When it comes to outdoor events, a reliable and functional pop up canopy tent is a must. Its easy-shade canopy provides instant protection from sunlight, rain, and windy conditions. These outdoor event tent solutions have become essential equipment for a variety of uses. They are ideal for recreational outdoor party setups, commercial trade shows, racing events, and marketing campaigns.
However, choosing the right pop up tent can be overwhelming with so many options. In particular, you’ll encounter two common types of canopy frames: slant leg canopy and straight leg pop-up canopy tents. Both types offer reliable coverage, but their distinct features make them better suited for different outdoor activities. So, which one should you choose? This article will answer this question. We’ll delve into the difference between slant and straight-leg canopy, helping determine the best canopy tent that fits your needs. By understanding the features of each type, you’ll be well-equipped to select the ideal outdoor tent for your next event.
Key difference: straight leg vs slant leg canopy
Before learning more about their differences, you should know what makes these two types different.
- A slant leg canopy tent features legs that slant outwards from the tent roof to the ground. The slant leg design creates a stable structure against windy conditions due to the increased leg angle of more than 90 degrees with the ground. Its angle creates a broader base that can separate the force of wind or weight in a larger area, reducing the risk of blowing away. With a stylish and modern appearance, this type of canopy tent is commonly used in casual places, such as a backyard party.
- In contrast, a straight leg canopy tent has vertical tent poles that form a 90-degree angle with the ground. Compared to slant leg tents, which may require a bit more effort to adjust the angle of the legs and ensure the tent is fully stabilized, the straight will be easier to set up.
This type offers a taller and more spacious interior, creating a compact and formal shape. It has a wider range of applications, not only in recreational spaces but also in commercial trade shows and exhibitions.
Tent shade coverage
While both types offer ample shade, the straight leg canopy tent often provides more usable space due to its square or rectangular shape. Its 90-degree tent poles allow the tent’s full area to be utilized. However, the slanted canopy legs offer less space. As its legs have outward angles with the ground, it takes up too much of your already limited space and makes inefficient use of it.
If legs are angled at around 45 degrees (a common slant), the space under the canopy could be reduced by approximately 20% to 30%. For example, a 10×10 straight leg canopy creates a 100-square-foot area of canopy coverage, while a slant leg canopy 10×10 onlycovers 75 square feet of usable space.
Stability and wind resistance
In terms of stability, slant leg canopies use less material and have less structural integrity than straight leg canopies. Though it can expand the force area of its canopy to avoid being knocked down, it may not work well in extreme weather conditions. Straight leg tents offer superior stability, especially when weighted down with sandbags or other anchors. Their vertical legs provide a more consistent and rigid structure integrity, making them better withstand strong winds. For long-term use in locations where the weather is unpredictable, straight leg canopies with weights are often a perfect option.
If you want to know more about the wear and tear of the straight-leg canopy tent, here we provide a detailed introduction to the 10×10 canopy tent test on heavy snowy days.
Durability of the canopies
Consider the durability of canopy tents for long-term use, especially if you want to use them frequently or in challenging outdoor conditions. The durability of pop up tents depends on their materials like aluminum and steel, which are common materials for tent frames.
Canopy tent frame: aluminum vs. steel
Slant leg canopies often use steel for their tent frames, while most straight leg pop up canopy tents use aluminum frames for a durable permanent tent structure.
Almost all slant leg canopies, as recreational-grade pop up tents, use lighter steel frames. They are quite weaker than aluminum frames of similar weight. Buy why? Here are two reasons:
1. Steel has a more affordable price than aluminum and is favored for budget-friendly, recreational-grade canopies.
2. Aluminum’s lightweight feature allows for thicker diameter tent poles than steel counterparts without exceeding the weight limits. The thicker, sturdy frame material ensures a stable canopy tent.
A straight tent with lightweight aluminum is easy to set up and take down. Aluminum creates portable canopy tents that are easy to transport. However, its lightweight nature may make pop-up tents more likely to be blown over in strong winds. Consider adding leg weights with water or sandbags to secure the aluminum tent for stability. An Aluminum tent is resistant to rust, making it an excellent choice for long-term use.
While the heavy-duty steel frames enhance the stability of slant leg canopy tents, they come with certain drawbacks. If you use a slant leg canopy frequently, the steel will rust easily, especially when exposed to heavy rain at outdoor events. It may not be as durable as aluminum straight-leg tents.
Customizability: slant leg canopy vs straight leg
The slant leg canopy is typically equipped with mesh sidewalls as its outward-angled legs create a structure that isn’t as rigid as straight leg canopies. Mesh sidewalls provide a lighter, flexible solution that doesn’t add significant weight or strain to the frame. The specific slant leg canopy wall and its angled legs limit its customization options.
Compared with the slant leg, a straight leg canopy tent is easy to customize and can match different sidewalls. As a popular choice for business, you can design versatile logos and images for its canopy. Add half-side walls, mesh sidewalls, or PVC sidewalls to print promotional messages. There are five types of canopy sidewalls available in Westshade’s custom service.
If you want a custom straight leg canopy, click it and learn more about our custom pop up tents. From the printing option selection to professional canopy design ideas, we provide high-quality solutions that will make your business stand out at any event.
Ideal usage
Straight leg canopy: If you’re looking for a reliable canopy for business purposes like trade shows, markets, or festivals, a straight-leg canopy is the best choice. Its sturdy frame and versatile designs make it perfect for professional events where longevity and stability are important.
Slant leg canopy: It is suitable for recreational, and outdoor gatherings. It also works better in uneven terrain and windy areas. The design distributes uneven stress across the canopy, particularly when exposed to side winds, offering a better solution for less rigid setups.
Price: straight leg vs slant leg canopy
The slant canopy comes at a lower price due to its simple structure design and steel materials, making it an affordable option for casual use. However, It may not be durable and have a limited lifespan. The steel frames are easy to be damaged and you may need extra money to fix it or buy a new one. In the end, what seemed like a cost-effective choice could end up costing you more in the long run. Stop buying cheap slant canopy tents, invest in a high-quality straight leg that will last longer and provide greater value over time.
Conclusion
A canopy tent provides ample shade for commercial or recreational use. With two types available—slant leg and straight leg, it may be difficult to choose the best canopy. Consider factors like the intended use, features, ease of setup, desired stability, and budget. If you want a reliable, long-lasting canopy tent for commercial or frequent use, a straight leg canopy is the best choice. The durable tent provides greater stability and achieves 100% utilization of a given space, ensuring a long-lasting lifespan. For occasional recreational use in mild conditions, a slant leg tent will be helpful, especially on uneven ground without ample shade requirements. And obviously, the straight leg canopy is better.
If you want to buy one for the next outdoor event, check Westshade without hesitation. As a professional tent supplier with a rating of 4.9 in Trustpoliet, we have sold thousands of high-quality canopies. Ready to start your trip in Westshade? Choose the best straight leg canopy today!
