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Reviews > Camp Tables and Seating > Tables > Beckworth Smartflip Bamboo Table > Test Report by Gail StaisilBeckworth & CoSmartflip Bamboo Foldable Table Test Series by: Gail Staisil, Marquette, Michigan May 31, 2019 Tester Information Name: Gail Staisil Age: 66 Gender: Female Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m) Weight: 160 lb (73 kg) Location: Marquette, Michigan USA Email: woodswoman 2001 AT yahoo DOT com Product Information
Initial Impressions and Product Description The Beckworth & Co Smartflip Bamboo Foldable Table arrived in its own zippered-storage bag. The table is available in a couple different models. There is a cargo net that attaches to the legs that can be ordered to fit the table for 13.99 US. It would allow storage of items underneath the table. Might be something to consider. The table appears to be made with good materials and workmanship. Beckworth & Co specializes in a complete inventory of picnic and camping supplies. Instructions for the table were included but instinctively I just assembled it with no difficulty. It is a foldable table so there are no separate parts. I took the folded table (23.6 x 6 in x 4.3 in/60 cm x 15 cm x 11 cm) out of the storage bag and unfolded it until the top (25.6 in x 19.7 in/ 65 cm x 50 cm) was open all the way and laying flat. I then unfolded the legs (17 in/43 cm) so that they were all straight. There are two crossbars (for stability) that had to be moved and inserted into plastic end holders. The table was now complete in the low position (17 in /43 cm). If desired the table can be increased in height to 25.6 in (65 cm). The end of each leg has a plastic cap with small bumps for grip. In order to loosen each leg I had to turn each end counter clockwise to release the telescoping legs and then to tighten them, clockwise was the direction. Same as most things: left loose, right tight. The legs have no set points so if a surface that the table is to be placed on is sloped; I could adjust the legs to fit the situation. Even though I had familiarized myself with the table on the website and read the measurements, I hadn't visualized that it would be a large as it is. This is a good thing though as it makes more work space or play space for every thing I plan to use it for. The Moso Bamboo top has a smooth surface with rounded corners. The legs of the table are crafted with Aircraft Grade 7075 Aluminum. Care instructions are located on the website. Basically it is recommended to avoid leaving it outside for a long time between uses. Also it should be stored properly so I assume that means in the case or somewhere that it couldn't be damaged. The bamboo top is water resistant. Also the company advocates not sitting on the table; not something that I would try but maybe a child would. In the same vent the table should not be loaded with more goods than the weight limit (66 lb/30 kg). The table should not be used on wet surfaces nor should I place heavy electronics on it. Summary The Beckworth Smartflip Table appears to be a versatile and compact item that can easily be transported around the yard or in a vehicle. The storage bag makes it more convenient for the latter purpose. I look forward to using it in a variety of settings for different situations. Top of Page Field Report: August 12, 2019 USA Locations and Conditions During the field test period the Beckworth & Co Smartflip table has been used regularly in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. I have used it a lot at home but have also brought it to a friend's house, used it for impromptu picnics and it has been packed for two different rustic cabin trips totaling seven days. These forest service cabins in the Hiawatha National Forest can be driven to in the summer versus winter so bringing the table was easy enough. The settings include boreal forest and lakeshore. Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (180 m) to almost 2000 ft (610 m). Temps were warm between 60 F and 88 F (16 C and 31 C). Trip Talk During the test period I used the Beckworth table both indoors and outdoors. Initially I had it set up in my kitchen as an extra surface (I have an extreme lack of counter space). It then performed as a side table at my computer desk to lay out documents. Mostly it has come to shine as an outdoor table. I first hauled it to a friends house where we were having a steak dinner. I extended the legs all the way and it seemed fine. When we put our plates of food on it I noticed it was wobbly. I just hadn't checked for the uneven ground because I thought it was flat. Because we didn't want to move all our food off, we just put a small slab of wood that was handy under one leg. It worked fine but it made me realize I need to check surfaces more carefully and adjust the legs accordingly. I have used it on my front deck regularly to have meals. Because I have low chairs on the deck I did not need to extend the legs on the table and it is perfect. It has also been used for reading materials and cold drinks. The environment where I live has mid-high humidity and it also means that it does typically rain a couple times a week. I have been leaving the table outside on my shaded deck while at home (and not traveling) and it has been out in downpours. Usually some surface water remains on the table so when I see that I quickly wipe it off or tip the table on its side to dry. During my first rustic cabin trip of four days I was joined by members of my family including grandchildren. I set the table up outside the cabin and before I knew it the grandgirls claimed it for UNO games and other stuff. I brought it down to the lakeshore there so that we could have cheese and crackers/drinks. The next day the grandgirls even had it set up by one of the hammocks so that they could put their collection of small figures on it. After everyone left, I had another day at the cabin so I re-claimed the table for reading materials and drinks. During a second national forest rustic cabin trip, I used it mostly for eating my meals and in between to hold reading materials and my knitting. The table was set up under a large overhang of the cabin. During the second evening a powerful rainstorm came up and the winds were fierce. There was some tree damage to things I had left outside but the table was under the overhang. Two chairs that were under the same overhang blew over as well as several articles that had been left on the table. I was thankful the table survived. Overall I have been impressed with the versatility of this table as well as the fine materials it has been fabricated with. This table makes me wonder how I ever did without it. I love the way it folds up and travels easily. I have had several others comment on its usefulness as well as its good looks. In the next two months I'm sure the table will see a lot of further use mostly in the outdoors. Top of Page Long Term Report: September 30, 2019 USA Locations and Conditions During the long term test period the Beckworth & Co Smartflip table has been continued to be used especially on my deck. I also brought and used it during a 3-day outdoor music festival where I was camping. The settings included home and outdoor areas. Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (180 m) to almost 2000 ft (610 m). Temps were warm mostly between 55 F (13 C) and 80 F (27 C) but got as low as freezing. Trip Talk During the long term test period I continued to use the Beckworth table outdoors. It had a semi-permanent spot on my completely-shaded front deck during the summer season. I used it for simple meals and to hold drinks and books. I have kept it in the low position for the most part as I have low-slung chairs on the deck. During rainy episodes, I either turned the table on its side so water runs off or I took it into the house. During this test period I traveled to a three-day music festival. Camping on the festival grounds was part of it. I took the table so that I could enjoy meals and drinks during all the festivities. It was set up at the camp site and then transported over to the music venue within walking distance. It was easy to pack and unpack. I love the carry case as it protects the table as well as making it easy to transport. Since the last report my grandgirls spent a week with me at my home for my annual "Grandma Camp". The girls continued to love the table as they had been able to use it during a rustic cabin trip in the field test period. We ate a lot of meals on my front deck so they loved having their own table for that. I also brought it into the house so that they could play games on it and even do a puzzle. I have received a lot of inquiry and nice comments about the table. Namely it is very attractive in appearance yet so functional. The table still looks very nice for being kept outdoors so much. The bamboo surface has held up well; only a few minor scratches are on the surface. The aluminum legs have functioned well and were easy to adjust when needed. I simply love this table. It will be used for years to come both outdoors and inside my home. Pros
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Tester Remarks Thanks to Beckworth & Co and BackpackGearTest.org for this opportunity to test the Smartflip Bamboo Table. This completes my report and the test series. Top of Page Read more reviews of Beckworth gear Read more gear reviews by Gail Staisil Reviews > Camp Tables and Seating > Tables > Beckworth Smartflip Bamboo Table > Test Report by Gail Staisil |