My SportsShade is not retracting all the way
Solution: Sometimes SportsShade may retract crooked (more on one side than the other).  Try to compensate so that SportsShade is retracting evenly on both sides.  Do this by pulling gently to the opposite side while SportsShade is retracting.

Solution: Sometimes SportsShade may build up residue from dust and the silver coating inside of the housing, which creates extra friction and reduces retraction.  Try putting talcum powder on the top side of the awning material or spray with Silicon Spray.  Sprinkle it lightly and let the awning retract into the housing a few times.   The Silicon Spray works very well to loosen it up.

Solution: Sometimes SportsShade may retract with significant wrinkles due to wind.  These wrinkles may cause the retraction to bind up. Try to get to an area that is protected from the wind and pull the awning out and let it retract with out wrinkles.

My SportsShade is binding up when I try to pull it out
Solution: Sometimes SportsShade may build up residue from dust and/or the silver coating on the fabric inside of the housing, which creates extra friction and binds the roller. Try hanging SportsShade by the clip hooks, and then gently pull down on the housing.  Bunched awning material may bubble out of the opening in the housing. Push the bunched material back in the opening and gently pull down more.  Keep repeating this procedure until the SportsShade unbinds.  Then put talcum powder on the top side of the awning material to reduce friction.  Sprinkle it lightly and let the awning retract into the housing a few times.  Silicon Spray works even better!

My SportsShade does not restract well in the wind
Solution: Wind does cause a ballooning effect when SportsShade is faced into the wind. The ballooning effect has more force than the retraction force. Try to remove SportsShade from the wind and retract in a protected area. Or try to set SportsShade on the ground in a direction perpendicular to the wind and let it retract.  Or place the front bar as close to the housing as possible (closing off the balloon and not letting air in).

My SportsShade does not retract at all
Solution: If your unit is under warranty please contact for a new SportsShade. Call 816-734-4740 or write Warranty@InventiveIdeas.com to obtain a RETURN Authorization Number. If out of warranty, please purchase another unit.

Why Is SportsShade Sized 6” X 8”?
SportsShade functions best as a portable shade system and is sized for optimum portability. The housing is 5’9” in length so it fits easily into most vehicles. The awning rolls out 8’ providing a large shade square, which rolls up into a 2” diameter canister. At this size, SportsShade slides right under the seats of most vans and SUV’s. If the awning were longer, the canister would need to be larger in diameter and would hang up on the springs under the seats. At 5’9”x 8” SportsShade gives you the shade you need with the portability you appreciate!

How Does SportsShade Handle Wind?
SportsShade was designed by a structural engineer to sway with the wind. It’s the only tension based product on the market. 4 legged pop-ups have a “parachute” effect as wind gets trapped inside and lifts, permanently mounted awnings have no forward support so they blow around. The secret to SportsShade is making sure the stakes are securely grounded or weighted with guy lines fully extended. Since the unit is attached to a stationary object, it just sways with the wind. Of course, no awning is recommend is very high winds so we’ve designed SportsShade to fully retract the awning so you can take it down fast, should a wind storm come suddenly.

How Much Does SportsShade Weigh?
At only 10 lbs., SportsShade is easy to set-up. SportsShade weighs an average of 70% less than 4-Legged instant or popup canopies. Women and Seniors LOVE how LIGHTWEIGHT it is and Men appreciate the EASE OF SET-UP.

Is It Water Proof and UV Protected?
The silver coating on the top of the awning is waterproof. Water will roll off at the lowest points or pool in the middle. In addition, SportsShade has been certified to block 98% of harmful UV rays.

What’s Kind Of Fabric Is Used For The Awning?
The awning is made of lightweight polyester, similar to that used in tents.

What Color Is The Top Of The Awning?
The top of the awning is sprayed with a reflective silver coating that reflects the suns rays providing the densest shade available on the market.

What Color Is The Bottom Of The Awning?
The bottom of the awning is black to reduce infiltrating rays and provide a more dense shade square for the maximum comfort and protection against the sun.

What Is The Banner?
The banner is not part of the awning shade producing material and is the only thing “color sensitive”. It serves as the outer carrying case when closed and hangs from the bottom of the housing to become a “Banner” when open. The banner may be removed and reattached from the housing by Velcro tabs. This is the part that you can customize with your team name, company logo or other creative expression.

What Color Are The Banners?
Standard colors include Red, Blue and Black. Additional colors are available for custom orders.

How Do I Customize The Banner?
1. Detach the banner and take it to any local sign shop or screen printer.
2. Customize the banner, yourself, by purchasing kits and material from a craft store.
3. For orders of 100 or more, we will customize the banner for you with a 1-color screen print.

How Does It Attach?
SportsShade can be attached to almost any stationary object. Attachment may be made on most vans and SUVs by either the rear door closers or the luggage racks. At each connection point it has a short strap with a snap hook and a long strap with a snap hook. The straps at the awning edge wrap around almost anything and clip tight or the clip hooks may be used individually for attaching in small areas, such as closure mechanisms on the hatch door. SportsShade may also clip on to fences or eyebolts, gutters, and around trees.

What’s The Warranty?
SportsShade includes a 1 year limited warranty. PLEASE Complete the WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD included in the Product Instruction Brochure inside the box. This provides a record of your purchase and allows us to offer you the highest level of customer care.

What Maintenance Is Required On My Unit?
1. SportsShade will mildew if stored wet. If taken down when wet, please set up to dry out at the first opportunity.
2. Store in a dry place out of weather. Do not leave up in rainy or moist weather for extended periods of time.
3. For cleaning use household soap or detergent and warm water.