I'm researching a new tent... I am looking for a strong "ez up" style tent. And this site has mentioned Eurmax as well as the Goliath. But the most fascinating thing is apparently the Goliath is "only designed to provide shade" according to the manufacturer and has some bad reviews on leaking (amazon has some). Also, the Eurmax, which has less feedback and all around less info on the web, is said to be "water resistance, but not water proof."
Now, I know nothing could truly be "water proof" in every sense, but many of the ez ups are essentially water proof before you do any sort of treatment. (I know some folks here water treat their tent yearly.) But my big box ez up never had issues with rain, so it's just, well, disconcerting when I am looking at these huskier tents and they are not instilling much faith into their canopies!
I'd really like to know if anyone is first hand familiar with the Eurmax tents when it comes to rain and weather.
This site led me to believe the hexa- or octagon legs are worth it... but I'm having a hard time figuring whats the best investment.
Thank you.
For reference, here is a link to the Goliath and Eurmax:
http://www.eurmax.com/beyond-10x10-instant-canopy-with-enclosure-walls.html
Replies
After doing a lot of extensive research I recently bought a plain white GorillaMax Pop-up tent from a company called promotional design group that has a WATERPROOF vinyl top and the hexagon legs. The first day I set it up was a cloudy day and then it stormed, was windy and rained about 3" that afternoon... A great test for my new tent. I made many trips from my workshop to my back yard where I set up the tent to check out just how waterproof it was ...and I am extremely happy to say that it did not leak a drop and water did not puddle on the top at all.
At shows I have seen vinyl tops made for pop up tents by a couple of other tent manufacturers. They are waterproof but some didn't appear to have a good snug fit that is necessary to keep water from pooling on top during a heavy rainstorm. I wanted something that will not pool water on the top...especially if it happens at night when I am not there. I did not want a tent that made it necessary to use those unsightly hula hoops and pool thingies on the underside to make a tent do what it should do in the first place.
I bought the side walls and sta-bars for it from Flourish.
You could also take a heavier frame like a Goliath or Caravan Monster Frame and add a vinyl top.
http://www.caravancanopy.com/product/canopy-frames/10x10-monster-fr...
If you just want to put a vinyl top on your ez-up frame several options are available:
http://www.lightdomecanopies.com/light_dome_finale_canopy_craft_hut...
http://thepatchplace.net/vinyl/
Thanks for that Greg.
If you don't mind, would you inform me as to what you paid for the Gorilla tent? I didn't see prices on their site unfortunately.
And I agree with the hula hoop thing. I've never had to do that on my EZ up that was like $175 so that's why it concerns me when these 300, 400+ dollar tents make claims such as they are simply shade providers!
I saw that Monster frame as well, but without anything else (walls, bag, canopy) it seemed like a $577 starting price tag would quickly get too high.
I want a GOOD Ez up tent, but I also have a trimline if need be. It's just a lot of work for 1 day shows and I'm gassed by the time it's really time to "work."
Bobby,
The Gorilla max tent was around $1000...but for me it was worth it. I bought it after all the research I did. I wanted this tent for the one day shows I do and I figured it would pay for itself easily after a show or two.
I have my Trimline for shows that are longer than one day.... and my Trimline with all the optional accessories I purchased added up quickly.
I wanted the best tents available..both the Trimline and this pop-up...because this is what I do full time and I do not cut corners because quality always is a better deal in the long run.
Thansk again Greg,
I hope to talk to them today. I like the sound of the waterproof and durability. There site, however, has almost no info on the gorilla max.
I definitely wanted those octa or hexagonal legs.
Can you tell me, how did you decide on the Gorilla vs the rhino or even dura max?
Thanks again.
When you call ask for Peter Hur. Peter is the person I dealt with and is very helpful. I chose the Gorilla max because it was the most heavy duty model and has the hexagon legs. All of their pop up tents have the same vinyl top and I would think you couldn't go wrong with any one they have. I just personally like the heavy duty industrial feel and look of the GorillaMax and it is their only one with the hexagon legs.
Here's a link to an article I wrote about really sturdy pop up tents
http://bermangraphics.com/blog/sturdy-pop-up-tents/
The problem is that the more waterproof the less light gets in.
Larry Berman
Larry, I read the blog post. But do you talk about the individual tents anywhere? That TFH is interesting and advertises waterproof, but it looks like they are across the pond. You can't even choose USA shipping.
A few others require quotes so it's hard to compare and, as you mentioned, $2,000 is a LOT for an ez up-style; and also out of my budget.
I'm still pretty keen on the Eurmax Pro at under $500 with walls. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it if you know about it first hand.
Thank you again.
I've only heard from one artist who has used the Vitabri. The problem is that most artists don't want to spend more than $200 or so when they purchase a pop up tent. That's why you won't find reviews of these tents on any of the art show related web sites.
Larry Berman
Thanks Larry, I will read that.
What I meant about "waterproof" is just that I have an ez up right now, and I consider it "waterproof" in the sense that I don't get leaks at the seams etc. I just started noticing a slight trickle but this a tent that's about 2 years old and used pretty rigorously.
But I read a review on that Goliath that it leaks from day 1. I also talked to someone who owned it and they said theirs leaked too but they still liked it for when it's not raining...