In this review, Beach pool guide pits two popular beach canopy tents against each other: the Sun Ninja, priced at around $160, and the budget-friendly Strenu SunPro, available for $70. While both tents share a similar design, they exhibit key differences in setup, durability, and overall performance. So, how do they compare? Let’s dive in.
Key Features of Both Canopies:
- Size: Both tents measure approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, providing ample shade for about four people when set up with two poles.
- Height: Each tent features poles that stand 6 feet 8 inches tall, offering sufficient headroom for most beachgoers.
- Anchor Bags: Both tents include anchor bags for stability; however, the Sun Ninja’s larger anchor bags can hold more sand, enhancing tension and overall stability.
- Poles: While both tents utilize lightweight materials for their poles, the Sun Ninja’s poles are about a foot longer, facilitating easier setup and providing enhanced stability.
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Both tents claim UPF 50+ protection. However, Matty notes that the Sun Ninja has performed better in his tests, showing no fabric issues, while the Strenu Sun Pro experienced a minor stitching problem.
Ease of Setup:
- Sun Ninja: The Sun Ninja is quicker and easier to set up. The longer poles and larger anchor bags contribute to better stability, requiring fewer adjustments.
- Strenu SunPro: The Strenu Sun Pro presents a bit more of a challenge during setup, demanding more time, effort, and patience. Despite its similar design, the shorter legs and smaller anchor bags lead to reduced stability and a more cumbersome adjustment process.
Wind Resistance:
- Sun Ninja: The Sun Ninja performed exceptionally well in 30 mph winds, provided the anchor bags were adequately filled with sand and properly buried. Its longer poles and larger anchor bags enhance its wind resistance.
- Strenu SunPro: The Strenu Sun Pro managed decently in 15 mph winds but struggled in Matty’s test of 30 mph winds. With proper tension and effort, it held up, but concerns were raised about the potential for the poles to snap under strain.
Durability and Quality:
- Sun Ninja: The Sun Ninja has demonstrated impressive durability, showing no significant issues after multiple uses. Its lycra fabric and stitching have performed well, even in challenging conditions.
- Strenu SunPro: Although the Strenu Sun Pro exhibited a minor stitching issue, its overall fabric and construction appeared solid. It performed comparably to the Sun Ninja in the backyard mist test, absorbing moisture and fogging up, making it less ideal if rain is on the horizon.
Price Comparison:
- Sun Ninja: At around $160, it offers superior build quality and wind resistance, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality beach canopy.
- Strenu SunPro: Priced at just $70, the Strenu Sun Pro provides good value. While it may not perform as well in high winds or possess the same build quality as the Sun Ninja, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable beach tent.
Final Verdict:
- Sun Ninja: Ideal for those prioritizing quality, ease of setup, and better performance in windy conditions. If you’re willing to invest a bit more for a tent that is durable and stable, this is the better option.
- Strenu SunPro: A reliable budget choice. Though it may not be as quick to set up or as wind-resistant as the Sun Ninja, it still offers decent shade, good sun protection, and can withstand moderate winds if set up correctly.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a little extra setup effort, the Strenu Sun Pro is a commendable option. However, for those seeking a reliable and durable beach canopy, the Sun Ninja stands out as the clear winner.
Pros and Cons:
- Sun Ninja:
- Pros: Easier setup, superior wind resistance, larger anchor bags, higher build quality.
- Cons: Higher price point.
- Strenu SunPro:
- Pros: Great value, affordable, decent shade and sun protection.
- Cons: Slightly more challenging to set up, less stable in high winds, smaller anchor bags.
If you’re deciding between the two, Beach pool guide recommends the Sun Ninja for those needing a canopy that can endure rough conditions and last longer. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind putting in a bit more effort during setup, the Strenu Sun Pro remains a solid choice!
