Shanties Frabill / Shappel

[GoBlue2255]

Looking at the possibility of upgrading my shanty and have been looking at Frabill Outback & Refuge and Shappel dx3000.   I know both have been around a long time, just looking for a little feedback from anyone with personal experience.  From what I have seen the Frabil are a bit bigger not much but when every bit helps it would be nice. 

 

[bjeff42]

For me it would have to me the Shappell I have had the one I got for years of abuse and it still in good shape. I had a buddy that had a Frabill and it hasn't lasted as long. There is a clam 2 man fold over shelter for about $299  at bass pro website. It is called Clam nanook might be worth checkin out.

[Iceman421]

Is Shappell even around? I tried checking their website and nothing came up.

[GoBlue2255]

Is Shappell even around? I tried checking their website and nothing came up.

Shappell is still around just google shappell ice shanty. 

I was looking at the flip over but not too excited about pulling a extra 50 lbs around the ice.  Quad a few years away

[bjeff42]

A added bonus is the Shappell shantys are made in Michigan, help our Michigan workers out.

[hardH2Onut]

I have experience with both companies and would recommend the Shappell.  Built better and in Michigan.

[mk_bovee]

i dont have any personal experience with the frabill shanties, but the ones ive sat in and checked out in the stores dont even come close to the quality of a shappell, i have a DX 4000 that i absolutely love.   go wth the shappell and dont look back, you be gald ya did.

[Iceassin]

I too have been looking for a flip-over and think I've narrowed it down to the Shappel 1.0e and the Frabill Recon DLX. Seen the Recon set up and doesn't look too bad but want to see the Shappel before deciding. Just looking for something light to hold me over until I can hook The Iceassin up to the quad.

[Jiggin in Michigan]

Shappel has my vote.  I have the 1.5 rover and last year I broke a plastic piece on a pole.  Custome service was AWESOME and I got my replacement in two days.  Repeat buyer here..( if I ever need to).

[Iceassin]

Yup...picked up the Rover 1.0 today. Local SG store had one on the floor, guy let me have it and the cover for $225. Really like the way its put together...now to get it on the ice for the real test.

[jasonmeekhof]

Team Caddyshack, I saw on another post you bought a Frabill Commando. Did you buy the Rover 1.0 also?

[Iceassin]

Team Caddyshack, I saw on another post you bought a Frabill Commando. Did you buy the Rover 1.0 also?

No JM...wasn't me...think you saw where RGfixit got one and a few of us just chimed in about him going "commando". So far I like the Rover...been playing with it in the basement. Definately a one-holer with heater and locator...could do a two-holer without the accessories. I just wanted something light until I could pull the Iceassin w/quad.

[jasonmeekhof]

That's a bummer that it's a one holer. I was hoping to get either a rover 1.0, Commando, or Clam kenai this year to supplement my 2 person clam 2000. Sometimes it's too much to lug out there with no quad or sled. I want something mobile, but i also want to use 2 rods with my Marcum.

[Corporal Punishment]

I got the recon and I can get 2 holes/buddy heater and Marcum in it.

[Jiggin in Michigan]

1.5 Rover:  2holes, vex, and buddy heater, plenty of room

[Rip N Lips]

Better go for the shappel Or Better yet build your own. 12 holes 4 dudes with extra room for the Beer stack!

[diddlepole]

i bought the Shappell hub style shanty last year............says MADE IN CHINA.  Little dissapointed!

[mud_n_fun]

i bought the Shappell hub style shanty last year............says MADE IN CHINA.  Little dissapointed!

I talked with them. They are like any company, they get there materials from the lowest bidder but they are 100% assembled here in Michigan.

[skulldugary]

Rover 1.5 here also...

[Jiggin in Michigan]

Hey Skull did you do any mods to the 1.5?  I bought a fishing seat and a swivel base to put on her this weekend.  Any other must do's?