StarShades

[Mandra]

Does anyone have any knowledge of StarShades by KD Kanopy? Can they stand up to the extremes at BRC?
They are only test for winds up to 35 MPH, which has me a little concerned.

[TomServo]

Like this?



Tensile shade structures have been used on the playa. Don't know about this specific product, but my only concerns would be how strong the tie down stitches, attachments, etc.. are. All it takes, is one tie down to fail, and the whole thing's a big kite. However! I would trust that structure over a pop up canopy, any day! It's worth investigating!! And hearing some other opinions on this thread!

[Mandra]

Yep, this is what I am asking about. Adding additional tie downs doesn't look easy.

[trilobyte]

Winds routinely went above 35mph at last year's event (and do in most years). How heavy do you think that pole is?

[Mandra]

It looks very heavy. The problem is that they ONLY tested it up to 35 mph, based on customers experiences they believe it will stand up much higher, they just did not test higher.

[TomServo]

Winds routinely went above 35mph at last year's event (and do in most years). How heavy do you think that pole is?

My first night at BM in 1999, wind gusts were recorded over 100mph.

The picture looks pretty secure, and with a little homemade engineering, stronger tie downs would work. Deeper and heavier stakes is probably all it needs.

[zorro sings]

Last year we purchased a Star Shade Twin 1320 for our camp.About twice as large as one pictured with two poles.As our location was Esplanade and 4;30 a great many people stopped by to ask about it and enjoy the 1320 Sq.feet of shade.Happy to report that we were totally satisfied with its performance.Easy to set up and take down and whatever wind there was last year was certainly not a problem.We never noticed any sway or rigidity compromise.I would have posted a picture but would not accept it here.Those interested can message me and will be glad to send some pix of it on the playa.Also KD Kanopy,for this month only,is offering 50% off ALL Star Shade structures.As far as I know we were the only camp with this model but sure we will see more of them in the future

[CornMan]

Most of the problems with the star shades have been with the pole and where the fabric is connected to ground stakes. I would also suspect where the fabric meets the pole. It is good to make a plan B if the pole fails. Putting bungee cords between the stake loops and the stakes helps when the wind yanks things around. Maybe attach a plastic or metal bowl to the end of the pole to take some of the stress off?

[TomServo]

My guess is "yes" it will survive. The center pole...from the pic seems adequate. I would lash it to two t-posts, just to be sure.

[TomServo]

Example: +O+ meaning tpost , pole, tpost. then duct tape the three together!

[Mandra]

Great input. Thanks

[BurnerBunny]

I just checked out kd kanopy's website, didn't see anything about 50% off, can you msg me the link where you see that? Very interested in the twin 1320. I was going to make something similar from aluminet, but if the price is right this is a perfect alternative.

Last year we purchased a Star Shade Twin 1320 for our camp.About twice as large as one pictured with two poles.As our location was Esplanade and 4;30 a great many people stopped by to ask about it and enjoy the 1320 Sq.feet of shade.Happy to report that we were totally satisfied with its performance.Easy to set up and take down and whatever wind there was last year was certainly not a problem.We never noticed any sway or rigidity compromise.I would have posted a picture but would not accept it here.Those interested can message me and will be glad to send some pix of it on the playa.Also KD Kanopy,for this month only,is offering 50% off ALL Star Shade structures.As far as I know we were the only camp with this model but sure we will see more of them in the future

[BurnerBunny]

wow found out the price range, even at 50% that's way past my budget for a shade structure. I'm assuming these are for people pooling their money as part of a large theme camp. Very cool though!

I found the star twin 685 on amazon for well over $4k.

I'm thinking of making something similar but smaller using this: http://www.shadeclothstore.com/products ... cloth.html
The 12'x24' with some 12ft tent poles, and some fabric hung up along the sides will make a nice structure I hope

[zorro sings]

Well KD Canopy has a number of "distributers"(found on Amazon and elsewhere) who generally mark up the prices by 50-100%.You need to speak with KD directly.Ask for Maranda and tell them Tim from Reno sent you.I have no idea what anyone's budget is but we are a small camp where all expenses pretty much fall on me.I rationalize it by thinking of it as my"vacation home".

[theCryptofishist]

Mozy Bonez has taken a star shade to the playa for multiple years, including 2006 and 2008? or maybe 2009? Maybe others as well, but I didn't see them those years. It's a striking shade and looks good at night with colored lights shining up it...