Just as advertised. Have not had my patio umbrella tip over once in the year I've had this! I do like to tighten the base from time to time, just to be safe though. Also, since the base IS 55 POUNDS, it is very difficult to move if you want to rearrange your patio. I ended up putting my umbrella away and storing the nuts / hardware in a baggie over the winter, but left the base itself out.