Editor's Note: This is our 2025 comparison of popular umbrella brands. For a complete guide on the 6 key features to look for when buying, check out our new Ultimate Beach Umbrella Buying Guide.
Windy days at the beach can turn relaxing shade into a full-on battle. If you’ve ever chased an umbrella down the shoreline, you know the struggle. Popular names like Tommy Bahama and AMMSUN make colorful umbrellas you’ll see everywhere. Others, like beachBUB’s sandbag system or newer wind-powered shades like Shibumi, promise more stability. But how do they actually stack up when the wind picks up?
This guide looks at what these umbrellas offer — and why Handy was designed to solve the very problems they can’t.
Popular Umbrellas You’ll See on Every Beach
Tommy Bahama Umbrellas
Tommy Bahama umbrellas are easy to spot at big-box stores and resorts. Their ANCHORX model is advertised with a wind-stabilizing anchor and UPF 50+ canopy. But reviews tell a different story when the wind kicks up. One beachgoer wrote:
“It only lasted an hour … was picked up by a gust … mangled beyond repair.”
Importantly: while Tommy Bahama promotes wind stability, there is no public record that its umbrellas are ASTM F3681-24 compliant.
AMMSUN Umbrellas
AMMSUN umbrellas are common on Amazon and Walmart. They’re marketed as “heavy duty,” with vented tops and screw anchors that twist into the sand. Prices are usually lower than bigger brands, which makes them attractive for casual buyers.
But reviews are mixed. Some people say they’re fine for light breezes, while others report they don’t hold up in stronger winds: “It’s decent for the price, but not really built for heavy wind.”
And like Tommy Bahama, AMMSUN umbrellas are not ASTM compliant. Bottom line: okay for a budget option, but not built for coastal conditions.
Sandbag Systems: The beachBUB Approach
Then there’s beachBUB, a sandbag-based system. You fill a heavy base each time for stability.[1] ✅ The beachBUB is ASTM F3681-24 compliant.
That means it meets the recognized ASTM safety standard for beach umbrellas. For buyers who care about official testing, this is a huge plus. But there’s a trade-off. Setup and breakdown can be cumbersome:
“Setup leads to sand excavation … frustration … paid $66 in shipping to return it.” — Reddit user
Wind-Powered Shades: A New Category
A newer trend is the “wind-powered shade”, like the Shibumi Shade. Instead of fighting gusts, it works with the wind — using lightweight fabric that floats like a sail. In practice, it needs a steady onshore breeze to stay aloft; when the wind dips, the fabric goes slack and shade disappears. When gusts spike, the sail must flutter—which can be surprisingly noisy and distracting.
These designs are innovative, but they’re more shade sails than umbrellas. They also take a larger footprint with long tie-downs—not ideal on crowded beaches. They can be fun for groups, but they don’t replace the convenience of a dedicated, anchored umbrella.
Where Handy is Different
Unlike most umbrellas, the Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System was engineered and independently tested in coastal wind—making it one of the few truly wind-resistant beach umbrellas that won’t blow away.
- ✅ ASTM F3681-24 wind-test compliant — like beachBUB, but with no sandbags required.
- ✅ Fastest setup: Anchored in 10 seconds — no twisting, digging, or assembly.
- ✅ Superior UV protection: UPF 55+ silver-lined canopy that reflects heat for cooler shade.
- ✅ Durable & Planet-Kind: Heavy-duty frame and canopy made from ~80 recycled plastic bottles.
- ✅ Easy pack-up: Breaks down in seconds and fits neatly into a roomy carry bag.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how today’s options stack up:
| Feature | Handy Beach Umbrella | Tommy Bahama (ANCHORX) | AMMSUN | beachBUB (sandbag) | Shibumi (wind-powered) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM Compliance | ✅ Yes (F3681-24) | ❌ Not listed | ❌ Not listed | ✅ Yes (F3681-24)[1] | ❌ Not applicable |
| Setup Time | ~10 seconds (hammer-in) | ~5 minutes (twist/auger) | ~5 minutes (screw/auger) | 5–10 minutes (dig/fill sandbag) | 5–10 minutes (poles + sail) |
| Wind Reliability | ASTM Compliant | Mixed (not tested) | Mixed (not tested) | ASTM Compliant[1] | Not tested (needs steady wind) |
| UV Protection | UPF 55+ Silver-Lined | UPF 50 | UPF 50 | UPF 50[1] | UPF 50 |
| Sustainability | ~80 recycled bottles | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Made from recycled materials |
Note: Information reflects claims available at the time of writing. Check manufacturers for updates.
What Real Customers Say About Handy
“Best Beach Purchase Ever!”
“I'm a FL native and I'm pleased to say that this umbrella is the best beach shade I've purchased, no contest... It has never popped up or blown away, even on Atlantic beaches, where I spend most of my time. The hammering mechanism is as smooth as the first time I used it... While I watch other beachgoers frequently struggle with their shades (much like I had done before), my umbrella goes up once and stays there all day long. As someone who spends much of their free time at the beach, this umbrella has made my beach time truly stress-free. It's worth every penny.”
— Lindsay S.
Final Takeaway: Why ASTM Compliance Matters Most
If you want real peace of mind on windy beach days, ASTM compliance is the one feature that matters most.
Among all the umbrellas tested, only beachBUB and Handy Beach Umbrella and Anchor System meet the official ASTM F3681-24 standard—but Handy gives you that level of safety in just 10 seconds, with no sandbags or digging required.
- ✅ Independently ASTM wind-test compliant.
- ✅ Anchors in 10 seconds, no tools.
- ✅ Cooler, silver-lined UPF 55+ canopy.
- ✅ Made from ~80 recycled plastic bottles.
👉 See the Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System in action
FAQ: Beach Umbrellas & ASTM Compliance
Are Tommy Bahama umbrellas ASTM compliant?
No. Tommy Bahama’s ANCHORX model mentions wind stability, but there is no public record that it meets the ASTM F3681-24 standard.
Are AMMSUN umbrellas ASTM compliant?
No. AMMSUN umbrellas highlight screw-style anchors and vented tops, but they are not ASTM compliant.
Is beachBUB ASTM compliant?
Yes. The beachBUB ULTRA is compliant with ASTM F3681-24, but it requires digging and filling a heavy sandbag for setup.[1]
Is the Handy Beach Umbrella ASTM compliant?
Yes. The Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System is independently ASTM F3681-24 wind-test compliant. Unlike sandbag systems, it anchors securely in 10 seconds with no extra parts.
What is the best windproof beach umbrella?
The most reliable umbrellas are those tested to a safety standard. The Handy Beach Umbrella is independently ASTM F3681-24 wind-test compliant, anchors in under 10 seconds with a hammer-in steel anchor (no sandbags, no twisting), and stays put in real coastal conditions. It also features a UPF 55+ silver-lined canopy and uses planet-kind materials made from ~80 recycled bottles.
About the Author
Written by Agnes, co-founder of Handy Beach Goods, mom and a Florida beach-lover. After years of chasing umbrellas down the shoreline, she set out to design shade that stays put — tested on real coastal wind days and made with planet-kind materials.
