If your beach does not allow tents, going for shade can be a better option for you. Shibumi and Solbello are two well-known shades for a beach day.
The main difference between the two shades is that Shibumi can accommodate up to 6 people while Solbello can only accommodate two.
The comparison below is a deep comparison between the two shades. Read the guide till the end to know which shade is suitable for your beach day. Let’s get started:
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Shibumi | Solbello |
| Durability | The fabric is rigid, and the pole is corrosion resistant | The rigid frame and lightweight fabric |
| Carrying capacity | Accommodates up to 6 people | Accommodates up to 2 people |
| Material | Hard-Anodized Aluminum, plastic frame, 40% Ocean-Bound Recycled Plastic Bottles fabric | Made of lightweight aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel parts, and high-quality sail material. |
| Design | Has an extensive curved pole | Has a fabric connected to the single pole |
| Life Guard Visibility | Blocks the lifeguard’s visibility | Offers a 360-degree visibility |
| Wind resistance | Offers better wind resistance | Moves with the direction of the wind |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant | Waterproof |
| Functionality | Does not adjust with the wind direction | Changes with the wind direction |
| Price | Quite expensive | A bit cheaper |
Key Differences Between Shibumi And Solbello Shades
- Material
The difference in materials is the most substantial difference between Shibumi and Solbello. Shibumi is made of aluminum, plastic frame, and ocean-bound recycled plastic bottle fabric to make it lightweight with a rigid structure.
Shibumi can withstand harsh weather conditions and high winds.
- Durability
Shibumi shade is made of lightweight aluminum that’s anodized to resist corrosion. The frame is made from high-quality sail material.
Solbello is made of lightweight aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel parts, and high-quality sail material. The anodized frame is solid and durable, while the high-quality sail material is resilient.
- Design
Solbello is made of lightweight aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel parts, and sail material that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Both shades are large, lightweight, and easily folded for storage. Solbello is more straightforward to assemble than Shibumi, as you only need to pull the shade up and pin it down with the aluminum anchoring stakes in the ground.
Solbello has a longer pole than Shibumi, so it’s better for changing weather conditions and wind direction.
For smaller groups of people, going with Solbello is ideal, as you’ll have more space to move around under the shade.
- Portability
Solbello is quite portable due to its small size and lightweight. You can carry it in your handbag or backpack and bring it anywhere you want.
If you want to carry Shibumi, a bag will be needed since the shade is larger than Solbello and heavier.
- Life Guard Visibility
Due to its 360-degree visibility, Solbello is allowed on most beaches.
This can be a disadvantage if you go to the beach with a large group with limited visibility.
Shibumi shade, on the other hand, does not offer 360-degree visibility.
It is, for this reason, this shade is not allowed on some beaches in the US.
Seeing the activity under the shade is crucial as it’s crucial to safeguarding your family.
- Wind Resistance
Shibumi does not adjust with wind direction, so it will always be downwind from where the wind blows. This can be good for shade and protection from harsh weather conditions.
Solbello adjusts with the wind direction, meaning the shade can be upwind and out of the sun. This can be great for changing weather conditions and a better sea view.
- Waterproofing
Shibumi is water resistant but not waterproof. This means the shade will not withstand harsher weather when there’s a lot of rain or wind.
Solbello is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water getting into the shade during rains or strong wind.
- Functionality
Although both Shibumi and Solbello are single-poled tents and are easy to set, the two shades differ in functionality.
Solbello has a wind tie-down option. As a result, the shade adjusts with the direction of the wind. Shibumi, on the other hand, lacks the no-wind tie-down option and does not adjust with the direction of the wind.
Solbello is best for changing weather conditions and a better sea view. Shibumi is excellent for shade and protection from harsh weather conditions.
- Price
Due to the innovation used to make the Shibumi shade and the size of the shade, the Shibumi shade is quite expensive compared to the Solbello shade. Both shades offer up to UPF 50+ Sun Protection. Therefore, the size of the shade is the primary determinant of the price difference.
- Size
The main difference between Shibumi and Solbello is the size of the shade.
Shibumi is a 150 sq ft single pole shade that can accommodate up to 6 people.
This is ideal if you go to the beach with a few friends.
Solbello is a medium single pole shade and is 8*8. The shade can accommodate up to 2 people.
This shade can be ideal for going to the beach alone or with another person.
Despite Shibumi being larger than Solbello, Solbello is 0.5 pounds heavy than Shibumi.
- Carrying Capacity
Shibumi is perfect if you go to the beach with a large family.
The shade can accommodate up to 6 people and can last you through the day. Solbello can only accommodate 2 people or fewer. If you go with a smaller group, Solbello is ideal since it can hold more people than Shibumi and still be lightweight.
Which Is Better: Shibumi or Solbello?
Solbello is best for a day at the beach alone or with another person as it’s a medium size. If you go to the beach on your own, Solbello can be a good canopy for you.
If you want to enjoy your beach day with a few friends, Shibumi is the best choice. It can fit up to 6 people and offers enough space for everyone. You will enjoy your day in the shade of Shibumi with family and friends.
Also Read: Alternatives To Shibumi Shade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Shibumi shades are allowed on all beaches in the United States except in Rehoboth and Bethany Beach, DE, Myrtle, and North Myrtle Beach, SC. North Myrtle and Myrtle beaches only allow traditional umbrellas between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Solbello and Neso are some of the best alternatives for Shibumi shades.
Shibumi shade does not wind to work. Most beaches have a good breeze to help you set up your Shibumi shade.
Shibumi shade is light making it easy to carry it around, it is vital to withstand high breezes, and the material used to make the shade offers UV rays protection.
Conclusion
If you plan a beach day with your family or friends, you must protect yourself from the harsh sun. Shibumi and Solbello are the best beach shades in the market today.
Both offer about 6-foot-high protection against UV rays and extreme weather conditions.
Your choice will mainly depend on your budget, group size, and if you need a shade that adjusts with wind direction. Suppose you can’t decide on which shade to choose, Shibumi and Solbello comparison above will be of much help.
