I’ve used both the KD and the Craft Hut. The KD is good for great weather
shows, no wind or rain, I wouldn’t trust in in anything else. I now use
the Craft Hut. The first time I had to put it together I was a bit
overwhelmed (in the rain) but once you’ve done it a few times it isn’t
confusing at all. It just takes a bit longer, But is well worth the time
if you are in any kind of “weather” situation. A singel person can put it
up in about 15-20 minutes. It can still blow away in a bad storm and shoud
be weightd down. I personally don’t weigh mine down and it did blow over
once in a bad rain storm fortunately nothing was ruined. I think it’s
worth the investment. I’ve seen the Light dome at shows and doesen’t seem
much less complicated that the Craft Hut. Good Luck, Tzipora
Linnea Lahlum
I am still on my first KD canopy, which is now 8 years old. The KD is
basically a cheaper version of the EZup; they are both “Pop-up” canopies.
Advantages: Price, easy one person set-up. Disadvantages: not as sturdy as
the barrel type canopies, can pocket water if you don’t have “canopy
stretchers”, often leak at the seams. It’s basically a trade-off between
ease of use and sturdiness. I never have enough time to set up, so am
willing to accept risk for convenience. The other types all have to be
assembled; it can be time consuming. If you opt for a pop-up, assume that
you will occasionally have to replace bent parts. This is no problem if
you are close to a local dealer. My creaky antique is about 50% original.
Most of those replacements were made in the first few years when I was
still learning. I now carry about 300 lbs. of weight; about 175 at the
feet and the rest from the top framework. If you have very delicate work,
like watercolors or glass, I’d say it’s too risky. Opt for the sturdy
kind… If you go the quick and easy route, do get the canopy stretchers.
You WILL need them. One warning: if you got an EZ-UP “Express” from Sam’s
Club, be forewarned! This is a “picnic” canopy. The top will not stay on
in windy conditions. You must clamp it on; even then I wouldn’t trust it .
I bought one as a “back-up” canopy, and it failed on its first use. It’s
not made as strong as a standard “professional” canopy. This may be wordy,
but I hope it’s useful.
I am still on my first KD canopy, which is now 8 years old. The KD is
basically a cheaper version of the EZup; they are both “Pop-up” canopies.
I have a KD as well. You are saying the KD is the cheaper version of the
EZup? Just the opposite. KD is the more expensive, and the only one of
this kind of pup ups still made of aluminum. If you had a KD for 8 years
than you must know. Most EZups will not last for more than a few years.
Gabriella
One warning: if you got an EZ-UP “Express” from Sam’s
Club, be forewarned! This is a “picnic” canopy. The top will not stay
on in windy conditions. You must clamp it on; even then I wouldn’t
trust it
I have the EZ-up (assume it’s the express since it was purchased at Sams
Club) . . . gee, the only problem I had at the last show (with winds
gusting to 25 MPH was the entire frame moved . . . The canopy stayed atop
the frame without a problem. Three of us had to hold the metal legs, so
the frame wouldn’t go walking down the street.
Some others, with different canopies, had problems: one split at the
seams (don’t know what kind that was.) Another had the problem with the
metal supports collapsing . . . again, I don’t know what kind that was.