If you just bought an Under Armour our double canopy golf umbrella, you probably noticed it does not behave like a normal umbrella. The automatic opening is powerful, and closing it requires a technique that most people get wrong. I have helped several golfers who jammed their umbrella by pushing the wrong button. Here is how to use this umbrella properly so it lasts for many rounds.
Opening Your Under Armour Golf Umbrella
The opening mechanism is spring-assisted. You do not need to manually unfurl the fabric. Follow these steps to avoid a partial jam.
- Get a firm grip on the handle. Hold the textured rubber handle with your whole hand. Do not touch the metal shaft above the handle. If your fingers are on the shaft, the slider can hit them.
- Press the button firmly. The release button is on the handle. Push it all the way in with a quick, decisive press. A half-press will only open the umbrella partway, and it can get stuck.
- Let it pop open. You will hear a loud whoosh as the double canopy springs open. That is normal. The umbrella will lock into the open position automatically. Do not try to stop it or guide it.
Closing Your Under Armour Golf Umbrella
This is where most mistakes happen. The button you used to open the umbrella does not close it. Pushing it again while the umbrella is open will do nothing – it is a lock, not a release. Closing is manual.
- Keep one hand on the handle. Hold the rubber handle steady.
- Find the slider. On the shaft, there is a sliding mechanism with a textured grip. Place your other hand on that slider.
- Push the slider down toward the handle. This is the hardest part. The spring is strong, and you will feel resistance. Push firmly and steadily all the way down until the slider clicks into the locked position. Do not stop halfway.
- Wrap the strap only after it clicks. Once the slider is at the bottom and locked, you can wrap the strap around the folded umbrella. If you try to strap it before the slider is locked, the umbrella will spring back open.
Preventing Pinches and Fabric Snags
The double canopy design gives you more coverage, but it also creates a pinch risk. The fabric can get caught in the slider track if you are not careful.
Guide the fabric as you close. While pushing the slider down, use your free hand to gently guide the canopy fabric inward. Push it evenly from all sides. If the fabric bunches up on one side, it will jam the slider.
Watch your fingers. The metal ribs (the spokes) close together as the umbrella folds. Keep your fingers away from the ribs as you push the slider down. Getting pinched between ribs hurts and can tear the fabric.
If the umbrella stops halfway. Do not force it. Pull the slider slightly back up, straighten out any fabric that is caught, and try again. Forcing a stuck umbrella often breaks the spring or tears the canopy.
Maintaining Your Umbrella for Longevity
A few simple habits keep your Under Armour umbrella working smoothly.
- Dry it before storing. After using it in the rain, do not strap it tightly while wet. Open it partially and let it air dry. Storing a wet umbrella tightly promotes mold and rust on the metal frame.
- Keep the shaft clean. Wipe the metal shaft occasionally with a dry cloth. Dirt and sand can scratch the shaft and make the slider hard to move.
- Avoid oil. Do not use oil on the mechanism. It attracts dust and will gum up the spring over time. A tiny amount of silicone spray on the shaft is okay for rust prevention, but skip it unless you live near salt water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Under Armour umbrella close all the way?
The most common cause is fabric caught in the slider track. Pull the slider back up, check the canopy, and push down again. If it still will not close, check that the button on the handle is fully depressed – sometimes it sticks. If the umbrella is new, you may just need to push harder. The spring is strong by design.
Can I oil the umbrella to make opening easier?
No. Oil will attract dirt and eventually make the mechanism sticky. If the shaft feels rough, wipe it clean with a damp cloth and let it dry. If you absolutely must lubricate, use a dry PTFE spray (like for bike chains) applied sparingly to the shaft only.
How do I store the umbrella when it is soaking wet?
Do not force the strap around wet fabric. Close the umbrella enough to lock the slider, then leave the strap loose. Stand it in a corner or hang it by the handle so air can circulate. Once it is dry, you can secure the strap tightly. This prevents mold and keeps the nylon from rotting.