Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

Apollo vs. Zeus vs. Hercules: The ShadeMaker Retractable Awning Lineup Explained

If you have started shopping for a premium ShadeMaker retractable awning, you have almost certainly run into three names: the Apollo, the Zeus, and the Hercules. All three are motorized, cassette-style retractable awnings sold through 1800Awnings.com in Tampa, Florida, and all three share the same premium DNA — Sunbrella® performance fabric, Somfy® motorization, sealed-bearing arm systems, and powder-coated aluminum frames built for the punishing heat, UV, humidity, and salt air of the Florida and Gulf Coast climate. So what actually separates them, and which ShadeMaker awning is right for your patio?

The short version: the Zeus is the flagship residential awning, the Apollo is the refined cassette workhorse offered in both semi-cassette and full-cassette configurations, and the Hercules is the heavy-duty, large-span system engineered for wide patios and commercial spaces. This 2026 comparison breaks down the specs, pricing, and ideal use case for each so you can choose confidently the first time.

ShadeMaker Awning Comparison at a Glance

Prices current as of July 2026. Verify exact pricing at checkout on the product pages.

Why the Apollo Stands Out

The Apollo ShadeMaker Retractable Awning is the most versatile system in the lineup because it is the only one offered in two distinct cassette configurations. That flexibility lets you match protection level to budget and location.

Semi-Cassette vs. Full Cassette Choice

The Apollo Semi-Cassette uses a protective hood that covers the fabric roll when retracted — a major step up from open-roll awnings — while keeping the entry price lower at $5,639. The Apollo Full Cassette fully encloses the fabric, arms, and all internal components inside a sleek, flush housing, sealing everything away from rain, UV, bird traffic, and salt air. For coastal homes within a mile or two of the Gulf, the Full Cassette (from $6,450) is the smarter long-term protection.

Architectural Profile That Belongs on the House

The Apollo was designed with a minimalist architectural mindset. In the retracted position it presents a clean, low-profile silhouette; extended, there are no exposed wires or bulky brackets. It looks planned into the architecture rather than bolted on afterward.

Right-Sized for Most Residential Patios

With 13 sizes spanning 11 to 23 feet wide and projections from 8'-2" to 13'-0", the Apollo covers the vast majority of real-world Florida patios, lanais, and decks without stepping up to a commercial-grade system or its price.

Why the Zeus Stands Out

The Zeus ShadeMaker Retractable Awning is ShadeMaker's flagship residential model — and, notably, it carries the lowest entry price of the three at $4,322 because it is offered in a compact 9-foot width. Step up in size and the Zeus delivers premium engineering all the way to roughly 30 feet wide.

The Zeus Precision Arm System™

The Zeus uses ShadeMaker's proprietary Precision Arm System™, built with sealed-bearing components and a fully concealed internal tension system. The payoff is controlled, wrinkle-free fabric extension every time, with minimal noise and no sag. This mechanical refinement is the clearest difference between the Zeus and an entry-level awning.

Refined, Low-Profile Cassette

A slim, fully enclosed cassette conceals all hardware when retracted, protecting both fabric and mechanism. Open or closed, the Zeus reads as intentional design rather than an add-on — and four powder-coated finishes (Alpine White, Onyx Black, Walnut Bronze, Sierra Bronze) let it match any exterior palette.

The Widest Sweet Spot for Upscale Homes

Reaching approximately 30 feet wide, the Zeus covers large patios and lanais that exceed the Apollo's range without jumping to the heavy-duty Hercules. For most upscale Tampa and South Florida homeowners, the Zeus is the balance of size, refinement, and value.

Why the Hercules Stands Out

The Hercules ShadeMaker Retractable Awning is an entirely different class of shade system, engineered for spans that standard awnings cannot reach.

Unmatched Large-Span Coverage

Where most retractable awnings top out around 20–23 feet, the Hercules reaches 40 feet wide and 16'-6" deep — up to roughly 660 square feet of continuous retractable shade from a single unit. Multi-unit linking extends coverage even further for unbroken shade across massive footprints.

Reinforced Structural Engineering

Every structural component — the main frame, the Hercules Arm System™, and the heavy-duty torsion bar — is engineered for increased load capacity and resistance to deflection across wide spans. The fabric stays taut and the arms track true where undersized systems would sag and fatigue.

Commercial-Grade Somfy® High-Torque Motorization

The Hercules runs on Somfy® high-torque motors selected specifically for the load demands of large awnings, backed by the same 5-year Somfy® warranty. Wind sensors, sun sensors, and smart-home/app integration are all available.

How to Choose: Apollo vs. Zeus vs. Hercules

The decision usually comes down to the size of your space and how premium you want the system to feel:

All three share the same core quality components, so there is no "bad" choice — only the right fit for your dimensions and budget. A quick measurement of your mounting width and desired projection almost always makes the answer obvious.

ShadeMaker Awning Pricing

Pricing scales with width and projection. Representative examples from the 1800Awnings.com product pages are below. Prices are current as of July 2026 and subject to change — verify exact pricing at checkout.

Apollo Pricing (Semi & Full Cassette)

Zeus Pricing (Representative)

Widths of 25'–30'+ are available on the Zeus — contact 1800Awnings.com for a custom quote.

Hercules Pricing

Who Each ShadeMaker Awning Is Best For

• Choose the Zeus if: you have a standard residential patio or lanai (9–20 ft), want flagship-tier refinement and the Precision Arm System™, and want the lowest starting price in the lineup.
• Choose the Apollo if: you want to decide between a value semi-cassette and a fully sealed full-cassette, especially for coastal homes where maximum weather protection when retracted matters most.
• Choose the Hercules if: you have a large patio (over ~25 ft), a restaurant or hospitality terrace, a resort pool deck, or any commercial space — or you need 16'-6" projection or multi-unit linking.
• Any of the three if: you're a Florida or Gulf Coast homeowner who wants Sunbrella® fabric, Somfy® motorization, optional wind/sun sensors, and an optional LED Night Series™ for evening use.

How to Order Your ShadeMaker Awning

1. Measure your space. Note your mounting width and how far out you need the awning to project.
2. Pick your model. Use the comparison above — Zeus for standard upscale patios, Apollo for cassette flexibility, Hercules for large or commercial spans.
3. Choose fabric and frame finish. Select from 150+ Sunbrella® fabrics and four powder-coated frame colors (Alpine, Onyx, Walnut, Sierra).
4. Configure and price it. Visit the product page — Apollo, Zeus, or Hercules — and select your exact size.
5. Call for guidance. Reach the Tampa-based team at 1-800-AWNINGS (1-800-296-4647) for help choosing and sizing.
6. Schedule installation. Coordinate wall, soffit, or roof mounting with the 1800Awnings.com team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules ShadeMaker awnings?
The Zeus is ShadeMaker's flagship residential awning (widths from 9 to roughly 30 feet). The Apollo is a refined cassette awning offered in both semi-cassette and full-cassette versions (11 to 23 feet). The Hercules is a heavy-duty, large-span system (17 to 40 feet) built for wide patios and commercial spaces. All three use Sunbrella® fabric and Somfy® motors.

Which ShadeMaker awning is the cheapest?
The Zeus has the lowest starting price at $4,322, because it is offered in a compact 9-foot width. The Apollo starts at $5,639 (semi-cassette, 11 feet), and the Hercules starts at $9,477 (17 feet). Final price depends on the exact width, projection, fabric, and options you select.

How wide can a ShadeMaker retractable awning go?
The Apollo reaches 23 feet, the Zeus reaches approximately 30 feet, and the Hercules reaches 40 feet in a single unit. For coverage beyond that, the Hercules supports multi-unit linking to create continuous shade across very large areas.

Can I get a fully enclosed cassette to protect the fabric?
Yes. The Apollo Full Cassette fully encloses the fabric, arms, and internal components when retracted, and the Zeus and Hercules use enclosed cassette designs as well. Full enclosure is especially valuable for coastal Florida homes exposed to salt air, since it seals everything away from the elements when the awning is closed.

How much does a ShadeMaker awning cost for a typical patio?
A common residential patio (roughly 14 to 16 feet wide) runs about $4,975 to $6,534 in the Zeus or Apollo range, depending on model, projection, and configuration. Larger and commercial installations using the Hercules generally start around $10,000 and rise with width and projection.

Do all three awnings come with a warranty?
Yes. All three carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the Sunbrella® fabric and a 5-year manufacturer warranty on the Somfy® motor. The powder-coated aluminum frames are built to resist Florida's UV, humidity, and salt-air corrosion.

Are ShadeMaker awnings good for the Florida climate?
They are engineered for it. Solution-dyed Sunbrella® fabric resists fading, mold, and mildew; sealed-bearing arms and powder-coated frames resist corrosion; and optional Somfy® wind sensors automatically retract the awning in gusts to protect it during Tampa's sudden afternoon storms.

Can I add LED lighting to my ShadeMaker awning?
Yes. Each model offers an optional Night Series™ upgrade with LED lighting integrated into the arms and an optional front bar, with dimming and remote control. It turns the shaded area into a usable, elegantly lit outdoor room after dark.

The Bottom Line

All three ShadeMaker awnings — Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules — are built on the same premium foundation of Sunbrella® fabric, Somfy® motorization, sealed-bearing arms, and powder-coated aluminum frames engineered for the Florida and Gulf Coast climate. The difference is scale and configuration. The Zeus is the flagship residential pick and the value entry point for standard patios; the Apollo adds cassette flexibility, with a fully sealed full-cassette option ideal for coastal exposure; and the Hercules is the heavy-duty answer for wide residential spans and commercial spaces.

Choosing the right one is mostly a matter of measuring your space and deciding how much width and projection you need. Once you know your dimensions, the model almost picks itself — and the Tampa-based 1800Awnings.com team can confirm the fit, help with fabric and finish selection, and coordinate installation. Buy the right ShadeMaker once, and you're set for a decade of push-button shade.

Ready to choose your ShadeMaker awning? Compare configurations and pricing on the Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules product pages, or call the Tampa team at 1-800-AWNINGS (1-800-296-4647) for personalized sizing help.

Written by Corey Courtright | 1800Awnings.com | Tampa, FL