Those Clear Umbrellas

[blackmacjay]

An interesting point was just made about those clear umbrellas.

I love them especially if they have a black circle around the edge.

Even my wife thinks they are somewhat erotic and uses hers when she wears her black satin rubber-lined mackintosh.

I know I'm weird but I did wonder who else is as weird as me?

[raincoatboy]

Yes I'm guilty as well. Those glass clear umbrellas are a turnon. I have 3 myself.

[blackmacjay]

Thank Heavens!!

I'm not alone!

[raincoatboy]

I still have some that I dismantled so I could use the pvc;)

[Pvc Vinyl Enthusiast]

I feel that those clear PVC dome umbrellas complement PVC rainwear. A combination of the two (and maybe some shiny waterproof PVC wellington boots included too) will totally protect you against anything the weather can throw at you- lashing winds, monsoon-like rainfall- no problem. I find the protection aspect both exhilarating and arousing. I wear my raincoats completely buttoned or zipped up, with the hood up and drawstrings pulled so that the PVC hugs the contours of my face. Throw in the clear PVC umbrella (and maybe shiny PVC wellies/rainboots) and you are untouchable! 100% protected by 100% PVC!

[Bill_P]

We have one of the Vista "Big Bubble" umbrellas, which is a larger size pvc dome umbrella with a clear acryllic handle and silver trim. You're absolutely right, it does complement pvc or other shiny rainwear quite nicely. And we like it because it's larger in diameter than most dome umbrellas so it can more easily shelter two people.

http://bettercaneumbrella.com/index.php ... la&x=0&y=0

[blackmacjay]

Bill_P, I do like this including the silver edge.

We'll probably get one as well.

Cheers,

blackmacjay

[Pvc Vinyl Enthusiast]

We have one of the Vista "Big Bubble" umbrellas, which is a larger size pvc dome umbrella with a clear acryllic handle and silver trim. You're absolutely right, it does complement pvc or other shiny rainwear quite nicely. And we like it because it's larger in diameter than most dome umbrellas so it can more easily shelter two people.

http://bettercaneumbrella.com/index.php ... la&x=0&y=0

I've noticed, though, that clear dome/bubble umbrellas tend to be made from an inferior plastic nowadays: EVA or PVC without the effective softening agents (phthalates). The umbrellas used to (not all that long ago, in fact) be made from a well-plasticised soft glass clear PVC, but the new polymer they're made from feels 'harsh' to the skin- I can only describe it as a paper-like texture. It rips easily because it lacks the 'traditional' and effective phthalate plasticizers (softening agents) and thus cannot stretch easily to accommodate tension during everyday use. The 'traditional' or 'old' PVC formulation contained a generous helping of plasticisers (softening agents), which not only imparted upon the vinyl pleasing tactile qualities (e.g. softness and rubberiness), but which also made the vinyl more resistant to tearing.

[Bill_P]

I know exactly what you're talking about, but the Vista big bubble umbrella is made of the thicker, softer plastic and not the thin "paper"-like material you describe. I also have a golf-sized bubble umbrella from Elite Rain, which is even larger in diameter but it's made of the thinner material (though not as thin as EVA - ooh, I hate that stuff! Who the hell thought it would be ok to make rainwear & umbrellas out of plastic that's as thin as grocery bags?) and doesn't feel as durable, so it doesn't get much use.

I hate the fact that PVC has gotten a bad rap as a potential carcinogen, so now manufacturers of rainwear & umbrellas (other than PVC-U-LIKE) can't run away fast enough from it. Hope they don't go after polyurethane any time soon.

[Bill_P]

Bill_P, I do like this including the silver edge.

We'll probably get one as well.

Cheers,

blackmacjay

I highly recommend it, it's a thing of beauty. The pics on the website don't do it justice.