Awning review: Isabella Air Cirrus North 400 Isabella’s first foray into inflatables is designed for all-season pitching

The first inflatable awning from Isabella adds momentum to the whole sector – and it’s just won our Awning of the Year award (p53). Nick Harding grabbed a view

NORMALLY, WE WOULDN’T have high expectations when a manufacturer makes its first foray into inflatable awnings. But this is Isabella, and this is something special.

Despite initially resisting the rise and rise (pun intended) of inflatables – the Danish specialist seemed determined to hold onto its roots as a maker of poled awnings par excellence – it’s finally been unable to resist. In the World of Awnings, this is about the biggest news you can get. And it comes as no surprise to hear the Air Cirrus North 400 was “years” in both research and production.

Designed for seasonal pitching, this is a porch unit with all of the usual Isabella quality. There was even an exclusive first look for Practical Caravan (ahead of UK dealer launch), so keen were they to get our thoughts.

We weren’t disappointed. This is a top-end model, an inflatable to aspire to. And at £1990, not as highly priced as we might have expected.

It boasts the same acrylic material as the Commodore and Ambassador. Breathable Isacryl is fibre-dyed, which means less fading – just one reason why this is suitable for all-season use. The roof is Uv-resistant polyester.

The bigger-than-average pump has double- or singleaction settings (there’s also an electric option), while the

awning itself has single-point inflation to interconnected tubes that are clearly marked for shutting off should you wish to extract a beam.

A single-beam verandah pole comes as standard – this, too, is inflatable, meaning no solid poles are needed. Plastic slots keep the beams in position. Another key feature is clearly marked connector tubes that twist to seal off as required.

Set-up is otherwise pretty conventional, starting with drawing the whole unit along your awning rail (there’s dual beading, too, so you can add to a 4mm or a 6mm rail gap).

You’ll recognise the quality in the typical pegging points (the Air Cirrus is supplied with plastic and metal pegs), reinforced sections, and more. Other details include removable front panels, two side doors and heavy-duty zips.

There’s an annexe option for either side. The groundsheet is another option, with hook-andloop strips to the main awning to keeps the beams ‘outside’, minimising condensation.

VERDICT

All that’s best about Isabella – now in inflatable format. And it’s an instant winner.