This offset umbrella arrives with its own cross base and two sandbags that load to 220 lb, so nothing else needs buying before the first use. Loosen the lock and the handle raises or lowers the canopy through an infinite tilt range, then the whole head swings a full circle to chase the sun without moving the stand. A self-locking hinge at the top joint stops the canopy swaying in a breeze, and that joint is sealed shut so water cannot seep in and rust the mechanism from the inside. Eight metal ribs sit in protective pockets under a vented crown.