In this detailed review, a beach gear expert examines the Neso Gigante, the largest beach canopy offered by Neso, and compares it to other popular beach tents: the Jumbo Ziggy Shade and the Sun Ninja Plus. The expert also shares a helpful storage tip at the end of the video, which could save users some hassle if they own a Neso beach tent.
Why Choose the Neso Gigante?
The beach gear expert has been a fan of the Neso Grande for some time, appreciating its 9×9 feet coverage and its ability to withstand windy conditions. However, he felt it was time to upgrade to something larger, so he purchased the Neso Gigante on Amazon for approximately $155.
The Neso Gigante is a true giant, measuring 11×11 feet. It comes equipped with two 8-foot aluminum poles, which are a foot taller than those of the Grande, providing additional height and making it ideal for larger families. The canopy is constructed from nylon-Lycra fabric, offering UPF 50+ protection, and the carrying bag features a cooler pocket, perfect for holding refreshing drinks after setup.
Setup Process
Setting up the Neso Gigante is similar to other Neso tents:
- Determine the wind direction and position the open end of the canopy accordingly.
- Lay out the canopy and anchor bags in an “X” shape on the sand.
- Fill the anchor bags with sand (the expert uses a scooper for this, although the Gigante does not come with one, so he employs his hands).
- Assemble the poles and raise the canopy by placing the foam balls about a foot from each corner.
- Ensure there’s adequate tension in the fabric to keep the poles secure, adjusting the anchor bags as necessary.
The expert emphasizes that properly filling the anchor bags is crucial to prevent the canopy from blowing away, especially on windy days.
Wind Resistance
On a particularly windy day with gusts between 15-18 mph, the expert ensured that the anchor bags were completely filled and buried in the sand to maintain the stability of the Gigante. The initial setup provided ample shade; however, upon returning to the beach after a brief absence, he discovered that one of the poles had broken—likely due to improper pole placement. After reaching out to Neso, they promptly sent a replacement pole, showcasing their excellent customer service.
Comparing the Neso Gigante to Other Beach Tents
The expert compares the Neso Gigante to the Jumbo Ziggy Shade and the Sun Ninja Plus, helping viewers determine which tent best suits their needs.
- Jumbo Ziggy Shade:
- Size: 10 feet by 11 feet 8 inches
- Price: $175
- The Ziggy Shade is slightly smaller than the Gigante but still offers decent coverage. The expert notes that it held up well in 20 mph winds. However, the fabric absorbed some water during backyard tests, making it less suitable for rainy weather. The Ziggy Shade comes with four poles (which are a foot shorter than Neso’s) and plastic stakes, more appropriate for calm conditions than strong winds.
- Sun Ninja Plus:
- Size: 10 feet by 10 feet
- Price: Around $200
- The Sun Ninja features four poles, but unlike the Ziggy and Neso models, it does not use anchor bags—it relies on sand pockets within the fabric. The poles are shorter than those of both the Ziggy and the Gigante. Similar to the Ziggy, the Sun Ninja struggled with moisture in backyard tests, absorbing water and becoming bogged down, making it a less favorable option in rainy conditions. However, it is the easiest and quickest to set up among the three.
Final Verdict: Which Tent is Best?
The beach gear expert offers insights on when to choose each tent:
- Neso Gigante: Ideal for large families or gatherings that require extensive shade and sun protection. It is also the best option if rain is a possibility, thanks to its superior water resistance. Its size and height make it suitable for a Jeep or large family outings.
- Jumbo Ziggy Shade: Excellent for blustery days when a more compact tent is needed. Its smaller dimensions make it easier to manage in windy conditions, though it is less effective in the rain.
- Sun Ninja: The fastest and simplest to set up, making it perfect for quick beach outings or those seeking a lightweight option, though it is not recommended for windy or rainy conditions.
Storage Tip
Finally, the expert shares a valuable tip for storing a Neso tent during the winter: placing it in a plastic bin with a secure lid. This approach prevents pests or critters from damaging the fabric during the off-season. He recounts that something chewed on his Neso Grande, a lesson he wishes he had learned sooner.
Conclusion
The Neso Gigante is an outstanding choice for families seeking a large, sturdy canopy with UPF 50+ protection and excellent rain resistance. For those planning to use it on windy days, proper anchoring is essential, and it is advisable to bring extra sand or stakes for added stability. Whether opting for the Gigante, the Ziggy Shade, or the Sun Ninja, all three canopies offer excellent sun protection and shade, but the Neso Gigante stands out for its superior coverage and durability for larger groups.
