Since we just bought a Columbia Sun Basin II Screen House, I thought I'd start a thread. The Sun Basin II (new for 2009) is actually made by North Pole and appears to use common designs with the First-Up line of canopies available through Walmart, Dick's (Quest) etc. I can't say all the parts are interchangeable as it appears from the on-line manuals the designs differ just enough so parts compatibility isn't guaranteed. There also appear to be some similarities to the Swiss Gear 10x10 canopy but I can't find anything that says the SG stuff is made by North Pole
My observations - the canopy is separate from the frame - it must be removed and installed each time the canopy is erected. Otherwise, the canopy/frame doesn't fit into the storage bag. Not a big deal, just a little extra time during set-up. There are quite a few hold down straps to attach the cover to the frame. Be careful with these - I didn't get one installed right and tore a hole in the cover when I put the thing up. I repaired the hole with tent repair tape from McNett (they make Seam Grip) and glued the loose mount for a velcro strap down with Seam Grip.
Overall, the frame appears to be good quality as does the top. The top is treated for UV and water resistance but I haven't tried it in the rain yet. I seam sealed some of the parts that were sewn into the top anyway. The material on the SBII is 150D and a little thinner than what I have on my EZUP. (I bought the SBII because the coverage on the EZUP is too small.)
The screen room is a nice add. It goes on easy and fits taut around the poles.
Additional features - this is a straight legged canopy so the coverage is a true 10x10. The top has rain gutters sewn into the fabric to keep water from pooling along the center edges. I don't know how well these work yet because I haven't tried it in the rain but folks on Amazon and Walmart have reported damaged frames due to pooling rain water on some canopies.
The price for the Columbia units is a bit more than the Swiss Gear one and considerably more than the one from Walmart. I bought off Amazon mostly because Walmart is out of stock on line and the local one doesn't have any either. The delivery was free with Super Saver shipping and only took about a week to arrive after ordering.
My observations - the canopy is separate from the frame - it must be removed and installed each time the canopy is erected. Otherwise, the canopy/frame doesn't fit into the storage bag. Not a big deal, just a little extra time during set-up. There are quite a few hold down straps to attach the cover to the frame. Be careful with these - I didn't get one installed right and tore a hole in the cover when I put the thing up. I repaired the hole with tent repair tape from McNett (they make Seam Grip) and glued the loose mount for a velcro strap down with Seam Grip.
Overall, the frame appears to be good quality as does the top. The top is treated for UV and water resistance but I haven't tried it in the rain yet. I seam sealed some of the parts that were sewn into the top anyway. The material on the SBII is 150D and a little thinner than what I have on my EZUP. (I bought the SBII because the coverage on the EZUP is too small.)
The screen room is a nice add. It goes on easy and fits taut around the poles.
Additional features - this is a straight legged canopy so the coverage is a true 10x10. The top has rain gutters sewn into the fabric to keep water from pooling along the center edges. I don't know how well these work yet because I haven't tried it in the rain but folks on Amazon and Walmart have reported damaged frames due to pooling rain water on some canopies.
The price for the Columbia units is a bit more than the Swiss Gear one and considerably more than the one from Walmart. I bought off Amazon mostly because Walmart is out of stock on line and the local one doesn't have any either. The delivery was free with Super Saver shipping and only took about a week to arrive after ordering.
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