I bought a heavy duty EZ-UP in 1997. That's the same one that was at CalStar
this year 6 years later. That EZ-UP has been through hell and back at Rocket
launches in the desert where winds have hit 60 to 70 mph at times (yes it
was well anchored but it did not fold). I paid $200 for it and it'll last
for a few more years I suspect. I know some people won't pay that preferring
to buy new ones every few years for $40. Maybe they are on to something. Or
perhaps it does not get that windy where most astronomers go.
But I don't think I made a mistake getting the best one I could afford back
then.