IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Maine => Ice Fishing Maine => Topic started by: JPort on Jan 31, 2016, 07:48 PM
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I got out on the lake yesterday and brought the 4T to put it to the test. Now, I'll start by saying that this is my first pop-up shack, so I don't have much to compare it to other than the couple others I've been in that belong to friends on different trips. I hadn't even taken it out of the bag prior to getting it on the ice, so I wasn't sure what was in store, but I watched several YouTube videos, so how hard could it be? It went up in less than two minutes, so I was impressed with that. I also really liked the bag it stores in, where all folds up in the bag and cinches tight with the straps and D-rings. Kind of reminds me of those knife sets in the canvas rolls.
The shelter seems very well built with quality materials. The feel of the fabric and quilted insulation seems very durable, along with the poles and metal hubs. After stepping inside the shack, I was impressed with how bright it is inside with the light-colored fabric. I know this isn't a desirable feature for some fishermen but I found it to be a welcome surprise. I also really liked all the overhead storage with the two large mesh pockets. I stashed all kinds of gear up there which kept it all out of the way. I know a lot of people don't care for the high placement of the windows, and I did have to get up out of my chair regularly to check my traps, but I didn't find this to be overly annoying. I was fishing solo, so what else am I going to do? I also really like the fact that the windows are removable for ventilation.
I have to say that the quilted insulation makes a huge difference compared to the uninsulated pop-ups I've been in. Granted, it was around 30 degrees yesterday, which isn't cold by ice fishing standards, but it was fairly breezy on the lake at times. I was perfectly cozy in the shack with no heater, even shedding layers while I was sitting reading a book. I made a bed on the floor for my pup and she was snoozing away comfortably. I didn't use the floor this time around so I can't speak to its function, maybe next time.
When it came time to pack up at the end of the day, the process couldn't have been any easier. It folds down in a matter of a minute and getting it back in the bag and cinched up is a breeze. Much easier than stuffing it in a bag and fighting to squish it in enough to get the zipper to barely close. To be honest, the carrying bag was one of the features that persuaded me to get the Polar Bird, simple as it sounds.
Overall I am very pleased with the Polar Bird and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hub-style shelter. I'm glad I opted for the 4T at the last minute rather than 3T. I liked having the extra space, my pup did too. Again, big thanks to Wayne at Sebago Bait for offering to bring it up on his way to Moosehead and meeting me to drop it off. Great service and a great guy.
My only complaint of the day was the fact that I didn't have a single fish to show for my effort...Slow-bec lived up to its reputation for me yesterday.
(http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo181/JeffDilla/polarbird_zpshypjveif.jpg)
(http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo181/JeffDilla/aginshack_zpsmuidgrgt.jpg)
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Glad you ended up liking the Polar Bird, looks roomy
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Thanks for sharing this. You just pushed me over two edges I was very close too. Polarbird, AND the 4T instead of the 3T.
Ordering... :)
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Thanks for sharing this. You just pushed me over two edges I was very close too. Polarbird, AND the 4T instead of the 3T.
Ordering... :)
I was hesitant to get the 4T at first because I don't have a snowmobile or wheeler to haul my gear, I'm on foot everywhere I go, so I thought the 4T might be a little big to haul around. I caved at the last minute and opted for the extra space, my legs and back be "darned". I'm glad I did. I didn't find it cumbersome at all to drag in the sled.
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The 4T is 5 lbs heavier. The floor might add another pound or so. I actually just ordered mine. I walk and drag too, but I'm not worried about a few pounds. Thanks!
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Glad to be of assistance.
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Well you certainly assisted. Like so many here. So great to hear honest opinions about ice fishing stuff, especially when you don't agree. Not to mention fishing tips. We all have much more information on which to make a decision, and this site has helped me immeasurably in making good choices with limited resources. . Thanks again for being part of that.
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I'm very I pressed with mine aswell..
Wait until you try the floor out, what a difference it makes!! And you are right about the bag.. no more stuffing into a small bag and fighting a frozen zipper.!!
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While I was fishing, a couple of different guys I didn't know stopped by to shoot the breeze and ask me about the shack. Neither had heard of Polar Bird and I think they were skeptical, thinking it was some cheap off-brand. Once I told them a bit about it and the company, and after they looked it over, they were pretty impressed. I think seeing one of these in person can really sell it. The quality is apparent.
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I know I have 2 friends that have seen it and are sold on it...
I dint know why, but I've named mine the "dirty bird"... just sounds more fun..
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Oooh, that's good. I might have to steal that one.
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I think the Polar Bird club will be growing as more people see them out on the lake and get a chance to take a look at them. I agree, the floor is sweet among all the other qualities. I did rip my bag by yanking on the straps trying to move it in the sled. I contacted the company and they said it was designed to be picked up or carried by the shoulder straps and not the straps used to secure the shelter in the bag. They did offer to reimburse me for having the bag fixed or to send me a new one. I opted for a new bag which came this weekend. Thanks Nikolay!
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I got my 4T Saturday afternoon and set it up in the living room for a trail run. The wife was even impressed with the room and the dogs loved it. I didn't make it out Sunday, but will try it next weekend if there is any ice. I also like the feature of a pouch for the anchors in the bag. I was also thinking about cutting another hole for my transducer, but I can just slide the cable under the edge of the floor to a hole and cover it up. I think this will be my best portable so far.
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just trying to understand why I would want to buy one for the bag or the floor. I see that floor being a real headache in slush or with a lot of water on the ice...freezing in etc?
I was thinking the exact same thing and actually had the same question typed this morning.
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I was wondering how the blood, scales and fish slime cleaned up.
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For me, the fact that the whole shack is insulated at price-point similar to non-insulated competitors, was a big selling point. I was in my brother-in-law's Eskimo 6120 Friday night that he just got. It's the non-insulated version and really dark inside, which some people may prefer. The quality and durability of the poles and hubs of the Polar Bird were far superior to the Eskimo. The floor is removable so if it is slushy and wet on the ice, then you simply don't have to use it, but it's certainly nice to have when the situation allows for it.
Again, I didn't have a shelter previous to the Polar Bird and was in the market for one so I don't have much to compare but for me, the Polar Bird has features - even small, seemingly insignificant ones - that pushed me to choose it.
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I've got the 3T, with floor. Won it, here on IS, in their contest. I really like the Polar Bird. They are NOT the same as the pop-ups. Material and workmanship are above the rest, in my opinion. The bag is a plus, as is the floor. The floor is ioptional, you need to drag it out if you think it's not going to be an asset in given conditions.
Just my 2 cents. @)
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Does it have loops at the corners for ice anchor screws? Looks like it does from the pic.
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You can use the bag as sleeping bag if you wanted too.
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Does it have loops at the corners for ice anchor screws? Looks like it does from the pic.
It does and comes with 4 ice anchors. It also comes with straps that you can attach to the hubs and anchor it that way.
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Nice thanks for the info
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Ordered my 4T last night. Shipped this morning and due at my house Wednesday! Woohoo.
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I don't think you'll be disappointed! Let us know what you think of it.
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Went out fishing with a friend in his new polar bird 3T, this thing is awesome. Rugged construction, very warm ( I was barefoot by end of day). The option of having a floor when conditions allow was a great feature. Needless to say I went and order a 3T the next day for myself.
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If anyone is thinking about purchasing one, we have (2) three person shacks left with the free floor $269.00 each.
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Went out fishing with a friend in his new polar bird 3T, this thing is awesome. Rugged construction, very warm ( I was barefoot by end of day). The option of having a floor when conditions allow was a great feature. Needless to say I went and order a 3T the next day for myself.
Thank you very much for your support and kind words on our products!
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I used the floor for the first time on Saturday. It was a little heavier than I anticipated, so the sled was a little more weighted down hauling it up the lake on foot. I was impressed with how easy it goes in and comes out. It certainly helps prevent "wind lift" too when it gets breezy. I thought it insulated well and it was nice to walk around on a dry surface instead of the wet, slippery ice that most pop-ups have after some melting. The floor does slide around a bit when it's wet underneath it but I didn't find it bothersome. I didn't use the holes to fish out of, since I usually only fish tip-ups, so I can't speak to how effective they are or easy to use. I did notice some of the material wasn't completely sealed together around one of the holes and I'm hoping no water made its way into the inside of the floor, but I'm not too concerned about it. Overall it's a nice option to have. It's not always necessary to bring it along or use it, depending on conditions, but when it is, it's great to have it.
(http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo181/JeffDilla/polarfloor_zps82ptnzqo.jpg)
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damn, looks comfy. very cool
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From the sounds of everyones reviews I should buy one.
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From the sounds of everyones reviews I should buy one.
If you're in the market for a portable, I'd give them a hard look.
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You can use the bag as sleeping bag if you wanted too.
Or maybe a body bag?
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I bought a bigger clam 4000 last year but it's just way to big to go out by myself, def looking to get something smaller since I fish by myself a lot.
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From the sounds of everyones reviews I should buy one.
Come to the shop and look at them. Two (3) person shacks left with free floor. I'll put your name right on it. They are a really nice product and very warm.
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I used the floor for the first time on Saturday. It was a little heavier than I anticipated, so the sled was a little more weighted down hauling it up the lake on foot. I was impressed with how easy it goes in and comes out. It certainly helps prevent "wind lift" too when it gets breezy. I thought it insulated well and it was nice to walk around on a dry surface instead of the wet, slippery ice that most pop-ups have after some melting. The floor does slide around a bit when it's wet underneath it but I didn't find it bothersome. I didn't use the holes to fish out of, since I usually only fish tip-ups, so I can't speak to how effective they are or easy to use. I did notice some of the material wasn't completely sealed together around one of the holes and I'm hoping no water made its way into the inside of the floor, but I'm not too concerned about it. Overall it's a nice option to have. It's not always necessary to bring it along or use it, depending on conditions, but when it is, it's great to have it.
(http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo181/JeffDilla/polarfloor_zps82ptnzqo.jpg)
Thank you for the great honest feedback. Take a look at that floor for us and let us know if its sealed properly or not. If its not, a PVC adhesive will take care of it. You can either contact us and we can have it repaired or you can do it yourself. Which ever is easiest for you. Thank you again, and we are very glad you like it!
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What are the windows like? Not seeing any in the pictures.
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What are the windows like? Not seeing any in the pictures.
Lots of videos and PICs.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=326079.msg3460304#msg3460304 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=326079.msg3460304#msg3460304)
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Lots of videos and PICs.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=326079.msg3460304#msg3460304 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=326079.msg3460304#msg3460304)
Thank you for helping.
The windows are marked by a blue "awning" that keeps rain, snow, and wind out. They are positioned high and are primarily used for ventilation. We designed the doors with dual zippers to be used for checking tipups and poking your head out in order to extend the life of the shelter. Many other models on the market have been ruined by the constant velcro/unvelcroing of the windows. Not to mention the thin clear poly material turning milky and cracking. We decided to go with a lighter more durable insulated tent fabric to allow light in, creating a naturally heating passive solar environment inside the shelter. This makes the shelters much brighter on the inside for baiting hooks, tying on jigs, etc... Many are skeptical of the design until they use them on the ice. We have found great success with this design. I hope this helps shed some light on the subject. Thank you for the great questions!
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After using the 4T a few times, I've noticed that the anchor screws that come with the shack seem to bend fairly easily. I've found that I have to bend them back to being straight (as straight as possible) each time I get home. Twice they've bent over, even when they've been screwed down to the base, just from normal movement of the shack. I guess that would be one suggestion for improvement in the future. The shelter help up well in the cold and wind on Saturday. It stayed comfortable in there with the little buddy heater. I only had to put one hub strap out into the wind because the wind was strong enough to pop the wall in, but once the strap was attached there were no more issues. Another suggestion might be to put some kind of stippling or texture in the PVC floor to help with slipping. Once the floor gets wet, it can get a little slippery, but not a deal-breaker by any means.
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After using the 4T a few times, I've noticed that the anchor screws that come with the shack seem to bend fairly easily. I've found that I have to bend them back to being straight (as straight as possible) each time I get home. Twice they've bent over, even when they've been screwed down to the base, just from normal movement of the shack. I guess that would be one suggestion for improvement in the future. The shelter help up well in the cold and wind on Saturday. It stayed comfortable in there with the little buddy heater. I only had to put one hub strap out into the wind because the wind was strong enough to pop the wall in, but once the strap was attached there were no more issues. Another suggestion might be to put some kind of stippling or texture in the PVC floor to help with slipping. Once the floor gets wet, it can get a little slippery, but not a deal-breaker by any means.
I haven't notice the anchors bending. I used three anchors Saturday, one connected from the hub and two by the skirt after a wall popped as well.
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I haven't notice the anchors bending. I used three anchors Saturday, one connected from the hub and two by the skirt after a wall popped as well.
Huh. I wonder if I got some weak ones or something.
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I bent one of mine. I bought 8 Eskimo anchors and the drill adaptor.. The stakes are a little weak.. But not a deal breaker.
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I screw my anchors in pretty far - almost right to the end and when connected to the hub keep it at a sharp angle. Not sure if that makes a difference in keeping them from bending?
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I find that the eskimo anchors are much better than any of the other shelters (i have a shappel 6500). This year i went out and boat some eskimo anchors along with the new deluxe ice anchors from cabelas. So much better and the deluxe anchors are great for attaching to the hubs. Would recommend both.
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I find that the eskimo anchors are much better than any of the other shelters (i have a shappel 6500). This year i went out and boat some eskimo anchors along with the new deluxe ice anchors from cabelas. So much better and the deluxe anchors are great for attaching to the hubs. Would recommend both.
Good to know. I might have to look into those. Thanks.
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Thank you everyone for the information. We will make sure this is looked in to properly and re-mediated. Not sure why the stakes were bending, but we will get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. As for the flooring, we may look into other methods of texturing. Thank you all again, we truly appreciate everyone's honesty and help.
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I've been reading this thread for over a week now and have been impressed with the comments on design and ease of use. My wife and I stopped at Old Town Trading Post 2 days ago, looked at one that was set up, and bought the 4T. It sure is easy to put up and take down. I'm convinced it will be a best seller.
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x2 on the Eskimo anchors! They work great!
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I've been reading this thread for over a week now and have been impressed with the comments on design and ease of use. My wife and I stopped at Old Town Trading Post 2 days ago, looked at one that was set up, and bought the 4T. It sure is easy to put up and take down. I'm convinced it will be a best seller.
Great choice! Let us know what you think after using it.
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I've been reading this thread for over a week now and have been impressed with the comments on design and ease of use. My wife and I stopped at Old Town Trading Post 2 days ago, looked at one that was set up, and bought the 4T. It sure is easy to put up and take down. I'm convinced it will be a best seller.
Thank you for choosing Polar Bird. Please let us all know how you like it. ;D
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What is the size difference between the 3T and the 4T?
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What is the size difference between the 3T and the 4T?
Our 3-man shelter (3T) is 79" X 79" X 71" and our 4-man shelter (4T) is 91" X 91" X 75 "
You can also visit polarbird.com for more details, or feel free to ask here.
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Our 3-man shelter (3T) is 79" X 79" X 71" and our 4-man shelter (4T) is 91" X 91" X 75 "
You can also visit polarbird.com for more details, or feel free to ask here.
I was been following all the Polar bird threads, our doing a good job on the costumer relations, getting back to questions quick, taking in feed back. It's a nice shack am I glad to have jumped in on one early.. thanks
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I have used mine a couple of times just ecause have to work weekdays and only have the weekend off. The 4T was warm even without heat, but a Mr. Buddy is all you need. The floor could use some traction, but it's not that noticeable. Compared to the other pop-ups, that people were using where I was fishing, it was rated #1. I did find the screws anchors hard to put in and took up most of the time when setting up. I would suggest getting some of the ice screw that are hollow in the middle like the ones they use for climbing ice. I found the shelter very comfortable and I didn't want to give up and go home. I'm very happy that I bought it.
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Hey pegasus, where might one find the hollow screws that you're talking about? Any specific website? Those were actually what I had in mind for anchors.
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Thank you guys for the support and feedback!
We are currently looking into the ice anchors for improvements.
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Hey pegasus, where might one find the hollow screws that you're talking about? Any specific website? Those were actually what I had in mind for anchors. Cabela's had 4 plus a carrying bag on sale this month for $13.89, marked down from $24.00.
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Most anchors that come with most every other shelter, other than Eskimo are not of the same quality as the Eskimo anchors, the Eskimos are about twice the size of all the others...beefy...
People have been upgrading their Clam, Shappell, ect. anchors with Eskimo anchors for years now. If you use the search function on Ice Shanty you will see this discussed at length.
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I like the ones for ice climbing because they go quicker. I hauled my ice shack out of a pressure ridge with my 4 wheeler hooked into one of those anchors. You can buy them also on E-bay under climbing equipment.
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I have a couple of ice climbing anchors too...they do go in nice and smooth because they are hollow and they hold like a bastid....but they are wicked expensive.
I think the Eskimo anchors are a pretty good compromise....but I agree with you...the climbing anchors are the best you can find.
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I looked up ice climbing screws and you're right, they're pretty expensive! The cheapest I found was $40 for one screw! The Cabelas Deluxe Anchor set looks good but they're sold out with no indication of restocking. The Eskimo anchors are readily available though.
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Polar bird 3T is all packed up and ready for its first trip to the ice. Can't wait to break it in with some fish! Heading north for a few days hope to hook a few touge.
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I looked up ice climbing screws and you're right, they're pretty expensive! The cheapest I found was $40 for one screw! The Cabelas Deluxe Anchor set looks good but they're sold out with no indication of restocking. The Eskimo anchors are readily available though.
I got mine on Ebay 5 years or more ago and found three for $14.00.
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My daughter won a Polar Bird 2T yesterday at the Jack Traps kids derby!!! We set it up in her bedroom last night to check it out. Looks like a really nice shelter. I can't wait to get it on the ice. The folks at Jack Traps really put on a great event. The turnout was impressive despite the weather.
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Polar bird 3T is all packed up and ready for its first trip to the ice. Can't wait to break it in with some fish! Heading north for a few days hope to hook a few touge.
Let us know how you like it!
My daughter won a Polar Bird 2T yesterday at the Jack Traps kids derby!!! We set it up in her bedroom last night to check it out. Looks like a really nice shelter. I can't wait to get it on the ice. The folks at Jack Traps really put on a great event. The turnout was impressive despite the weather.
Congratulations! ;D
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Let us know how you like it!
Congratulations! ;D
Well the Polar Bird did great! Got on to a bunch of fish stayed very warm and dry. It was a warmer day and we had a couple of inches of water running across the ice but with my floor i didn't have any issues, the water stayed out of my shack. it was also raining (first time i have ever seen a group on the ice with an umbrella) only had a few drips of water get in around the roof hub and windy sides hub. I'm sure i can fix that with some waterproof spray. Overall it was a great weekend.
Thank you Polar Bird for a great product!
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Well the Polar Bird did great! Got on to a bunch of fish stayed very warm and dry. It was a warmer day and we had a couple of inches of water running across the ice but with my floor i didn't have any issues, the water stayed out of my shack. it was also raining (first time i have ever seen a group on the ice with an umbrella) only had a few drips of water get in around the roof hub and windy sides hub. I'm sure i can fix that with some waterproof spray. Overall it was a great weekend.
Thank you Polar Bird for a great product!
Thank you very much for your feedback, support, and for sharing! We are glad you enjoyed the shelter and were able to put it to use in the inclement weather. ;D
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After fishing with my 4T Polar Bird here are a few more tips. If the wind is blowing anchor a corner into the wind because the wind will collapse a side if it is squared off to the wind. The anchors cannot stand much pressure and must be drilled into the ice as far as the loop or else they will bend. Black ice is hard to put the anchors in because the ice will shatter. Putting in the anchors is the most time consuming thing of the whole set-up. Ice climbing anchors are the best because of the hollow center allowing the ice shavings a place to go. When setting up on a windy day it is best to anchor the four corners down before popping out the sides. Just my two cents.
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After fishing with my 4T Polar Bird here are a few more tips. If the wind is blowing anchor a corner into the wind because the wind will collapse a side if it is squared off to the wind. The anchors cannot stand much pressure and must be drilled into the ice as far as the loop or else they will bend. Black ice is hard to put the anchors in because the ice will shatter. Putting in the anchors is the most time consuming thing of the whole set-up. Ice climbing anchors are the best because of the hollow center allowing the ice shavings a place to go. When setting up on a windy day it is best to anchor the four corners down before popping out the sides. Just my two cents.
Agreed on all accounts, except the ice climbing screws. I haven't had the opportunity to try those yet. I just packed up my 4T and put it away for the season. Until next year...
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After fishing with my 4T Polar Bird here are a few more tips. If the wind is blowing anchor a corner into the wind because the wind will collapse a side if it is squared off to the wind. The anchors cannot stand much pressure and must be drilled into the ice as far as the loop or else they will bend. Black ice is hard to put the anchors in because the ice will shatter. Putting in the anchors is the most time consuming thing of the whole set-up. Ice climbing anchors are the best because of the hollow center allowing the ice shavings a place to go. When setting up on a windy day it is best to anchor the four corners down before popping out the sides. Just my two cents.
Bring a drill
http://www.fishusa.com/product/HT-Enterprises-Ice-Anchor-Power-Drive-Tool?utm_source=google_ps&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_ps&gclid=CO_JqYDMr8sCFZEXHwodHfgO2w
I anchor the upwind corner first . I use the corner away from the door making the door the downwind corner .
Then open it up and anchor the 4 hubs with lines to the anchors. With it rigged like that the only thing is a strong wind sometimes pops the top down But that's an easy push back into place .
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Get the drill attachment, what a time saver. I was going to get the Clam bit but it's plastic and bad reviews. I got the Eskimo metal bit and it's slick, cheap money.
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I have three ice climbing anchors and can put all three in faster than the screw anchor. I thought about bringing a cordless drill. but that is just another thing to forget or carry. Cabela's has them for sale with 4 in a pouch.
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I saw those ice climber screws at 27 bucks a piece?
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The ones I saw were 13.00 for the four marked down from 26.00.
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http://www.cabelas.com/product/trophy-angler-deluxe-ice-anchor-kit-8211-four-pack/2131034.uts?searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dice%2Banchor%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&No=0&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=ice+anchor
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Item: IK-136851 Four ice anchors $22.00.
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You can definitely bend the Eskimo ice anchors... Just ask my friend who borrowed my shanty! After that happened I always make sure to screw them down all the way. My quick fish 3 is probably only good for one more season and I will be taking a serious look at the polar bird. My kahtoola micro spikes never leave my ice fishing boots (big tree fall hard), can the floor really handle those?
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You can definitely bend the Eskimo ice anchors... Just ask my friend who borrowed my shanty! After that happened I always make sure to screw them down all the way. My quick fish 3 is probably only good for one more season and I will be taking a serious look at the polar bird. My kahtoola micro spikes never leave my ice fishing boots (big tree fall hard), can the floor really handle those?
I probably wouldn't wear the Kahtoolas on the floor of the PolarBird. I'm pretty sure they'd puncture it.