Guides › Retreat vs Paraflex
Shadowspec Retreat vs Umbrosa Paraflex: which wall-mounted umbrella?
Both bolt to a wall and keep your floor clear. The Retreat is the simpler one: one 9 ft size, a gas-assisted opening and a cover included, at $2,995. The Paraflex is the more adjustable one: a flexible arm, four canopy sizes and 14 colours, from $1,995.
| Shadowspec Retreat | Umbrosa Paraflex (wall mount) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Shadowspec, New Zealand | Umbrosa, Belgium |
| Price (CAD, shipping included) | $2,995 | From $1,995 (8'10" round or 6'7" square, Alu) to $2,495 (Black) |
| Canopy | 9 ft hexagon (8'10" point to point) | Round 8'10" or 9'10"; square 6'7" or 7'7" |
| Reach | 8'7" from the wall to the canopy edge, 10'0" fully extended | 2 m (6'7") Neo arm, aimed almost anywhere |
| How it moves | Gas-assisted lift, rotates, 2 tilt positions, extends 18" | Flexible arm bends, tilts and turns |
| Mounting | Wall bracket (a second bracket is $575) | Wall mount, or later a pole: round support, concrete anchorage or rolling tile base |
| Colours | 5 | 14 (Canvas, Grey and Black ship fastest) |
| Protection cover | Included | $215 extra |
| Ships | 2 to 6 weeks | Quick Ship colours in 3 to 5 working days; others made to order in about 3 weeks |
Choose the Retreat if…
You want the easiest opening, the cleanest look folded against the wall, and a cover in the box. It's the best fit for a standard balcony or patio dining set.
Choose the Paraflex if…
Your shade has to land somewhere awkward, like over a lounger off to one side, or you need a smaller square canopy for a narrow balcony. It also suits you if you want a specific colour, a lower starting price, or the option of a freestanding pole later.
Wind
Umbrosa rates the Paraflex at Beaufort 3 to 6 (12 to 31 mph), depending on size and mounting, with the arm stretched out in line with the wind. As with any umbrella, close the Retreat when the wind picks up. Close either one when you leave it.
Condos
Either one means drilling into a wall, so get your strata's written approval first. Our Retreat buying guide covers what to send them.
Still deciding?
Text a photo of your space to 778-902-5534 and we'll tell you which one fits.
Sources: Shadowspec's Retreat product information and Umbrosa's Paraflex technical sheet and wind guidelines (see Retreat documents and Paraflex documents). Prices in Canadian dollars with shipping included, and lead times, as of October 2026.