I have owned a commercial EZ UP Canopy Encore Model since 2004.  I use my tent for outdoor art shows, where it has been exposed to every kind of weather except for snow.  It has been pulled in and out of my car, set up and taken down every year for the last 5 years just about every weekend in the summer and early fall.

I bought my canopy for $250.00 in 2004, and it has been well worth every penny I spent on it.  The canopy still has all its original parts, and other than the carrying bag, they are still in pretty good shape.

I would highly recommend an EZ UP commercial canopy to any other artist looking for an art show tent, as long as they keep a few things in mind.

If you are going to do lots of shows, spend the money and get a commercial tent.  The commercial EZ UP canopies come with much sturdier material and metal structure, as well as all four sidewalls.  My tent also came with a small awning which I have never used, stakes, and a rolling carrying case.

For outside shows, the sidewalls are a must, as you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather.  The carrying case is great for keeping the tent clean between shows.  You also need the stakes, to keep the tent in place on windy days.

Two things that the EZ UP canopy did not come with that are necessary are weights for the legs of the tent, and waterproofed top.  You can buy a spray waterproofing material to waterproof the top yourself, and either make or buy the weights separately. 

The biggest problem with the EZ UP canopy, and this is true of all outdoor canopies, is that they are lightweight for ease of movement, and act as a windsail on a windy day. Therefore, it is vital that you prepare by staking the tent down if possible, and weighting it down too. Bungee cords are extremely helpful in keeping the weights attached to the tent, and also keeping the tent attached to a stationary object.  They also come in handy for numerous other tasks.

Other than the wind issue, the EZ UP has been a wonderful tent for me. Ours has lasted through 5 seasons of constant use. After 5 years, my only problems have been a few sticky joints, and that the tent canopy is beginning to have some thin spots.

My favorite feature of the EZ UP canopy is the exactly what it is named for, the easy way it goes up and down. I can set the tent up all by myself if I have to in about 10 minutes, and take it down just as fast. It folds up just like an umbrella, and fits into its case every time. The entire folded up canopy fits in the trunk of my car.

I also love that I can order new parts any time I need to if a piece gets damaged or broken.

The EZ UP has kept my family and my merchandise dry in thunderstorms, and shaded us on many a hot and sunny day. As long as you take care of your canopy, it will serve you for a very long time.