Hello. I have been researching new display options for this coming summer season of shows in the Midwest, and currently have a top line EZ Up (The Eclipse II with aluminum) that I've been using the past two seasons. It's been working fine for me with the exception of slight leakage in heavy rain. However, the problem I have is that I have been adding large format photos to my walls (I'm a jeweler) and earring racks; and even if the side walls are down, they swing a bit in the wind, as the walls bow in and out and push my curtains and walls into the wall-hung items.
So I was thinking of getting some Flourish mesh walls with the Sta-Bar kit for the EZ Ups. Went online, and for $655. I can get three. However, for $240 more I can get a new Trimline. I definitely know that Trimlines are better than EZ Ups - but how are the Trimline walls for bowing in and out in wind, if you have 3 walls zippered down? Also, how much can one hang items (framed large photos, some jewelry racks for earrings etc.) off of the frame? I suppose I can work out alternate ways to hang simple things without the mesh walls, but want to know if it's worth it to get the Trimline without the mesh walls. Most (80%) of my items are displayed on tables. Can't use large ProPanels or grid walls as I pack everything in a Matrix, and it's pretty stuffed to the brim...
Also, bonus question: do you think a jury notices if a booth shot is taken under an EZ Up or a Trimline? Meaning, do you think it affects entry into higher end shows?
As one who is a jeweler with not a lot of surplus $ to spend (still starting out!), spending any penny is a cause for worry; so advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Replies
Besides the Trimline, you'll still need the mesh walls which come with stabars. The walls blowing in will be the same but you can clamp the walls to the bottom stabars, which you can also do with your EZUP. The main advantage of the Trimline is that it won't leak in heavy rain, and will make a more professional looking booth picture. The disadvantage is because it's sturdier (heavier) with more parts, it will take longer to set up.
As for hanging, any type of canopy will work if you're inventive or get suggestions from other artists already hanging stuff. When I get posters printed for artists, I get a sleeve sewn into the top so a dowel can be inserted. Then drill a hole in each end of the dowel so some kind of string or wire can be inserted into the dowel to hang the posters. If you use mesh walls, just used drapery hooks. etc....
Larry Berman
Thanks Larry, for your advice! I would love to get both, but feel I have to make a choice of one vs. the other for this season due to finances...sigh. However, I'm wondering - if I get the mesh walls for the EZ Up, and StaBars, can they be used with a Trimline, or will I have to begin again?
And I will definitely have to re-visit my hanging style. Currently have a PVC pipe curtain "rod" from which I hang curtains and the photos (which are in frames, not the vinyl with dowel unfortunately). This works okay except when there's swinging and then they become crooked...and I'm constantly re-adjusting. Would be nice to have them hang on a "grid" like the mesh walls. I do hesitate, however, getting the mesh walls for the EZ UP if a future Trimline purchase couldn't use them...or now, getting the Trimline without the walls..
I just contacted Flourish about my EZ Up staBars and whether they could be used on the Trimline. The answer was essentially no. There are two types of poles. Only one of the two types are the same for the Trimline.
I can't speak for the mesh walls.
I also started with an EZ-Up and mesh panels. When I bought my trimline, Flourish explained that there was a difference in length between the EZ-Up Lower Sta-Bars and the Trimline ones. I bought new lower Sta-bar set for the new Trimline and the Mesh Panels that I had for the EZ-Up worked just fine, because they had the plastic hook pieces already attached to the top of the mesh screen. If you have the plastic hooks you should be fine when you decide to get the new canopy. Talking with the folks at Trimline will be pleasant and rewarding. They will be sure that you get what you need.
As far as the mesh walls with your EZ-Up, They will reduce the swinging a bit, but not eliminate it. You can cinch the mesh panels down tight to the lower Sta-Bar and they will not move as easily as the tent walls do.
Best of luck and I'm sure you'll make out OK.
You'll have to contact flourish to see if the mesh walls could be used for both. I've read that the mesh walls are different but it might be just the stabars are different.
Larry Berman