40 by 42 inches and the larger option is 44 by 44 inches. Both of these sizes are ideal for one person and also are manual opening.
Due to the design of this umbrella it isn’t great for rain so keep this one for the UV rays which you are super protected against with the UPF 50 rated fabric.
A great option for those watching a kids soccer game or walking around the golf course. The Versa-Brella is also super budget friendly.
- UPF 50
- Innovative design
- Universal clamp designed to fit a number of items
- Color options
- Wallet friendly
- Specific use not suitable for everyday ‘umbrella’ use
- Not very big (suited to single person use)
3. SunTek 68 Inch UV Protection Wind Cheater Vented Canopy Umbrella
- UV PROTECTION – Silver coating reflects heat to cool you down with a 50+ UPF rating to block 99% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB solar rays. This umbrella isn't just great for golf, but all sports or recreation outside. Stay cool and dry with Sun Tek.
- WIND & WEATHER RESISTANT - 100% nylon, double-canopy, Vortec venting system prevents the umbrella from inverting during high winds; built to provide protection from sun, rain, hail, snow, and sleet. Travel with confidence in the elements.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Fiberglass shaft and ribs not only make this umbrella durable and lightweight but also provide extra safety in the event of a lightning storm.
- EXTRA LARGE CANOPY – Oversized 68 inch arc, 57 inch diameter is big enough to provide shade for two people; umbrella stands 42.5” and comes with a matching sleeve for convenient storage
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE - provides comfortable grip for both left and right-handed users and fits into most golf push cart umbrella mounts and bag umbrella slots. Can also be used on the beach or sporting events..
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The SunTek Wind Cheater is a great option for those looking for an umbrella for both rain and sun protection. It is best suited to golfers and has a universal sized ergonomic handle that will fit most golf carts.
It’s a huge 68 inches which will fit two people comfortably. The inner mechanics are crafted from quality fibreglass giving you a super sturdy build.
The 100% nylon canopy has a UPF rating of 50 giving you the best sun protection available. Not only crafted for rain, SunTek also designed this umbrella with sun protection in mind. The external color has a silver coating to reflect away UV rays to help keep you cool.
The SunTek Wind Cheater gets its name from the innovative vortec venting system which features a double canopy that prevents the canopy from inverting during high winds.
Available in 4 different internal colors depending on your taste. Each umbrella also comes with a matching cover for protection. A mid range budget option that will suit everybody.
- UPF 50
- Color options
- Large enough for 2 people
- Fibreglass make for a sturdy make and storm safe option
- Innovative Vortec venting system
- Matching storage bag
- Required to be held
- Suited to golfers
4. SolPro Clamp-On Shade Umbrella
- HEAVY DUTY AND DURABLE – The universal connector umbrella clamp is strong and secures to many surfaces including beach chairs, sport chairs, strollers, golf bag, or bleachers to protect you from the sun during sporting events.
- QUALITY MATERIAL – The chair umbrella fabric is durable and won’t tear. Opens into a large 30” x 40” allowing for great shade coverage.
- UV SUN PROTECTION – The silver coating of this beach chair umbrella will keep you safe from over 99.5% of UVA/UVB rays. You’ll be protected from any angle with the 4-way, 360 degree swivel and 2 push button hinges.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT - Weighing only 1.8 lbs., it is lightweight and it conveniently folds into a compact carrying case, so you can have instant shade anywhere.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - We are so confident that you will like this SolPro Clamp Beach Umbrella that if you return it within 30 days for any reason we will give you a full refund on the product price. Try it we know you will like it!
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another innovative clamp option to attach to whatever you may need it to! Wheelchairs, eskys, prams, even stainless steel seats you get find at your local sporting ground. The clamp on this one is a ‘C’ shape clamp so is able to attach to almost anything!
The SolPro Clamp-On Umbrella has a 360 degree swivel and an adjustable 4-way clamp. A push button hinge makes for easy and fast adjusting to get your shade right where you need it.
A nice and large canopy of 30 inches by 40 inches will provide enough shade for yourself. The canopy does not have an official UPF rating but claims to block 99.5% of UV rays. The silver lining assists in repelling the sun and helps with keeping you cool. Due to the shape of this umbrella it isn’t too great for rain protection!
Available in 3 colors (black, red and blue) and at a great low price, it’s lightweight so it won’t be a hassle to carry! If you are after a sports umbrella to attach to your favorite sun chair this one is a great choice!
- Innovative design
- Universal clamp designed to fit a number of items
- Color options
- Wallet friendly
- Only one size available
- Not ideal for rain
5. AosKe Portable Sun Shade Umbrella
- ★ FUNCTION - AoseKe sunshade with tilting function, can block out the sun's radiation from any Angle. Vinyl materials can block heat, so you do not feel the slightest heat in the hot sun.
- ★ THE BAS - Pointed prong anchor into the ground by stepping on integral stand,Perfect for grass and dirt fields,sand ground wait soft surface.
- ★ STRONG STRUCTURE, EASYTO OPERATE - very light weight aluminum rod, will not rust, lighter than steel umbrella rod, easy to store, convenient to carry.
- ★ BEAUTIFUL COLOR & 100% POLYESTER - can block up to 99.99% of harmful sunlight, made of breathable polymer materials, will not fade.
- ★ THE NEW DESIGN - The top design of the vent, with better cooling and buffering wind impact, not easy to be blown away by the wind. It still gives you a cool feeling in the hot summer.
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another great option for those looking for a bit more than just personal protection. The AosKe Portable Sun Umbrella is designed to be erected by securely inserting the 3-pronged anchor into the ground.
Its canopy height of 59 inches means that you are then able to sit comfortably on chairs underneath to seek shade when watching your favorite sports.
No official UPF rating but it does claim to block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays. A universal metal turn head means it’s easy to manipulate the canopy to ensure you’re well protected from the sun.
The AosKe Portable Sun Shade also features a double layered canopy to help with cooling you down in the heat!
Lightweight aluminium poles give you a strong and sturdy structure. Even though this umbrella is sizeable when up, it folds down to a compact size that is easy enough to carry in its specially designed carry bag.
The size and design of this one means it’s a higher price than a personal umbrella but a great addition to the family if you are after more than personal protection.
- Innovative design
- Easy hands free protection
- Only one size available
- Not ideal for rain
- Not able to be used on all ground surfaces
Conclusion
This guide is for everyone on the hunt for a sports umbrella. This article has given you some insight and features to keep your eyes peeled for when look for the best sports umbrella. There are various types out there so hopefully you have found one that meets your needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends Sport-Brella Super-Brella, but with umbrellas it all depends on how much coverage you want and how you want to use it. There is no one size fits all.
I always like to learn new things and hear about new products from other people. So if you end up purchasing one of the umbrellas i have recommended today or find another one you think should have made the list, please share it in the comments. I will take the time to check it out and do some additional research.
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