Pop up hubs

[Lucass111]

Hey guys I'm not trying to start a clam vs otter thread. I'm looking at getting a new pop up hub and I've narrowed it down to the otter vortex lodge or the clam x400. I'm looking for pros and cons of either. If anyone owns 1 or the other your thoughts are greatly appreciated. The one thing I've noticed is the otter doesn't have those micro pin holes like clam. Thanks in advance!

[Papa Sly]

I have owned a Clam pop up as well  as a 1 man  pull over. The pull over was at least 10 years ago when Clam was  good quality and it was a great shelter. The hub was 2 years ago and it was horrible...made in China and the quality showed. The pin holes you could see through leaked anytime it rained. The zipper broke the third time out and the hub ploe broke first year...gave it away. I also had an old Cabelas 360 that was made by Clam and although the windows were great for watching tip-ups 2 poles broke on that and the back zipper alsr broke! Just an FYI I also had a Eskimo quick fish 3 and a Eskimo 949 and both served me well...my only complaint was their bags, could never get the shelter back in the bag.
This year I got the new Otter vortex pro with the new large open door, and the quality is by far the best. The tent material is like nothing I have ever had, high carbon hub poles are great, new door system is the best, and it comes with either 9 or 11 anchors but it has a anchor system on each outer corner that attaches to tent and allows you to tighten the strap attached to it. Cant wait to get some ice, but slept overnight in the back yard and holds heat well. This is my first Otter and although a little more money its worth every dime!

[slipperybob]

Otter >>>> Clam. 

[DBV]

I have used an Otter Cabin Hub the past 3 years and it has been great.  Perfect for 1/2 people and have had 3 in it, but that is really tight.  Don’t even need to use the heater that often.   

The Otter Vortex Pro Lodge looks great.  I went in one at Cabelas yesterday and much more room than my cabin and really liked the new door.  Was your Lodge easy to setup with just you?  My cabin is, but was curious if the lodge was too, as thinking about upgrading, but not sure I need that much space, as a lot of times it is just me.

I have owned a Clam pop up as well  as a 1 man  pull over. The pull over was at least 10 years ago when Clam was  good quality and it was a great shelter. The hub was 2 years ago and it was horrible...made in China and the quality showed. The pin holes you could see through leaked anytime it rained. The zipper broke the third time out and the hub ploe broke first year...gave it away. I also had an old Cabelas 360 that was made by Clam and although the windows were great for watching tip-ups 2 poles broke on that and the back zipper alsr broke! Just an FYI I also had a Eskimo quick fish 3 and a Eskimo 949 and both served me well...my only complaint was their bags, could never get the shelter back in the bag.
This year I got the new Otter vortex pro with the new large open door, and the quality is by far the best. The tent material is like nothing I have ever had, high carbon hub poles are great, new door system is the best, and it comes with either 9 or 11 anchors but it has a anchor system on each outer corner that attaches to tent and allows you to tighten the strap attached to it. Cant wait to get some ice, but slept overnight in the back yard and holds heat well. This is my first Otter and although a little more money its worth every dime!

[kondan]

I've had a Cabela's (made by Clam just black) 80x80 pop up hub for 3 seasons now and have no complaints. Actually did an overnight last season on Lake of Woods in negative temps and it held up great. They all have parts from China so it really is a hit or miss with these items. I paid $275 from Cabelas so no complaints. You'll be fine with either one IMO.

[Papa Sly]

I have used an Otter Cabin Hub the past 3 years and it has been great.  Perfect for 1/2 people and have had 3 in it, but that is really tight.  Don’t even need to use the heater that often.   

The Otter Vortex Pro Lodge looks great.  I went in one at Cabelas yesterday and much more room than my cabin and really liked the new door.  Was your Lodge easy to setup with just you?  My cabin is, but was curious if the lodge was too, as thinking about upgrading, but not sure I need that much space, as a lot of times it is just me.

I have yet to try and put up in the wind but when I got it last month I set it up in the yard...piece of cake! The hub rods are extra strong but just as easy to pop out as any others. I love the new door and the difference between Otter and Eskimo is you dont need to use the added poles for the door on the Otter unless very windy, you need them on the Eskimo.

[IceAddict87]

I looked at both when I was looking get a hub this year. I ended up taking home the otter but it was only because it was $70 cheaper (they were price matching the otter) if it had not been for that I would have gotten the clam. I like the clam because it is a little taller than the otter, quality was fairly close. Otter has never let me down so they had that going for them, anytime I’ve had a warranty issue it’s addressed in very fast order.

[DBV]

I have yet to try and put up in the wind but when I got it last month I set it up in the yard...piece of cake! The hub rods are extra strong but just as easy to pop out as any others. I love the new door and the difference between Otter and Eskimo is you dont need to use the added poles for the door on the Otter unless very windy, you need them on the Eskimo.

Have you gotten to try your new hub yet and if so what are your thoughts?

[stas60]

I have an Eskimo 3I. Fast to put up and take down was easy too.

[wyogator]

I will not buy a Clam because they don’t have replaceable windows. So, if one cracks in minus degree cold, you have no choice but to cover the crack with packing tape.  Eskimo has replaceable windows.  You’d think with all the flack Clam has got from customers over this, they’d have started using replaceable windows.

[E Z turn]

I have a Clam thermal . It is without a doubt a struggle for 1 man to set up. I have installed grommets in the skirt and use ice screws to hold 1 side while I pop out the opposite side and go from there. Very frustrating.

[Light liner]

Clams quality has really gone down hill. I’ve had great luck with my eskimo.whatever you get thermal is key.