The honest reason why we changed the labeling of our new silver parasol to make it water-repellent

Today, the project for the new parasol "KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver" finally started on Makuake!

▼Makuake project page here

https://www.makuake.com/project/kalct_heatblock_aluminumsilver/

Thanks to you, we have received a great response from customers who have been using our KALCT umbrellas for some time. Among these, the following question has been asked most frequently.

"How does this new product differ in performance from previous KALCT umbrellas?"

In fact, we have deliberately changed the testing standards for water repellency for this new product compared to previous models. This is because, beyond the impact of the numbers, we wanted to convey the characteristics of this umbrella correctly and honestly.

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1. "Water repellent (ability to repel water)" or "water resistant (ability to block water)"

First, let's compare the performance figures of each product. This is the biggest difference.

Looking at the numbers alone, the new KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver may seem overwhelmingly "rain resistant." However, the actual experience is different.

*Water repellency level of 100 points is equivalent to JIS grade 5, water repellency level of 4 points is equivalent to AATCC22 method grade 85.

Why is the water resistance so extraordinary at 14,940mm?

The new KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver is coated with PU containing fine aluminum particles to maximize its heat-blocking effect, blocking out the intense summer sunlight.

This special coating acts as a membrane to block water, giving the umbrella an extremely high level of water resistance, preventing water from getting through to the back. In other words, it is a parasol equipped with the "strongest shield that will never let rain leak in."

In terms of "good water drainage" - that is, the ability for water droplets to roll off - it has different characteristics from KALCT (umbrellas).

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2. The developer's intention behind deliberately changing the "yardstick (inspection standard)"

For previous KALCT umbrellas, we used the AATCC22 method, which gives detailed numerical values ​​for water-repellent performance. This is because we were strict in our pursuit of how well an umbrella could shed water.

In contrast, for this KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver, we have chosen to use the "JIS standard (grade)" that is commonly used in Japan.

Honesty to avoid excessive expectations

Since this product does not primarily feature an ultra-water-repellent coating on the surface, we felt that competing on detailed scores would risk making customers expect "ultra-water-repellent properties like a KALCT (umbrella)."

We decided that the most appropriate and honest way to communicate this was to use a "grade" that is widely recognized in Japan and indicate that the product has a certain level of performance (grade 4).

Keeping pace with the industry

Recently, more and more other companies' products are claiming to be "water-repellent at a certain level." When comparing parasols with other companies' products, it is easier to judge using the same "ruler (JIS standard)," so this time we have deliberately adopted a standard notation rather than our own standard.

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3. Which one is right for you?

By learning more about the specs, you can find the perfect one for you.

• "After using it on a rainy day, I want to shake it out and put it back in my bag right away (water drainage is important)."

  → KALCT (umbrella) is the best choice as it is 100% water-repellent.
  
  

• "I want to beat the intense heat of summer. But I also want to make sure it doesn't leak even if I get caught in a sudden downpour on the way home (waterproofing is important)."

  → With a water resistance of 14,940mm, KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver is the strongest shield.
  
  

As the sun and rain become more intense in the coming season, we hope that by understanding the "intention" behind the specs, you will be able to choose the perfect watch for your lifestyle.

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The project is now available on Makuake!

For more details on the new "KALCT HEATBLOCK Aluminum Silver" and great returns, please visit the project page below.

[Makuake project page]

https://www.makuake.com/project/kalct_heatblock_aluminumsilver/