IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: superslabs on Dec 02, 2010, 06:51 PM
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I picked up a new Clam Pro TC today and could not wait to put it together. I spent a good amount of time researching and decided on the clam. I had read some posts about poor workmanship, quality control and so on. I thought It won't happen to me. Well it did. Twenty minutes into the build I was on the phone with customer service. The deluxe seat sliders were warped and they would not work. I was told that I need to take pictures and write a letter about the problem. Then the may send me a new part. Next the hardware is total junk! At this point I needed a break and headed to the hardware store. The directions are not real clear eather. Next up put the fabric over the hoops. This all went well till the DELUXE fold down seat pin busted and I fell. This is a major design flaw. Anyhow I got the fabric on and it is quite loose. My son and I spent a hour trying different things to get it to fit better. This thing is going to flap like a bird in the wind. Tomorrow I will make the 2 hour drive and return it. In all I will have spent $110 on gas and have nothing to show for it.
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Sorry to that and sometimes it happens. China quality with a lack of QC is bad. Clam should have provided better CS IMO.
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A buddy just got the Nanook and had junk hardware problems also. Gonna give Clam a bad rep!
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Superslabs,
Very sorry to hear about your bad time with your new clam. I have also been putting a bit of effort into finding a new shanty and was headed towards a clam. This is the second bad thing I have heard about the clam and am looking away from their product. Thanks for posting your thread.
Mike
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Clam is dead to me!
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That sucks - especially about the customer service. Posts like this shape my decisions when its time make purchases, I hope companies (Clam) realizes that.
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I've had an old clam scout and was happy with it. The bait shop I frequent has the Frabils. They look real nice all set up on the floor.
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I had a clam scout for years. I just wanted something a bit bigger.
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hmmm...my brother and I got the Nanook now I am a little worried!!! Maybe a Frabill is in our future!!!
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I just put together my clam trapper and had no problems. Hopefully you'll be able to straighten this out before ice.
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cant speak for the new stuff, but have had a guide for years, no complaints
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Welcome to the new America! I bought a Frabill shack and I managed to get it together with a little straining and grunting. But yeah the hardware was CRAP, some pieces were warped, and the instructions were a joke.
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shappell is made in MI had mine for two years and love it.
http://www.shappell.com/home.html
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Sorry to hear this. I had looked at the Nanook but went with the Otter, happy with it so far, 1 season under its belt..
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My vote is for the Shapell also. Great product and when I needed a part that I broke their customer service was second to none!
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I have a 1st generation scout and a 5600, and they have been perfect in every way, but I looked at a new Nanook at GM, and the hoops would not slide back and forth, they looked warped, and those frigging push buttons, eeek.
I have always loved Clam,, I hope they can work out the bugs before I get my next one.
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I bought a Frabil last year and there were a couple of parts missing.
I called their CS# and they bent over backwards to make it right.
The next time I'm in the market for a new shelter it will be another Frabil just because of the way they treated me when I had a problem. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Last year I was going to get a Shappell Rover but found a Scout on sale for $150. No problems with my Scout.
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it sucks that quanity not quality is the way of life.looks like the only way to get the shanty you want is to build it youself.
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I have a Frabill Tri-Plex i have had it for several years. One of the push buttons that lock the telescopic poles in place was not working so great anymore. I called up and figured i would just buy some. The lady on the phone asked which model i had and my address and said she would send me a half dozen free of charge. I am very happy about there customer service.
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Got a frabill 2 years ago no problems putting it together and been very happy with it.
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Icenutter and I both bought new Pro TC's and the bolt kit is junk and the canvas does have some fitment issues :-\ Nice sled, I like the new seat.
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I think I will get another otter. I picked up a cabin last year and it has been a real joy. I did not really want to spend the big bucks on a second otter. I can tell you one thing they are a bit spendy but worth it. If they keep the quality up I think they will take over the flip style house market.
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that sucks man
maybe you could try emailing them.
i had an issue with a clam summit i bought a month or so ago. i sent them an email, photos of the damage,picture of receipt. they required the logos be cut out and zipper cut(with pictures) . a new hut was shipped ups and on my doorstep in 4 business days.
its worth a shot
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Icenutter and I both bought new Pro TC's and the bolt kit is junk and the canvas does have some fitment issues :-\ Nice sled, I like the new seat.
I agree the seat was nice till it broke the 2nd time I sat in it. The pull pin between your legs that disengages the seat away from the sled. Is tiny and made of same crap the other hardware is.
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I just put together a Clam Kodiak. I agree that the instructions could have been better. I went to the hardware store and bought stainless screws to replace the junk that came with my shanty. Will let you how it works on the ice.
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I too bought a new clam fish house this year, The Base Camp Thermal ,, and i too had the china quality!!!! a seam between the top and one side was not sewn in one spot. took pictures to send in and they email a shipping label and i got a repacement in a week.!! we might as well just get use to the quality!!! its here to stay the way it looks. they should just include a label with the product to return the junk, would cut down on time waiting!!!
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I agree the seat was nice till it broke the 2nd time I sat in it. The pull pin between your legs that disengages the seat away from the sled. Is tiny and made of same crap the other hardware is.
Yeah I talked to clam and they sent me new bolt kit but same quality crap. I think it is made of zinc plated dog turds. Replace bolts with stainless is what I would recommend. As for the canvas, I flipped the rps clips on my second poles 180 degrees to allow the spring plungers to engage in the outermost holes. This makes the pole extend out farther thus takes up some slack in the canvas. Did you follow?
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Picken up what your putting down. I'll go give it a try.
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I got my Nanook together with only one broken screw. So far so good, I really like it. If it ever falls apart on me tho, I will go Otter. I'll pay whatever it costs for quality. Ice fishing can be hard enough on a guy, don't need crappy gear to make it harder. :tipup:
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Nope didn't work now the Front porch hoop won't touch the ground. I even tryed flipping some and some not. There is just way to much fabric. I think chin and his buddy's at the factory just don't give a big stinky one.
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I only flipped the ones on the hoop closest to the porch floor hoop. It helped some on mine but like you say it didnt make it 100 percent. My worst wrinkles were between those 2 hoops. Sorry to make you waste your time, it was worth a shot
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Did you see this?
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120435
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I would also have to agree that frabill has exceptional customer service, they sent me a whole new tent cover for my frabill free of charge because the zipper had stopped working correctly, the tent was about 3 years old!
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Yep that is the same spot on this one. I like my house like i like my woman. Tight!
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All I can say is I'm glad I bought a spare canvas for my Otter Sm Den when I could. Too bad Otter discontinued that model.
My old man has a Pro that I built for him (4 yo) and the cover is fairly baggy. I was never too crazy about the molding and screws on the Clam, the otters trim setup is much easier.
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That's a good idea with the pvc and all. But I just payed $354 with tax for something I'm supposed to make several trips to the local True Value to make it work like it should. I bring out enough stuff on the ice allready. Anyway I still cant use the thing because the DELUXE seat has gone on strike.
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I hope our sponsor is looking at this!
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I know right! I am gonna live with mine being a little loose, my guide I had was the same way. My buddy has an older pro and his is loose too. I know it sucks to settle for second rate when we are spending our hard earned money, but what can you do? Maybe if we form a support group, we can get over bein ripped off. ::)
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i've had a clam guide for 10 years, never had a problem except for the canvas getting holes in which i've patched. still use it when i'm walking. there shelters sad to say in the time since i bought mine have deteriorated in quality. so i went with otter, great shack not so great customer service, at least at the time i got mine. frabil is not the answer for me either seem way to many sleds break even under light use. so when i went with the otter it was for build quality.
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Went with the Frabill Commando last year didnt have any problems with hardware and the directions arent the greatest but its not hard to put together ive been extremelly pleased with it so far.
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Jignpig - Thanks for the sapport and tips on the house. I just went down and messed around with it some more and its a bit better. Its a good thing I was not in the whisky tonight or thing mayhave gone postal. Maybe I should keep it my kids think its a great fort. Naw, like I said be for "CLAM IS DEAD TO ME"
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My kids have tested the zippers thoroughly. When I put mine together they were in and outta the thing all night! Glad to share some info.
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I too bought a new clam fish house this year, The Base Camp Thermal ,, and i too had the china quality!!!! a seam between the top and one side was not sewn in one spot. took pictures to send in and they email a shipping label and i got a repacement in a week.!! we might as well just get use to the quality!!! its here to stay the way it looks. they should just include a label with the product to return the junk, would cut down on time waiting!!!
I was messing around with my Pro TC tonight trying to get the wrinkle out and low and behold the pouch the front porch hoop goes in has already begun to rip. It has ripped from the seam about 2 inches. I am getting sick of the s*itty China quality that clam has resorted to. Since there is a one year warranty I will wait to let Clam know at the end of the this season what kind of crap they are getting. They will be sending a new canvas.
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I think we may be onto something here. Those SOB,s at Clam are now charging 1st rate prices for a second rate product.
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You have just had your history lesson on "THE NEW AMERICAN (CHINESE) ECONOMY". Half the problem with unemployment in the USA is because American companies are "outsourcing" their products to China, the Phillipenes, Indonesia, India, etc., etc, etc., where the workers are paid 10 cents a day and don't give a crap how the products turn out.
Couple that with the fact that the overseas manufacturers are not regulated by anyone and they can use all manner of garbage materials in their product.
THE WORSE PART??? WE MORONS HERE UN THE USA CONTINUE TO BUY THEIR CRAP BECAUSE OF THE $$$$$$$ !!
BUY AMERICAN......BE SATISFIED
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I just put my kenai together with no problems. Hope its as good on the ice as it looks in the garage. I've had the scout, I have the guide and now the kenai. I'm sold on clam as I've not had any trouble with them.
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I had no problem with my new scout tc. Everything fit perfectly. This is a really well built shack too.
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I had a couple parts missing in my commando called frabill they where very sorry and sent me new parts free of charge, and a dicount # to use on their website!! my shappell had an issue and called them they sent out new pole free of charge. ! just saying, i have heard many bad thing as well about clam corp. i stay away from any of there products, the same goes with the showdowns, vexilar, nils and eskimo products they all suck.
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Sorry to hear about your problems. I ditch Clam a few years ago when I had problems. Unfortunately it seems Clam is going downhill. Not cheap, but one answer is Otter. Mine is built like a brick *hithouse! Expensive, not really. I paid less for my otter than what they sell Yukon's for. Of course I bought it in July!
(http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/Steuben1/Lodge.jpg)
Steuben1
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I bought an X2 the year after they came out. After it was together I noticed that the tent was waaay to tight around the front and it caused the sides around the bottom poles to cave way in. Had to do the picture taking thing and send them to clam along with an explanation. The problem was that when the tent was sewn together at the manufacturer, they used too narrow of a piece for the front panel. To make a long story short, after a long battle with CS, they basically told me that there was nothing they could do. That was my first and last experience with clam.
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The quality has really gone down hill the last 10 years. Never had a problem with my otter thats over 10 years old.
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i have a 10 year old clam 2000 thats still kicking never had a problem with customer service either.i went with the frabill commando over the pro tc this year and will see if i made the right decision.
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I bought a clam 2000 a few seasons ago and am not completely happy with it. The fabric is shedding black stuff on the inside and I get covered with black dust when I'm in it. The floor cracked on the very first trip with it......not beating up on the thing either....just sitting in it. The workmanship is not exactly top notch in my opinion. I'd try another brand if I ever bought another flip over.
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That really sucks!!! Sorry to hear that. They are built to look nice in the store but it seems like they will need a total hardware overhaul to be effective in the element...
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I bought a clam 2000 a few seasons ago and am not completely happy with it. The fabric is shedding black stuff on the inside and I get covered with black dust when I'm in it. The floor cracked on the very first trip with it......not beating up on the thing either....just sitting in it. The workmanship is not exactly top notch in my opinion. I'd try another brand if I ever bought another flip over.
my clam floor is all broken up and there is duct tape everywhere but it still beat sitting out in the elements.lol..200 bucks 10 years ago is decent for a shanty to last but ill get another 5 out of the ol clam.
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Glad I bought mine before they were manufactured by Clam. I have what I believe is an original. It was called a So-Boat Explorer and is what is called the Guide now by Clam. I've had the thing for over 7 years and have had no problems with it at all.
I agree the quality, if you can call it that, has deteriorated on products over the years. But as has been pointed out, when we want products for a cheap price...we get what we pay for and they don't meet our expectations. It sucks!!
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I've got a clam scout going into it's fourth season this year, never had any problems with it. It was a floor model, so I have no idea how hard it might have been to put together. The only problem I've had with it was when I dragged it over a concrete floor on its side and put a nice rip in the fabric, but that was me being dumb. My father has a frabil one man flipover and he really likes it, I've never fished out of it myself. Just got a used shapel 6000 a couple weeks ago that seems like it will work fine. Seems like a lot of the newer clams are a little less than people expect, though.
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Sorry to hear about your problems. I ditch Clam a few years ago when I had problems. Unfortunately it seems Clam is going downhill. Not cheap, but one answer is Otter. Mine is built like a brick *hithouse! Expensive, not really. I paid less for my otter than what they sell Yukon's for. Of course I bought it in July!
(http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/Steuben1/Lodge.jpg)
Steuben1
Are Otters made in the USA? This thread has turned me off Clam.
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Just from looking at the floor models I am not as impressed with the newer clams(the ones with the blue sides and grey tops). I do notice a difference with my Scout. It must be an older leftover one because it is all blue and seems to be a more solid unit.
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As a larger person 6'6'' and over 300 lbs I have never considered a oneman shelter , until a couple years ago . Frabill came out with the Commando , finally a one man shack I could sit in and not have the tent rubbing my head . With a seat thats as comfortable to sit in after 10 hours on the ice as it is the first ten minutes . With a sled , and pole system made to be easy to use and withstand the winds of South Dakota . With a seat system thats not only confortable but durable and able to easy hold me with no fear of breakage . All this from a company i can fully trust .
I have a Frabill 7080 that is on its third season . Last year on a trip to canada both plastic seat frames broke in temps of -30 . I figured I was gonna have to buy new frames . Upon return to the states I called customer service , she asked how old the shack was , i said it was 1 1/2 years old . She then apologized for my inconvenience and said I would be receiving complete new seat assemblies . Their supplier had had a resin problem causing their seats to break in extreme cold conditions . They thought they had been caught , but a few had been shipped . A couple days latter i had completly new seats , covers pads and all .
The three things that make a great company is , Great products , competitive prices and great customer service . I feel Frabill has all three .......
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BUY FRABILL!!!
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In all fairness the fish trap was king and the only choice in flip over design. Over the years they have gotten cheaper(quality) but yet more expensive. Other companies have copied the flip over design and have concentrated on quality control and customer satisfaction. I believe it's safe to say we as end users are starting to see that difference in the last decade. I have personally owned 3 fish traps and the first one was by far the best built.
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Sorry to hear about your problem with the new shack. Shouldve went with the WILD. Hopefully you can bring it back for an exchange if that's what you intend to do.
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As a larger person 6'6'' and over 300 lbs I have never considered a oneman shelter , until a couple years ago . Frabill came out with the Commando , finally a one man shack I could sit in and not have the tent rubbing my head . With a seat thats as comfortable to sit in after 10 hours on the ice as it is the first ten minutes . With a sled , and pole system made to be easy to use and withstand the winds of South Dakota . With a seat system thats not only confortable but durable and able to easy hold me with no fear of breakage . All this from a company i can fully trust .
I have a Frabill 7080 that is on its third season . Last year on a trip to canada both plastic seat frames broke in temps of -30 . I figured I was gonna have to buy new frames . Upon return to the states I called customer service , she asked how old the shack was , i said it was 1 1/2 years old . She then apologized for my inconvenience and said I would be receiving complete new seat assemblies . Their supplier had had a resin problem causing their seats to break in extreme cold conditions . They thought they had been caught , but a few had been shipped . A couple days latter i had completly new seats , covers pads and all .
The three things that make a great company is , Great products , competitive prices and great customer service . I feel Frabill has all three .......
Like i have said before. I have an older Frabill Tri-Plex 3 man flip over. One of the push buttons that lock the poles in the extended postion got tired and wasn't working so well anymore. I called Frabill's customer service wanting to buy some and the lady on the phone said i will just send you a half dozen, at no cost to you. You just can't beat service like that.
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Wow! I am glad this thread got started but sorry for your hard luck. I was planning on buying a Clam after Christmas but I guess that's out. I already have an Otter sled so I guess I'll just get the rest of the shelter to fit that. Thanks for saving some of us some money and grief! Hopefull Clam and other corportations who are selling us out to China will take note and change their ways!
Mike
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I don't own a Clam (well not the one you fish in anyways). But seeing they are a sponsor of this site i hope they read this thread and see how many of there customers are dissatisfied. Time for a reality check. They should be aware of how big this site is and how many views this has received already and sure to gain a whole lot me.
Everyone with a problem should copy this whole thread and email it to Clam's customer service.
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I was planning on buying a Clam flip over shelter after Christmas but after reading some of the problems a lot of other guys are having with your products due to poor quality, I am going to seriously consider a different manufacturer! You should realize that selling out to China is not really in your best interest!
I just sent the above email to Clam. I think more of us need to contact them and let them know they are hurting themselves by letting quality slide.
Mike
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I paid a little extra for one already put together that way there are no surprizes when you get it home and open the box , have a Shappell and a Otter and like them both , Shappell is the shack if you are going to be moving alot, sets up real quick
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i have a 10 year old clam 2000 thats still kicking never had a problem with customer service either.i went with the frabill commando over the pro tc this year and will see if i made the right decision.
10 years ago, they may have been good. from what i'm seeing, appears to be more nays than yea's
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I bought a clam 2000 a few seasons ago and am not completely happy with it. The fabric is shedding black stuff on the inside and I get covered with black dust when I'm in it. The floor cracked on the very first trip with it......not beating up on the thing either....just sitting in it. The workmanship is not exactly top notch in my opinion. I'd try another brand if I ever bought another flip over.
the clam 2000 is not a flip over...i own one...i agree the floor cracked on mine but the fabric is still holding strong ive used it countless times no complaints...upgraded to a clam 5600 2 seasons ago and again i couldnt be happier with it...5600 is sturdy as brick and a breeze to set up...i fish as hard as the next guy but the problems seem to be in the flip overs and not the box style huts...i had to order a couple plastic hook ends for my 5600 they broke by my negligence and they shipped em to me free
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sonar Man has it, Shappell DX3000 for me and I love it! ready to go right out of the box.
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Saddens me to say it, but almost everything we use out there on the ice has gone down the tubes as far as quality is concerned ! Shacks, Heaters, Augers, Rods, Reels, lures, even simple things like skimmers are all Foreign Crapstruction !! I'll give my Frabill Ranger XL Twin Credit though, she's got a lot of hard miles on her and she just keeps on keepin on ! :thumbsup: FLAAGGG !!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l113/lael19533/hunting%20and%20fishing/040.jpg)
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There's one thing hear that alot of you seem to miss. Your posts start like this I've had a such and such for so many years and have had no problems. This is not the issue. This site is about current ice fishing!!!!! I could care less about your 10 year old clam its bought and payed for. Pay attention, to the current facts, it might save you some dough. Like most of us time on the ice is limited. So make the best of it and buy quality products. I make a hard earned honest dollar and would like to make the most of it.
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Clam Corp. has yet to start a new post on IceShanty.
Anyone else notice that. :unsure:
only 3 pages of Clam related items, have a look. http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=184.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=184.0)
They may not know how to post here - help 'em out.
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I have a 6800 Green Bay edition, had it for 6(?) years, and the only thing wrong so far has been the rubber straps breaking. Haven't looked at new shacks of any kind for a year or two, hope they can turn the quality problems around.
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There's one thing hear that alot of you seem to miss. Your posts start like this I've had a such and such for so many years and have had no problems. This is not the issue. This site is about current ice fishing!!!!! I could care less about your 10 year old clam its bought and payed for. Pay attention, to the current facts, it might save you some dough. Like most of us time on the ice is limited. So make the best of it and buy quality products. I make a hard earned honest dollar and would like to make the most of it.
I'm with u slab!
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I can't beleve this thread had not been removed. This is a great thing! This site is not ruled by sponsers. I think that the shanty is a excellent sorce to gain the latest info on the sport of hardwater.
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Modified ~
Clam Corp. has yet to start a new post on IceShanty.
Anyone else notice that. :unsure:
only 3 pages of Clam related items, have a look. http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=184.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=184.0)
They may not know how to post here - help 'em out.
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They just can't read it....its in ENGLISH!!!
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Another thumbs up for Frabill here, I like my trekker deluxe 2-man alot, have used it hard for three years.
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I am in my fourth year using a Shappell Rover 1.5 and I love it. The only maintenance it needs is a little WD-40 on the poles so they come apart easier. ;D
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i have the Frabill "hub" style pop-up and love it....if i get another it will be the 6 man....Frabill all the way!!!!!
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I can't believe this thread had not been removed. This is a great thing! This site is not ruled by sponsors. I think that the shanty is a excellent source to gain the latest info on the sport of hardwater.
The power of ice shanty. Word of mouth can be your best and worst advertisement. For some companys it may get your business booming, for the ones that only care about profits and not so much about QC, well that's another direction. The sponsors have the same chance to post as the customers. If it were my co. I would want every member of I S to know I would take care of any problems. Ice Shanty = America! wow do I need ICE.
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There's one thing hear that alot of you seem to miss. Your posts start like this I've had a such and such for so many years and have had no problems. This is not the issue. This site is about current ice fishing!!!!! I could care less about your 10 year old clam its bought and payed for. Pay attention, to the current facts, it might save you some dough. Like most of us time on the ice is limited. So make the best of it and buy quality products. I make a hard earned honest dollar and would like to make the most of it.
Eggsackly. If all a company hears is "it costs too much" they may take notice and build the the low cost expectation. Quality costs.
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Yeah Quality costs, your exactly right there. What they failed to think about is what percussions this "cheap" stuff would cause. It is their name on it, and it sure sounds like it is not worth much any more.
When I was searching, the Otter Wild was IMO, much better, and it did cost more, however, I'd rather pay for quality. I did buy a Clam 6x12 Command Post Pop-up last year and really happy w/ my purchase. I did leave feedback in the Sponsor section about it: concern about zippers, small unthreading problem, and not using Aluminum or Stainless Steel hardware, and making the storage bag too small.
They did seem to address as two of my friends just purchase the Command Post and when at GM looking at it, the storage bag is larger and now has a pocket. However, one of the storage bags, the strap ripped right off first time lifting it. The eye-bolts now look to be Aluminum, so no rusting over your hub.
You have Quality of Product and Quality of Service which add up to reputation.
Quality of Product - you pay a good price and it lasts.
Quality of Service - if something does break or go wrong, how quickly the manufacture respond to resolve the issue.
I deal with this every day in the products I sell. In my industry, my products are the most expensive and take a while to get, but once you get them, it is "Get it and forget it." If something does go wrong, and it does, we are not perfect, I am all over it to get it resolved asap, because at the end of the day, it is my name on the product. Clam should be ashamed of themselves for letting this happen. Sometimes it is not worth doing what the consumer wants.
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Sorry to hear this about the Clam products...seems like until recently their reputation has been decent. I have a Frabrill pop-up and have had good luck with it and no complaints here.
Please let me clarify, so there is no confusion: My frabrill is less than 2 years old, so it's not new, but not completely outdated since the current model has changed very little (except maybe for where it is currently made). Just a simple reference form a guy that is satisfied with a product. Good luck working out the issues, hope you find what your looking for.
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It's again why I look for "Made in USA". Even if the manufacturer has a marginal service reputation you can at least contact them to get help. Otter makes a very similar product that may cost more but you won't find these problems. Wish I could afford Otter, that's what I'd have.
:tipup:
NBG
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There's one thing hear that a lot of you seem to miss. Your posts start like this I've had a such and such for so many years and have had no problems. This is not the issue. This site is about current ice fishing!!!!! I could care less about your 10 year old clam its bought and payed for. Pay attention, to the current facts, it might save you some dough. Like most of us time on the ice is limited. So make the best of it and buy quality products. I make a hard earned honest dollar and would like to make the most of it.
Along the same lines, maybe if a few more of us had some 6,8,or ten year old products instead of having to have the latest and greatest every year. I'm not pointing my finger at any one here and I don't see it much on this forum, but every time something new comes out some folks just have to have it. I have the same shelter that Surflizard does and it is close to the same age. Maybe if we let the retailers and wholesalers sit on some of this Communist Chinese crap for a year or so and live with what we have, things might just change a bit. Last year everyone was crying about Chinese made engines on some brands of augers. If ya don't like Chinese engines on an auger you might want to buy one produced in Sweden, Italy or maybe Japan. If we didn't buy the Chinese crud maybe some of these things would say Made in USA or Made in Canada. I have problems finding things made in the USA also, but I am willing to keep what I have rather than dump it after a couple of years for the newest and greatest. It's easier to blame the unions for everything rather than corporate greed where the real blame belongs. Let em sit on their poor quality junk for a while and they may wake up and smell the coffee cooking on the ice. Not a rant, just on old guys opinion. ;)
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great post Ice dawg
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i got my first power auger last year, its the new jiffy with the newer style engine. i know that jiffy designed the new engine but i am not sure but they are probably made in china. its been running great and i hope i do not have any problems with it because i know how good and reliable the older jiffys were. i also have a shappel shanty that was given to me and it is a little older and is very well built. the reason it was given to me was because the guy that gave it to me had to have the new latest and greatest. i hope he wont regret his decision because it mine now. ;D
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sometimes its not always the manufacturers fault....i laugh when i see guys out in their 200 dollar huts in 40plus mph winds in a minus 20 degree windchill...then they hurry to get to their trucks and toss their gear into the bed like its a football and leave it sittin back there til the next time so the fabric is all frozen and crusted with snow and start cursing at the world bcuz the poles wont telescope and the fabric wont wrap around this or that...im not saying its everybody and im not saying things arent defective from the start but IMHO guys that have the same shelter for 10plus years with no trouble take a little better care of their stuff than the next guy...my .02
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Another thumbs up for Frabill here, I like my trekker deluxe 2-man alot, have used it hard for three years.
I have the Frabill Trekker 2 (non-deluxe) and it has been holding up. Being it was on the lower end of their models, I wasn't sure if it'd hold up, but it's still tight and snug going on it's 3rd year.
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I had a Clam Scout I bought maybe 4 seasons ago and never had a problem other than I'm a big dude and wanted a bit more room and switched to a Frabill Commando last year. I did pull out the Commando over over the summer to dream up some new mods and while sitting in it the seat broke. One of the spacers between the seat and swivel base broke and the screw that attaches to the seat pushed through. I brought it to work to try and fix it but saw that it wouldn't be an easy fix. The hut is more than likely out of warranty and the pieces are still at work and since I have been out of work due to an injury I haven't tried to contact thier customer service because they may want pics or proof that I don't have at the moment. I must say though a friend got the Frablii Refuge for xmas last year, after using it twice the elastic in the poles broke, then a couple times after the tent started ripping from the base. He called thier customer service and they sent him a whole new unit within days. I hope I have the same experience when I get a chance to contact them.
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just got the frabill trekker 2 it lives up the there saying "the best in the world" cant go wrong with them
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I don't follow the herd...I buy what looks well made, isn't imported junk, and has a customer service/parts department in the USA, and seems to be reasonably priced.
It doesn't have to be "top-drawer" for me....just a decent product that's going to give me a reasonable amount of service with a minimum of problems. With that, in mind, I ended up buying a Shappell DLX 4000 5 yrs ago. It did help that they accidentally marked it half price..new in the box, and when I squawked about it, they gave it to me for that price. I've had one small rivet pop out of the floor, which was easily replaced with a pop-rivetool. I like the carpeted floor, the pop-down skis, and the fact that at 6'1, I can stand up in it. I called customer service to get some extra poles to run sideways on the inside on windy days, (it would flap in & out on really windy days) and also asked for some nylon push tabs that hold the carpet down...my buddy had tripped and popped a couple out. When I told the customer service lady this, she said "How about if I send you the 4 poles and a handful of the nylon tabs for $10.00..."we'll pay shipping"? I couldn't ask for more!
3 days later, here comes the UPS truck.....Five years later, and the YKK zippers are still flawless, no rips, tears, cracks, nothing. All this for my bargain of $200.00.
I'm not gonna complain... ;D
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I hate to say this I had the same problem with there popover shanty and there suits Blue ones are junk too
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I just put my kenai together with no problems. Hope its as good on the ice as it looks in the garage. I've had the scout, I have the guide and now the kenai. I'm sold on clam as I've not had any trouble with them.
I also purchased the Kenai and was very pleased with the way it went together. This looks to be a well built shack for under $200. I have owned a Clam 2000 and used it for years with no problems. I would recommend Clam as I have had no issues.
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I am also very disappointed in Clams new shelters. Had a Clam Guide for the last 4 years and loved it, it was just to big and heavy for a one man plus had trouble getting my buddies pro and my guide both in the pickup so I decided to go with the new Clam Pro Tc this year. Big mistake same problems as everyone else with the bolts snapping off, then had to drill some of the poles do to misallinment of the tabs coming through. Also had problem with the fabric fitting tight but after messing with it for 3 hours finally got it on decent. Why does a company that has had so much success over the years have to constantly change their design it was fine before why mess with it. Hopefully this one will last me for years but if I do get another shanty it will be an otter or frabill. Sorry Clam but money is to short these days to spend on things that cost more but have no workmanship maybe you guys should sell them assembled then you can see how bad they really are!!!
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When you say drill out holes for tabs. Would those happent to be the tabs on the hoops.
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I bought a new Frabill last Friday night (Predator) I did a lot of research on flipover tents and when I was done you see what I had bought. I liked some of the other tents but when it came to customer help everyone told of Frabill. You can go to there site and there is a video of how to put it together. Jerry
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Along the same lines, maybe if a few more of us had some 6,8,or ten year old products instead of having to have the latest and greatest every year. I'm not pointing my finger at any one here and I don't see it much on this forum, but every time something new comes out some folks just have to have it. I have the same shelter that Surflizard does and it is close to the same age. Maybe if we let the retailers and wholesalers sit on some of this Communist Chinese crap for a year or so and live with what we have, things might just change a bit. Last year everyone was crying about Chinese made engines on some brands of augers. If ya don't like Chinese engines on an auger you might want to buy one produced in Sweden, Italy or maybe Japan. If we didn't buy the Chinese crud maybe some of these things would say Made in USA or Made in Canada. I have problems finding things made in the USA also, but I am willing to keep what I have rather than dump it after a couple of years for the newest and greatest. It's easier to blame the unions for everything rather than corporate greed where the real blame belongs. Let em sit on their poor quality junk for a while and they may wake up and smell the coffee cooking on the ice. Not a rant, just on old guys opinion. ;)
Shappell is made in Michigan, but their prices seem to be righ in-line with the Chinese Clam stuff. Seems all this offshore manufacturing has a lot more to do with greed, than the cost of US labor.
Jim
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New Otter Wild with the bench. THE BOMB. Otter is picking up customers so fast with Fleet Farm...they can't keep up. The best flip on the ice. Frabill spends too much on pretty pictures and add campaigns then passes that price on to you! Whatever you want to pay for...it's your hard earned money.
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the Shappell rover 1 or 1.5 are made in Michigan and are quality built units. I have owned many flip overs and the 1.5 is the best unit I have ever had.
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Ice dawg, you hit that nail right on the head!
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Sorry you had such a bad time. I bought the Yukon last weekend and put it together without any problems. I too did a lot of research and as far as people saying Clam made better products 10 years ago well who didn't. That is sadly the state of the economy. Stuff was made better back when.
I can't say how the Yukon is going to fair because I haven't had it on the ice yet. So far no bolt heads popping off, no zippers not working, and no seats falling apart on me and believe me I have been sitting in this fish trap a lot since i put it together dreaming of ice.
I looked at Otter but couldn't afford $600 for a two man. Wanted to go with Michigan made Shappell but couldn't go for the bench seats and I didn't hear a lot of good things about Frabil or Eskimo. I hope I don't regret my purchase but it is my first shanty and I don't have anything to compare it to right now. Hopefully I will get many years out of this shanty.
Good Luck to everyone!
As far as customer service goes with Clam. I have nothing but good things to say. I told them I was going out to buy a new Shanty and had heard some of their products had bolt issues and they were proactive and sent me new bolts that I was told did not come from the bad bunch. They have also been very willing to answer any and all my product questions as I went through the process of deciding what to buy.
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Sorry you had such a bad time. I bought the Yukon last weekend and put it together without any problems. I too did a lot of research and as far as people saying Clam made better products 10 years ago well who didn't. That is sadly the state of the economy. Stuff was made better back when.
I can't say how the Yukon is going to fair because I haven't had it on the ice yet. So far no bolt heads popping off, no zippers not working, and no seats falling apart on me and believe me I have been sitting in this fish trap a lot since i put it together dreaming of ice.
I looked at Otter but couldn't afford $600 for a two man. Wanted to go with Michigan made Shappell but couldn't go for the bench seats and I didn't hear a lot of good things about Frabil or Eskimo. I hope I don't regret my purchase but it is my first shanty and I don't have anything to compare it to right now. Hopefully I will get many years out of this shanty.
Good Luck to everyone!
As far as customer service goes with Clam. I have nothing but good things to say. I told them I was going out to buy a new Shanty and had heard some of their products had bolt issues and they were proactive and sent me new bolts that I was told did not come from the bad bunch. They have also been very willing to answer any and all my product questions as I went through the process of deciding what to buy.
+1 on the customer service thing. They apologozed and offered to send me a package of new bolts for my Pro too.
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It would have been really nice if no one would have had to deal with customer service due to cheap or faulty parts. My 8 or 9 year old flip over was made in China also, but evidently the QC keeps getting even worse. ???
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I just bought a Nanook. I got a great deal on, so I couldnt pass it up. Had a few bolts that were fubar out of the package. I will see how it holds up in the next few weeks.
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I read all six pages, and there certainly seems to be some problems, but I must agree with this quote above all others;
Seems all this offshore manufacturing has a lot more to do with greed, than the cost of US labor.