Posted by Hugo Cruz on September 21, 2009 at 7:44pm
I am ready to get fancier digs ... I am in the market for a "dome" open ceiling design that I always have envied and salivated for at shows. My EZ-Up has proudly and valiantly served me but it is time to invest in a better canopy.
Thus, I am strongly leaning towards a Flourish/Trimline http://www.flourish.com/trimline_10x10.html
So, before I take the plunge (within 24 hours), any last minute opinions? Some say I can;t go wrong with models like these ... But, might as well get some last minute feedback.
Also, anyone who owns a Flourish Trimline with their MESH panels, how sturdy are those Mesh panels? Can they hold plenty of combined weight? Durable?
Thank you
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I may be too late, but I'll post anyway...I considered very carefully before taking the plunge. I set up alone, so it has to be manageable, in addition to sturdy, etc. What pushed me toward the Trimline was the fact that the Light Dome uses aluminum poles, I believe, whereas Trimline's are steel. Whatever the case, the Trimline is heavier! I figured if I'm upgrading my tent I might as well go all the way and get the "brick outhouse", so to speak. I also got lost of options, which I don't regret. I marked all the poles with colored tape and Sharpie notes so help me with set up. I can't do it in 20 minutes like that other poster, but it does impress my neighbors that a 42 year old woman can set up my fancy tent faster than they can with a helper!
Hugo Cruz > Claudia WinterSeptember 24, 2009 at 12:37pm
Thank you, everyone, for you gtreat responses. All the positive responses for the Trinline just justified my gutt feeling ... I went ahead and ordered the Trimline with all the gadgets (Mesh panels, french wall, 8' option, etc.). Although I made my decision, I am sure future readers and posters will find this post very helpful.
I will update my post with my mesh panel experience. Worst case, I already own steel square grid wall panels (2'x7') that I can use as an option.
I just bought a trimline two weeks ago and love it but what no one has mentioned is how very much heavier it is, and all the little pieces and parts. Not the most user friendly thing to put together but I love it so much better than an ezup
Michelle Sholund > Robin Anne CooperSeptember 24, 2009 at 2:00pm
When you put it up and down a couple of times you get accustomed to it. I agree it can be heavy but at least it comes apart and you can group it together in a way you can carry it.
Trimline here. Love it. Mesh walls as well. As for weight, you may ask a Trimline dealer about the 35lbs. My work can be heavy so I use multiple s-hooks to spread out the weight and I yet to have a problem.
But if you are working in metal, plan the backs in a way that you can spread out the weight, either by a wire or multiple metal brackets.
When you decide you want to be a bit fancier in your setup, trimline has mesh panel covers in a variety of colors. These look very nice.
I just bought a Trimline this spring also. No problems, just takes longer. That's the trade-off. I often wonder what the Light dome would have been like though. I did not look into them at all before I bought the trimline, but I like how the canopy covers the walls completely and it looks like the poles may be aluminum? They at least look a different color anyway...
BTW- I have the propanels and even though they take MORE time to setup, I like them better than the hanging walls I've seen. Much more flexibility in your setup.
I love my Trimline. I got it this spring and have used it about 6 times so far. I get better everytime at setting it up. I just want to say if a 5'4" woman weighing about 120 pds can put it together than anyone can. It takes me time but I love the fact that I'm not as worried. Just as an FYI the stability bars that Trimline offers are so worth it. They really help my tent not shake and stay put.
Michelle Sholund > Dawn Waters BakerSeptember 22, 2009 at 2:47pm
Ditto! Dawn beat me to the punch because everything she said is what I would have posted. I have the stay bars and are a great investment. I also got the easy riser too - I do shows by myself, most of the time - so being able to set it up with one person in mind - it really works. Also if you get the stay bars and the riser there is a discount. It seems pricey, but have never slept better knowing I have a great canopy that stays up through all kinds of weather or people who like to lean on the poles. I have started paying it down already and believe it should be paid off - if my shows go as well as last weekends - in about 2-3 more shows. I really do think more people gravitate to the dome canopies as one poster said - it just looks more professional and ROOMY!
Lots of information already posted on the Forum about this, so I'll be brief: My Trimline is like a rock, even in 30 mph winds (and maybe higher), still looks clean and bright, and (with practice) I can get it set up by myself in about 20 minutes. (It took me about an hour the first time I used it.)
I know some folks prefer Pro Panels, but I've used the mesh panels and they are very sturdy. If you're hanging 2-D work, you may want to use curtain hooks, which work better than the S-hooks that Flourish recommends. You can get them at any fabric store.
Replies
I will update my post with my mesh panel experience. Worst case, I already own steel square grid wall panels (2'x7') that I can use as an option.
Thanks again
But if you are working in metal, plan the backs in a way that you can spread out the weight, either by a wire or multiple metal brackets.
When you decide you want to be a bit fancier in your setup, trimline has mesh panel covers in a variety of colors. These look very nice.
BTW- I have the propanels and even though they take MORE time to setup, I like them better than the hanging walls I've seen. Much more flexibility in your setup.
I know some folks prefer Pro Panels, but I've used the mesh panels and they are very sturdy. If you're hanging 2-D work, you may want to use curtain hooks, which work better than the S-hooks that Flourish recommends. You can get them at any fabric store.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
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