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I have the 949i and the first one I bought was immediately returned because of the hub/rod problems. The bag on the second one ripped the very first time I tried to use it, one of the straps ripped apart that you use to pull open the side walls, and one of the rods popped out. After reseating the rod, it hasn't given me any problems. I called about the bag and Eskimo is sending me one as soon as they get in stock. With all the problems I have had, I am still keeping it because it seems to hold up really well in the wind, has LOTS of room and the price is pretty good. I paid ~$275. The Eskimo customer service seems to be easy to deal with so far. Hopefully with all the complaints, they will fix the manufacturing issues.
Seems like everyone that owns a new fat fish including me has had problems with poles popping out of the hubs. I would have thought they would have used the same design as the QF models which seem to not have any problems. Don't know. Eskimo took care of me and sent me a new pole no questions asked. I am sure a good epoxy will stop them pins from sliding. Might not be a bad idea to take all the hub caps off and put a small dab on them all. I migh have to do it now before I get out there and get upset.
Mine is pin less looks like they just filled it full of epoxy and shoved the rod in, I can pull it out in the next couple days and get pic if you want.
Agree 100%.I've seen 5-6 posts on the shanty now about the fatfish hub/rod problems. When I had my troubles with it, I was upset enough that I decided I'd tell everyone on here my experience... so that they can avoid it. I think Eskimo should suffer or "pay" for their lack of product testing and adequate design(Fatfish). I advocate the heck out of their quickfish series - although they are "cheaper" my Qfish3 has been used and abused now for 3 years in rough Wyoming winds and conditions. I haven't used the "bag" at all and it is still in great shape and takes all the Wyoming wind can give it... with ZERO hub/rod problems.I would suggest doing something, epoxy sounds like a great idea if have the time to go through and do each rod individually. It would probably work great. Sounds like a lot of work that you shouldn't have to do though. I bought mine from Cabelas and they have a 90 day policy. I'd return it.I have seen several posts to on other sites complaining of similar issues. Too bad, I really wanted a fat fish. Keep using my clone for now I guess. Been using a black "sub zero" from canadain tire working great. No issues what do ever. 10 trips this year. Bag is huge no issues repacking. Hubs all together. No rips in anything.
It held together and still performs and looks like new. Very good quality imo. Mine came with a rod out of it, and I simply put it back in the hub. I have owned Double Bull Blinds for years, so I have known how to replace and install rods. So far, it has never come out, so why it came shipped that way, is unknown?Here is a pick of that weekend.