IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: TheCaveman on Feb 13, 2018, 09:22 AM
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Im looking to get a 2 man hub, just something that i can use for a quick setup for me so i dont have to use the big 6 man popup i have, what would be one that i could just haul in a sled, preferably insulated, and not costing more than 250 if possible, just looking for suggestions and which ones to stay away from.
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Get the Shappell FX200,,, Very easy set up, big tub for "stuff", I put downhill skis on bottom for towing, loading and unloading,,, Price for new will be in that $300 range for non insulated.
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Get the best there is in hubs right now:
https://www.otteroutdoors.com/product/otter-xth-pro-cabin/
You should be able to find it for under $250 in a store somewhere as the Lodge goes for $279 when on sale.
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Get the Shappell FX200,,, Very easy set up, big tub for "stuff", I put downhill skis on bottom for towing, loading and unloading,,, Price for new will be in that $300 range for non insulated.
Currently looking for a popup hub style but i might consider getting that if i have a change of heart and decide i dont mind having a flip over, my main reaon for wanting a hub style is the weight and currently i do not have a pickup truck, i drive a newer minivan so i dont want to get the back area wet or scrape the paint on the bumper, im going to hopefully buy a beater truck this summer so i can have something to take fishing
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I picked up a Frabill Bunker 250 at the end of the season last year for half price and free shipping from Dick's Sporting goods. Been using it exclusively this year and just sold my older 2-man Frabill flip over that hadn't left the garage yet. Lots of room. 6ft" tall in the center (I'm 6'1" so not hitting my head like in the flip over is a big plus). Been very impressed so far with the durability as I haven't been delicate when setting up/putting it away. But if you go with a hub - make sure to go thermal insulated - much quieter in the wind and holds the heat so much better, at least here in frigid South Dakota.
http://www.frabill.com/ice-fishing/ice-shelters/bunker-250.html
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I'm on season 4 or 5 with my Clam Bigfoot XL4000T. Flawless.
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Caveman
I have the Eskimo 949I that is insulated and weighs only 41lbs. Have used it for 5 seasons through some of the stiffest winds you can imagine with no problems. They have made some design improvements since i purchased mine and i have made some of my own mods to suit our needs. I dont think you will go wrong with an Eskimo product. This is definitely the time of the season to look for a reduced price on in stock models.
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x2 on the Eskimo 949I
I just got the 949i, and I’m very happy with the purchase. Easy to set-up, very warm, and the perfect size for two guys and gear. I actually left the hub set-up on the ice for 3 days last week, no problems with the wind, and it was a fantastic shack.
Now, the bad….
The bag is garbage (really only useful for off season storage)
It is bulky and heavy (comes with the territory with an insulated hub of that size)
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I have the Eskimo quickfish 3i and love it.
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Otter XTH Pro thermal hub, I have a lodge but you want the cottage (smaller). Very nice quality and best service in the industry.
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I have the Eskimo quickfish 3i and love it.
+1
Best part is, you can find them cheap since the Fatfish line came out. I got mine for $199, shipped. As others have mentioned about the Eskimo shelters, the carry bag sucks, but other than that, I think mine is wonderful.
Tight lines,
Bob
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Otter XTH Pro thermal hub, I have a lodge but you want the cottage (smaller). Very nice quality and best service in the industry.
Agreed, they will not question you if warranty issues arise, the bag is awesome and bigger than the shelter so no issue packing it up in -20 and the shelter is awesome. The only decision is what size you want. Well worth the few extra bucks over the Eskimo.
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I agree on the Otter bag being nice - a buddy I fish with and he can pack it up very easily. The Frabill bag sucks as much as the Eskimo - good luck trying to stuff a damp, half-frozen shelter into the tube of a backpack bag in the wind and cold.
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X2 on Clam XL4000T now known as the Clam Thermal Ice Refuge. Good bag, well constructed, roomy and warm.
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I agree on the Otter bag being nice - a buddy I fish with and he can pack it up very easily. The Frabill bag sucks as much as the Eskimo - good luck trying to stuff a damp, half-frozen shelter into the tube of a backpack bag in the wind and cold.
I don't think getting the shelter back in the bag is that big a hassle, but the bag certainly could be designed to make it easier. My biggest problem with the bag is the "backpack straps." Right out of the box, mine started to rip out when I tried backpacking the shelter around in the yard. I may bring the bag to my local boat cover guy and have him reinforce the strap arrangement.
Tight lines,
Bob
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Flip-overs are the best in my opinion for quick moves, no tear down, no bag to stuff and don't have to fight the wind pulling a set-up hut over the ice. Look at what most of the tournament guys use.
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If you can get your hands on a Clam Twin Hub, it might suit your needs. Its about the smallest (lightest) and easiest to setup and take down. And it would come in way under the budget.
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Another Otter XTH Pro lover here. I have the Resort and a buddy has the Lodge, and they're both great.
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I have had the Clam 4000 XLT Thermal Bigfoot for 5 years now. No issues with this unit. Size is 8'x8' and has plenty of room for 2-3 guys with all the gear. If you are looking to fish this for 2 guys, you will have enough room to move around. All the vendors say that you can put 4-6 guys in there, but they don't mention the area needed for heaters, chairs etc. Went to a few shows this year and walked into the new Ice Refuge. Love the black color and the new fabric.
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I have had the Clam 4000 XLT Thermal Bigfoot for 5 years now. No issues with this unit. Size is 8'x8' and has plenty of room for 2-3 guys with all the gear. If you are looking to fish this for 2 guys, you will have enough room to move around. All the vendors say that you can put 4-6 guys in there, but they don't mention the area needed for heaters, chairs etc. Went to a few shows this year and walked into the new Ice Refuge. Love the black color and the new fabric.
I agree. The 4-5 person hubs are comfy with room for equipment for 2. Not sure how 4-5 guys would have much room. The shanties rated for 2 people make it very tough to stand or move around when you actually bring equipment and 2 people.
If you like even a little bit of comfort go with something for 4 when shopping for 2.
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If you can get your hands on a Clam Twin Hub, it might suit your needs. Its about the smallest (lightest) and easiest to setup and take down. And it would come in way under the budget.
How easy is that to set up?, and since im 6'1, how tall is it?, and would i be able to fit 2 men and 2 holes each in their?
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:o Wow! Just watched you tube vid of a guy setting up that Clam Twin Hub inside on a concrete floor. I believe that on the ice with even a slight breeze it would be a horrifying experience at best!
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:o Wow! Just watched you tube vid of a guy setting up that Clam Twin Hub inside on a concrete floor. I believe that on the ice with even a slight breeze it would be a horrifying experience at best!
i just watched a video on it too, i dont think it would be that bad if you were to take a ratchet strap and strap the first pop out part to your pickup right away
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:thumbsup: Good idea! Only problem my pickup is on terra firma! Seriously though, I do set up in the wind sometimes (QF-3) and the Eskimo anchors with cam straps work great!
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How easy is that to set up?, and since im 6'1, how tall is it?, and would i be able to fit 2 men and 2 holes each in their?
I have not setup the twin hubs. Seems like it would take a little more time. With the Bigfoot - it takes about a minute to setup. Inside height is at the center is 82", and around the edges is over 6'. If you are looking at a setup for 2 guys and 2 holes each - you will have plenty of room for this with the normal Bigfoot setup. If you are like some guys in the videos who bring in a ton of equipment, then the twin hubs might be more your style. With what you are saying - I think you can get by with the single styles - Clam, Otter Eskimo. As long as they have the square footage around the 64 sqft, you should be good.
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Love my Eskimo 767 pop up for 2-3 people. It is insulated, light, easy to fit in my sedan, and is often on sale for around $250.
For me, my dad, 3-4 holes, flasher, heater, lantern, cooler, and a couple rod bags, it is perfect.
Only have the Medium size buddy heaters and we have been toasty at -20F.
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QF3i is perfect size for one man and a little bit of gear, good enough size for two as well.
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:o Wow! Just watched you tube vid of a guy setting up that Clam Twin Hub inside on a concrete floor. I believe that on the ice with even a slight breeze it would be a horrifying experience at best!
I always try to put an ice anchor in first in 1 corner of the shack. That holds it while I pop out the rest of the sides. If it's that windy, you're going to want to put an anchor/rope to the side of the hub wall anyway. You can also lightly stand on the skirt to help in getting the sides popped out, at least that's how I do it.
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How easy is that to set up?, and since im 6'1, how tall is it?, and would i be able to fit 2 men and 2 holes each in their?
It couldn't be easier to set up. Pop out one hub then the other, and its set up. I won't even take a pop up out of the bag without first putting an anchor in the ice - seen too many shenanigans with guys chasing huts across the lake.
I'ts got a fair amount of head room - I think its 7' at the peek, and its 7'x7' at the floor. You can definitely fish two guys with two holes, but space for all the other stuff is a bit limited.
One of the trade offs to make it so light is that it doesn't have the black coating on the material inside so it it stays pretty bright in there, which can be a problem if you're in to sight fishing.
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It couldn't be easier to set up. Pop out one hub then the other, and its set up. I won't even take a pop up out of the bag without first putting an anchor in the ice - seen too many shenanigans with guys chasing huts across the lake.
I'ts got a fair amount of head room - I think its 7' at the peek, and its 7'x7' at the floor. You can definitely fish two guys with two holes, but space for all the other stuff is a bit limited.
One of the trade offs to make it so light is that it doesn't have the black coating on the material inside so it it stays pretty bright in there, which can be a problem if you're in to sight fishing.
not too into sight fishing but i havent been able to find them online anywhere, does clam still make these or did they stop?, and is there anything somewhet like it if they stopped making it
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Luv the Eskimo quickfish 3. Good quality, too small for 2 men. Don't like the Eskimo 949 because the sides are flemsey. I've had both of them. I'm going to try the clam xl2000 or the xl 4000 or the Eskimo 5 because of the square feet and quality. Perfect for 2 men and some gear.
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not too into sight fishing but i havent been able to find them online anywhere, does clam still make these or did they stop?, and is there anything somewhet like it if they stopped making it
Yeah, pretty sure they stopped making them. Probably need to look at craigslist or ebay. I've seen quite a few "new in box" ones available lately on the second hand market. I use mine for camping in the shoulder seasons as well so I just bought a "new" one for when mine finally gives up the ghost.
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Eskimo 949i is perfect for 2 people. You can find on sale now for around $249 at least at our local farm supply store.
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My QF3I has enough room for two guys, three rods each, plus lanterns and other whatnot. Very roomy and warm.
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Have a 949 and it is overkill for two but room is always nice. Takes a while longer to warm up with a heater and is extremely long when broken down. My quick fish 2 won't give two guys a lot of room but it is small, goes up fast, and the poles are sturdy. They are not insulated but the small space warms up quickly. I rock each in a different scenario but as small as my quick fish 2 is I cannot beat the ability to throw it in my car and on a short sled.