IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: 74redone on Jan 23, 2012, 10:20 PM
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Anybody using this hut? I'm thinking of ordering one and wondering if there is enough room to fish 3 guys comfortably. Any problems as far as design or fabric problems?
Thanks
Matt
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I do, and I did this weekend. 3 guys is fine, any more would be crowded. I had my Mr heater on low/medium. High about burnt our eyebrows off, HAHA. It was real nice not getting any condensation inside the tent. Having the windows open all the way was nice for our cigarette breaks as well.
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is the hut pretty heavy?
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Where is there one in stock is the better question? I've been looking all over for one lately
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I have the 949 non insulated. I wish I would have found a insulated but this one is fine. There is enough room for three people. I have had three guys in mine with fold out chairs. The only problem I have had was with one of the bottom poles. One of the pins on the end inside he hub kept moving then it would pop out of the hub. But i called Eskimo and they sent me a new one no questions asked. But other wise I love it. And like previously stated good luck finding one. The place my I got my 949 said they couldn't get the 949i till next year.
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Had one and took it back.
It was not as sturdy in the wind as my Quickfish3. I think it is mainly because of how large it is. I also had problems with the rods in the hubs. After 3-4 trips.
In Wyoming you can't really afford to have hubs and rods coming apart on you... ever. If it happens, it will happen when the wind is blowing 50 MPH and ruin your trip. I took my fatfish back and when my Quickfish3 is too tore up to fish out of I'll buy another one.
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I talked to the Red Rock Store last night and he was very helpful and had lots of input. I think I'm going to buy the Quick Fish 4. It is not insulated but it has a liner which acts as a thermal barrier to make it not drip on u. The nice thing is u can take it in or out. He also said that they have had problems with the rod coming out of the hubs. He said the bag for the Fatfish are junk. He said the bags for the QF4 are not the greatest but they are better than the Fatfish bags. We also talked about the Clam Summit,but he said you have to be careful when you are taking them down since they are not square the hubs can get tangled which will cause them to break.
Matt
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>:(
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Good Idea. Some say they just received a defective fatfish. I'm skeptical. I think they are all defective. My fatfish 949i had hub/rod problems on the third trip like I said. While my old quickfish3 has lasted dozens, and dozens of trips. Probably over a 100 at this point and while it is not in great shape... it still works and the rods and hubs do not have any problems.
Quickfish series is better built yet fatfish is more expensive and more faulty. I guess if you want the extra room w/ a fatfish you really have to compromise a lot.
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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.
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4 trips on my 949 and no problems yet it isn't the i model and i wonder if that has something to do with it. got mine on clearance at sportsman's ware house for 200 would have got the insulated model but none were in stock.
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I cant find the 949i anywhere either, but i did find the Clam Thermal basecamp 6x8 which looks comparable
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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.
I had terrible results with my 9416..both in quality and with Eskimo CS. Long story short, bag seems were ripping when I unpacked it the first time, hub pole popped out of socket because the holding pin slipped to one side, stitching around one window was incomplete. Eskimo said they can't fix it so send it back to the store for a replacement or my money back. That was all they said in an e-mail. Simple and to the point. I got my money back and added them to my do not buy list. I'm really bummed about it. Good luck with our hunt and find! I did order from Joe's Sporting Goods and they were very cool about handling the issue.
My advice is to buy what ever you decide on from a place you can drive to if there are issues, thankfully I had free shipping for both the order and the store paid for the return, too. Only lost my money for a month while I waited for shipping and reposting to my account.
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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.
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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.
Good idea. But spending that money we shouldn't have to do that out of the box. If there's a Screaming deal on one I'd suggest buying it and doing the epoxy for sure... otherwise 400 bucks is steep to have to fix those issues before they are several Seasons old.
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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.
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I payed atention to all the hubs when I set mine up this weekend and all of them have been epoxyed so maybe they are doing it now from the factory
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Hey Reel, How has the epoxy been applied? Just on the pins or the whole pole in the hub? I'm figuring on doing some proactive maintainence and don't want to do anything that might be troublesome in the future, like making it too hard to replace a broken pole. Thanks.
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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.
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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.
Yeah. Cool! I'd like to see that picture. I am still sketched about commercial portables...twice bitten (once with clam and recently with eskimo). My frabill commando dlx has been real good... few moving parts...
Glad this discussion began.
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Ok i was mistaken i was thinking the poles were coming out of the sleeve thats where it was glued you guys were talking about these
(http://fishingminnesota.com/forum/file/userpics/2012/01/full-27216-16424-eskimopole.jpg)
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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.
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Yep that is what seems to be going on with everybody's fat fish. Mine did it to only one pole, I hope no others have problems.
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(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o162/troutslayerny/hammel9416poleandpin.jpg)
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I have a Fatfish 949 and it will fish 3 people comfortably, 4 if you only want one hole each, as I've done it too. I can't vouch for how well the 949I can handle high winds, I can vouch that on New Years Eve and New Years day, we endured 25-50 mph winds for 17 hours, according to my smart phone weather info, on Spirit Lake, IA. It was WINDY and we had a hard quick snow sleet. It held together, and I just had to tie all hubs out, use every anchor point, and I shoveled snow and auger slush on the nose. 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.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/s5.jpg)
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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.
Store told me that their sales rep told them that in the thousands they sell, only 1 or 2 percent get complaints. Maybe I got a bum one....though given the experience if I did ever get one it won't be online unless the warranty covers shipping both ways. They are heavy and oversized for shipping.
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I bought mine 45 days ago or so, cash and carry at Sportsman's whse. Their polcy is 30 day return or exchange if you have a damaged one, or if you don't like it. After that, you have to deal with the manufacturer. If the winds would have caused any damage, they would have gladly made me happy. Yea, shipping these can't be super cheap. They are looooooooong. Their packed length is considerably longer then my QF6.
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I'd like to add that these are a great shelter to fish out of. The windows, the HUGE gear storage nets, the inside fishable room...I like mine and my buddy has one and likes his too. Neatest 4 person hub shelter I have seen yet.
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I think this issue is gonna be here for awhile.
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Ive used mine 6 times with no issues, I love it! Paid $260 shipped to my door from Marine General.
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Mine falls apart like everyone elses but I called eskimo and they sent me 6 new poles
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If you are a fatfish owner who has not had problems with the rods coming out of the hubs yet then you are lucky but I would be wary. Don't get too in love with your unit. If you keep it past the date when you can return it and then have tons of rod problems... well don't tell me I didn't warn ya!!!
They were all made the exact same way with the exact same materials and design. The quickfish series has been around a long time now, people have used them for years... and you do not see the hub / rod related issues w/ the quickfish series. That is because they are built well and are not flawed. I have fished from mine for 3 years now and many times each year. Never had a rod problem once.
3rd Trip in my fatfish and I had issues. A lot of people are having issues with them when they are relatively new. In my opinion you shouldn't pay 350$+ for a hut only to have it literally fall apart on you shortly after buying it. Hopefully they will go make a change to either the materials, design, or manufacturing process on their next batch. I don't see how they could keep selling something so faulty.
The 949i in particular seems to be the worst of them all. It is heavier due to the insulated material and therefore the rods come out more easily.
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Mine falls apart like everyone elses but I called eskimo and they sent me 6 new poles
I don't think more of the same poles will fix it. I wonder why they keep doing that. Unless they have made a change to the poles and are sending you new ones... I would bet you will have problems with it again.
It is a clear lack of product testing. If they had actually tested the product before selling it they would have immediately noticed that the design is flawed and the rods come out. Makes you wonder, maybe they did test it and just don't care.
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I agree with you. I talked to Eskimo today on phone and he told me all issues where fixed. I just wonder if they really have been. He said the hubs have been fixed and the bag issue resolved. I am suspicious however- been lied to before. Just wondering of any new buyers are having same issue.
If you are a fatfish owner who has not had problems with the rods coming out of the hubs yet then you are lucky but I would be wary. Don't get too in love with your unit. If you keep it past the date when you can return it and then have tons of rod problems... well don't tell me I didn't warn ya!!!
They were all made the exact same way with the exact same materials and design. The quickfish series has been around a long time now, people have used them for years... and you do not see the hub / rod related issues w/ the quickfish series. That is because they are built well and are not flawed. I have fished from mine for 3 years now and many times each year. Never had a rod problem once.
3rd Trip in my fatfish and I had issues. A lot of people are having issues with them when they are relatively new. In my opinion you shouldn't pay 350$+ for a hut only to have it literally fall apart on you shortly after buying it. Hopefully they will go make a change to either the materials, design, or manufacturing process on their next batch. I don't see how they could keep selling something so faulty.
The 949i in particular seems to be the worst of them all. It is heavier due to the insulated material and therefore the rods come out more easily.
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If the rods were busting, or if the shelter had quality issues, then it would be unacceptable and of poor quality. I would hardly call a pin sliding in a rod, a big issue. Realign the pin, hit it with a little gorilla glue, and put it back in the hub. The Fatfish 949 is a great shelter.
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I dont have the "I" model and I don't think it is great. If the new poles didn't fix I had sone ideas that would keep the pins in place just hoping it wont bind up in the hub after words....
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If the rods were busting, or if the shelter had quality issues, then it would be unacceptable and of poor quality. I would hardly call a pin sliding in a rod, a big issue. Realign the pin, hit it with a little gorilla glue, and put it back in the hub. The Fatfish 949 is a great shelter.
I guess we are all the judge of what we think is unacceptable or poor quality. I don't call something I pay 300+$ for only to have it fall apart a "great shelter". I fish in a state where high winds are very common. Say what you will about it not being a "big issue". But for me, if I'm fishing in 50-60MP gusts... and my hut pops a rod out of the hub while I'm fishing... it could do considerable damage to my rods and other gear inside the tent when the hub gets thrown inward. Not to mention it could quickly turn into a major disaster if one rod popped out of the hub, only to be followed by 2-3 more rods doing it as well.
I personally don't want my hut falling apart on me while I'm fishing, especially in high winds. You say its not a big deal, having to realign the pin and pop it back in... It is when the wind is beating down on your hut, trust me... my fatfish lost a rod from the hub and I could not get it back in because of the relentless wind.
To each their own. If you buy a fatfish series and you enjoy it and don't mind having to fix all the rod/hub connections... great. I personally was not pleased w/ the quality. My quickfish hut is a cheaper unit and like I said, I've never had any issues with it.
Let me ask you this ASATMillerbluegill. If you were in charge at Eskimo... would you be happy with selling a product that fell apart after 2-3 uses? I can tell you if I were in charge over there, this would not have happened. You don't sell stuff that has not been designed right or product tested.
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My experience with ground blinds, which are the same as ice fishing blinds, is that a rod will never pop out, while the shelter is in use. It will pop out when the shelter is closed, as the tension is released from the rod. Like I stated, gorilla glue the pin if it ever falls out, and it can't happen again. My Fatfish rods held together in the 50 mph winds and the shelter materials held up. I have a FF 949 and a QF6. My buddy has a QF3. My favorite shelter out of them all is my FF 949. I'd buy another one and highly recommend them. My local store hasn't had any issues with them either.
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Fair enough.
I agree I don't think it is likely a rod will come out when it is up. However. If one falls out while in transport /storage (like they are prone to do) and you set it up you likely won't know you have an issue until you try to "pop" the shelter up. So you can either try to fix it with the hut up or take the time to remove all the spikes, and fix it folded up. (Can be tough to do alone.. in strong wind). It is not an ideal situation. Having to fix each individual rod that comes out w/ gorilla glue. Although it might be a legitimate fix.
Guess you could be proactive and pop them all out and gorilla glue them. I personally think Eskimo should be doing something like that though, not the customers.
While I was impressed with most of the other features of the fatfish, including the very nice quality of the insulated material. It is very roomy. I just don't like buying things I have to fix immediately. That is rewarding Eskimo for producing a flawed product. I don't do that.
One more small note: I found the fatfish949i to be not as sturdy and stable in the wind as a smaller more compact quickfish3. You give up some rigidity when you have such a large pop up shelter.
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Fair enough.
I agree I don't think it is likely a rod will come out when it is up. However. If one falls out while in transport /storage (like they are prone to do) and you set it up you likely won't know you have an issue until you try to "pop" the shelter up. So you can either try to fix it with the hut up or take the time to remove all the spikes, and fix it folded up. (Can be tough to do alone.. in strong wind). It is not an ideal situation. Having to fix each individual rod that comes out w/ gorilla glue. Although it might be a legitimate fix.
Guess you could be proactive and pop them all out and gorilla glue them. I personally think Eskimo should be doing something like that though, not the customers.
While I was impressed with most of the other features of the fatfish, including the very nice quality of the insulated material. It is very roomy. I just don't like buying things I have to fix immediately. That is rewarding Eskimo for producing a flawed product. I don't do that.
One more small note: I found the fatfish949i to be not as sturdy and stable in the wind as a smaller more compact quickfish3. You give up some rigidity when you have such a large pop up shelter.
agreed:-)
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Just returned my 2nd fatfish 949. First one was replaced on warranty, and second one I got a refund straight up. Both had poles popping up. First one didn't have the velcro sewn properly. The stitching was way off course, and the velcro didn't line up. Looking at a Clam summit.
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thats too bad, I think I am going for a quickfish 6, dont need any issues.
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Can't wait until all the returns and refunds hit Eskimo's pocket hard enough to fix their product.
A simple recall or a switch in the production methods could fix this problem completely. I'm guessing they will have a fix for these issues in future fatfish units... I hope they would. If I don't hear any better reviews on them, like you, I'll be getting another quickfish series.
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Agree. They need to hear from us too. It's really too bad because its a great hut and great idea. This site is so huge and has such impact, they should be listening! I got two buds who are not buying as not am I.
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Yep I agree, that is one reason I'm being so vocal about being unsatisfied with their product on here. I'm sure someone who works for eskimo checks this thread. ;)
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Has any one called or E mailed Eskimo Most companies are customer service oriented?. The reason I comment my quick fish three is at least five years old and will one day need to be replaced so I hope you guys get all the bugs worked out.
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This makes me glad I have a Quickfish 4.
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Has any one called or E mailed Eskimo Most companies are customer service oriented?. The reason I comment my quick fish three is at least five years old and will one day need to be replaced so I hope you guys get all the bugs worked out.
The quickfish was built well. Solid design.
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Has any one called or E mailed Eskimo Most companies are customer service oriented?. The reason I comment my quick fish three is at least five years old and will one day need to be replaced so I hope you guys get all the bugs worked out.
Yes. They simply said they can't fix it so send it back for a replacement or refund. I replied that I was happy with that simple response and disregard for my satisfaction and never heard from them again. I go my money back and am waiting for an outstanding set of reviews before I purchase any hub style from any company.
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The quickfish series by eskimo is fine. Unless they have changed materials or design in the last couple of years. They are great. Cheap too.
Sturdy, durable and easy to set up.
I'd love to have my quickfish 3 covered in the 949i insulated material!!!
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The quickfish series by eskimo is fine. Unless they have changed materials or design in the last couple of years. They are great. Cheap too.
Sturdy, durable and easy to set up.
I'd love to have my quickfish 3 covered in the 949i insulated material!!!
Thanks. I actually bought the 9416 Fatfish and had all the same issues as the 949i...that's why I am posting and following this thread..
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Sigh. Well then you have read this thread and you realize you really only have 2 options. Hopefully the majority of people will see this and not purchase the headache fatfish series.
1) take it back and make eskimo "pay" for selling this faulty unit and go with a different hub style shelter. (non-eskimo if this experience turned you away from them) Although I do strongly still recommend the quickfish series.
2) try to fix each rod / hub connection individually with gorilla glue, etc... (Might not work - might ruin your hub)
I don't think fishing with the unit in its current state is an option, for reasons stated previously in this thread. I chose to take mine back because I am limited in time and didn't feel like buying the supplies and taking the time to fix each rod individually. My opinion which again has been stated repeatedly is that I should not have to fix new products. Old ones, sure. Not new ones. Especially 375$ new ones.
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While I am definitely not disputing what others experiences have been with the fatfish line mine has been fine. Mine seems to be a good one so far. I have set mine up probably about 12 times so far and no signs of any hub or pole failure. I do have one side that seems to want to pop back in on it's own before I stake it out it's definitely not a deal breaker. My coating is not flaking inside but I do see lines of separation along fold lines from storage. I hope it doesn't get any worse but I will keep an eye on it. I do hope the trend continues for me on this one and I'm hoping Eskimo gets the issues sorted out. I guess if this one goes south I'll buy a quickfish 6 since I have my Scout TC for times when I'm alone. I'm too used to having the extra space now to go smaller.
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While I am definitely not disputing what others experiences have been with the fatfish line mine has been fine. Mine seems to be a good one so far. I have set mine up probably about 12 times so far and no signs of any hub or pole failure. I do have one side that seems to want to pop back in on it's own before I stake it out it's definitely not a deal breaker. My coating is not flaking inside but I do see lines of separation along fold lines from storage. I hope it doesn't get any worse but I will keep an eye on it. I do hope the trend continues for me on this one and I'm hoping Eskimo gets the issues sorted out. I guess if this one goes south I'll buy a quickfish 6 since I have my Scout TC for times when I'm alone. I'm too used to having the extra space now to go smaller.
We have the same taste in shelters. Very satisfied with all three of mine.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/hg2.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/33vyzgl.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/akzbqa.jpg)
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Has any one called or E mailed Eskimo Most companies are customer service oriented?. The reason I comment my quick fish three is at least five years old and will one day need to be replaced so I hope you guys get all the bugs worked out.
I emailed ESKIMO today to the direct link to this page. Hope they go and see it. lol. if they had brains they would post something to reasure the community that the isseu is being dealt with.
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I had one pole pop give me fits with a pin sliding and coming out of the hub. This is how I feel, I like the hut so much that I have gone through the trouble(which isn't that hard) and taken off each hub cap and checked them. Which when it's still rolled up all the hubs are right next to each other and with a 6 inch cresant wrench you can have all five caps off in about thirty seconds and can look at each pin. Ok ya we spend a lot of money on these shelters (sorry gemcity not sure where your getting the $300 prices for these shelters but I only paid $215 for the 949) and we shouldn't have to do this. Maybe that's our mistake, I have always been told to never buy a product it's first year out to give it a year or two. Anyway all my other pins looked fine none of the others had moved, but I still put glue on all of them so I shouldn't have any problems again. All in all it took me about 5 minutes to check them and put glue on them and I already had the glue so no more money was spent just a little time.
I guess all I am saying is Eskimo made a small mistake and missed something. I don't think it's worth all the bashing on them because of one thing. Ya it sucks but dang. They are trying to make a better product to make fishing more enjoyable and they made a mistake, there human give them a break or not and get pissed about it. I didn't I just took a little time and probably fixed the problem on a product I love and am glad I bought it cause sure has made my ice season more enjoyable since i got it.
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I had one pole pop give me fits with a pin sliding and coming out of the hub. This is how I feel, I like the hut so much that I have gone through the trouble(which isn't that hard) and taken off each hub cap and checked them. Which when it's still rolled up all the hubs are right next to each other and with a 6 inch cresant wrench you can have all five caps off in about thirty seconds and can look at each pin. Ok ya we spend a lot of money on these shelters (sorry gemcity not sure where your getting the $300 prices for these shelters but I only paid $215 for the 949) and we shouldn't have to do this. Maybe that's our mistake, I have always been told to never buy a product it's first year out to give it a year or two. Anyway all my other pins looked fine none of the others had moved, but I still put glue on all of them so I shouldn't have any problems again. All in all it took me about 5 minutes to check them and put glue on them and I already had the glue so no more money was spent just a little time.
I guess all I am saying is Eskimo made a small mistake and missed something. I don't think it's worth all the bashing on them because of one thing. Ya it sucks but dang. They are trying to make a better product to make fishing more enjoyable and they made a mistake, there human give them a break or not and get pissed about it. I didn't I just took a little time and probably fixed the problem on a product I love and am glad I bought it cause sure has made my ice season more enjoyable since i got it.
The 949i is 375$ or thereabout. The regular 949 is cheaper.
A couple of things here: Yes, Eskimo did make a mistake and yes they did miss something. If you read my earlier posts I have had very high praise for the company's quickfish series. I highly recommend that product - when mine finally has had enough I'm going to buy another. The fatfish series is a different story though. It's not like I'm just bashing Eskimo unfairly.
We may differ on what we want to do with our fatfish and the problems they all seem to have. If you don't mind fixing the unit and enjoy it... that's great. I posted my feelings toward the 949 fatfish because I was not happy with the quality and I think my opinion will be shared by some. Read this thread and make up your own mind.
But I think we could agree wyo700 that when you buy something new it should not fall apart on you after literally a couple uses. It should not be faulty. You can't tell me you think otherwise? Like I asked earlier... if you were in charge at Eskimo would you be proud of selling a product that falls apart?.
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I emailed ESKIMO today to the direct link to this page. Hope they go and see it. lol. if they had brains they would post something to reasure the community that the isseu is being dealt with.
I'd love to see the issue resolved.
As I've said previously, rod and hub issues aside. I was very impressed with the 949i insulated material. Would love to see it offered on the quickfish series or smaller hub shelters. The biggest reason I took mine back was that I felt it was not as sturdy and stable in high winds as my smaller quickfish series. I think it is safe to say that anyone who has a quickfish3 can say that it is solid. My 949i was unstable, not as sturdy and the heavy insulated material seemed to sag on the unit. (compared to my quickfish3).
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We have the same taste in shelters. Very satisfied with all three of mine.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/hg2.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/33vyzgl.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/akzbqa.jpg)
We do have the same taste in shanties but I mis-typed my clam model I have a Pro TC instead of the scout. We do also share the best last name ever. @)
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My Fatfish 9416 is holding out great even on very windy days. I just make sure to tie down the sides the wind is coming from. We have used it about 10 times now.
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went out with my buddy on schroon today. used his new 949i. screwed it down at corners, popped it up, roped it out on windward side. popped a pin/pole about half way through the morning. thankfully the pole stayed in place until we took it down. he's gonna follow the advice of gluing the pins rather than send it back. the poles where perfect on the sides, but twisted on bottom of both door ends. anyone notice that with theirs?
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Bought the clam command post. What a piece of crap. Set it up and pole popped right away. Took it back and bought a quickfish 4. WOW what a great shanty. Built way better went out today and it was 20mph winds. I was going to get fatfish sounds like I am glad I didn't. Will in a year or two
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Ive had all 3 brands, Frabill, clam and now the eskimoe, they all have the same issues with the pins popping out and poles sliding out, to man moving parts.
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Troutslayer, mine are like you describe at the bottom of the doors. Maybe they make them longer to gain foot clearance thru the door.I haven't had any issues with it but it does look odd.
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My poles by the door are like that too but the one in the store was not like that.
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I talked to Eskimo customer service and they said there were some poles that went out the wrong length and they were replacing them. They said that there was a issue with the stitching that it was crooked and they are replacing them. They said they made the bags bigger and did reenforced stitching on the bag handles. They said the pole problem is not the hubs it is the pins in the poles that some of them did not get crimped properly. They have addressed these issues half way through the season. That would be why some are not having problems and some are. I think Eskimo makes a great product and I will be buying a 949i next fall. It is the same with most first year products. They test a prototype which is made from scratch and every piece is is hand made for that hut. Then it goes in to production were not every piece is inspected and things go out wrong. It sucks but thats the way it goes. All Eskimo can do is do whatever they can to help someone fix the problem. If you just say the hell with it and take it back to the store all you are doing is passing the problem off to another guy. Call Eskimo and let them help you get your hut fixed right before you throw them under the tracks of a moving train.
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When l called Eskimo the gentleman was more that willing to help me out. When I told him my problem he didn't ask a single question but my address. I checked my pole pins the other night and none of the others had moved. So I wonder if I got one bad pole. I put glue on the rest anyway. This hut has made my season a lot more enjoyable so far. Never was a hut kind of guy till I got my 949. Love it.
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I talked to Eskimo customer service and they said there were some poles that went out the wrong length and they were replacing them. They said that there was a issue with the stitching that it was crooked and they are replacing them. They said they made the bags bigger and did reenforced stitching on the bag handles. They said the pole problem is not the hubs it is the pins in the poles that some of them did not get crimped properly. They have addressed these issues half way through the season. That would be why some are not having problems and some are. I think Eskimo makes a great product and I will be buying a 949i next fall. It is the same with most first year products. They test a prototype which is made from scratch and every piece is is hand made for that hut. Then it goes in to production were not every piece is inspected and things go out wrong. It sucks but thats the way it goes. All Eskimo can do is do whatever they can to help someone fix the problem. If you just say the hell with it and take it back to the store all you are doing is passing the problem off to another guy. Call Eskimo and let them help you get your hut fixed right before you throw them under the tracks of a moving train.
I think Eskimo makes some great products. If you look I have praised the quickfish series over and over again. I'm hardly throwing "them" under the bus, if by "them" you mean Eskimo?. I'm just voicing my dissatisfaction with the fatfish I purchased.
I feel like we are beating a dead horse here... I guess people are just used to this type of thing these days. You know, cheap products, made with cheap labor. Faulty products. Nothing is made to last anymore, it's true. But I've used and abused my quickfish 3 for 3 years now and it is still standing strong. No problems. Not one. I'll stand for a product like that.
What I won't stand for is having my unit fall apart on me on the 2nd trip I take it out. If I were the only person with this problem, I'd probably just go ahead and say to hell with it I got a bad unit one out of how many... I'll just fix it and use it. But that is not the case, I had my problem and then I started searching the internet to see if anyone else had my problem... to see if it wasn't just mine. Turns out this is happening to a lot of people with their new fatfish. I don't like the idea of rewarding Eskimo for mass producing something that falls apart like this. If they fix it and the problems go away... great.
I'm just giving my view of things: I appreciate and understand everyone elses... do what you wish with your fatfish. Gemcity - out.
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I think I am going to chance it and buy the 949, found one local for $169. Does anyone have any pictures of problem areas? Please post or email them to me at [email protected]
I think that I will pull the hubs apart and try to fix the problem before it happens to prevent any damage on the ice!!
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I think I am going to chance it and buy the 949, found one local for $169. Does anyone have any pictures of problem areas? Please post or email them to me at [email protected]
I think that I will pull the hubs apart and try to fix the problem before it happens to prevent any damage on the ice!!
Wow $169 that is a awesome deal. Ya it does suck but pull the hub covers off and put a dab of good strong glue on each side of the pins and let dry good before you put your covers back on that should take care of that ever happening. You will enjoy the heck out of the hut, there is tons of room.
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Look at glens outdoor also they were on sale for $139 I think but don't know what shipping will cost...
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First I was not calling U out gemcityslayer. Im sorry u took it that way. My point was to just give Eskimo achance to fix the prblem and put there customer service to the test. They know there's a problem and if we call them on it it sounds like they r going to Make it right. That was my point.
Matt
Nc
I think Eskimo makes some great products. If you look I have praised the quickfish series over and over again. I'm hardly throwing "them" under the bus, if by "them" you mean Eskimo?. I'm just voicing my dissatisfaction with the fatfish I purchased.
I feel like we are beating a dead horse here... I guess people are just used to this type of thing these days. You know, cheap products, made with cheap labor. Faulty products. Nothing is made to last anymore, it's true. But I've used and abused my quickfish 3 for 3 years now and it is still standing strong. No problems. Not one. I'll stand for a product like that.
What I won't stand for is having my unit fall apart on me on the 2nd trip I take it out. If I were the only person with this problem, I'd probably just go ahead and say to hell with it I got a bad unit one out of how many... I'll just fix it and use it. But that is not the case, I had my problem and then I started searching the internet to see if anyone else had my problem... to see if it wasn't just mine. Turns out this is happening to a lot of people with their new fatfish. I don't like the idea of rewarding Eskimo for mass producing something that falls apart like this. If they fix it and the problems go away... great.
I'm just giving my view of things: I appreciate and understand everyone elses... do what you wish with your fatfish. Gemcity - out.
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I didn't take it personally.
I'm glad some people are enjoying their units!! I'm glad Eskimo is aware of the problem and fixing it!!
Truth be told, the BIGGEST factor in deciding to take mine back was not the hub / rod / pin issue. I felt that my 949i was not as sturdy and stable in very high winds. (when compared to my quickfish 3). When I realized this, and realized that the 949i is NOT much warmer than my quickfish3. (The 949i does hold heat better, but there is also more volume of air to keep heated - in the end I felt the quickfish3 was about as warm as my 949i). Add those 2 facts with the fact that I can purchase two quickfish 3's for the price of one 949i.
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Good to know GEM. I wanted the 949i for the size plus the insulated was a bonus. I think it might be 2 years before I get one to make sure all the defective huts are through the system. Really pisses me off however as I really wanted a 949.
I didn't take it personally.
I'm glad some people are enjoying their units!! I'm glad Eskimo is aware of the problem and fixing it!!
Truth be told, the BIGGEST factor in deciding to take mine back was not the hub / rod / pin issue. I felt that my 949i was not as sturdy and stable in very high winds. (when compared to my quickfish 3). When I realized this, and realized that the 949i is NOT much warmer than my quickfish3. (The 949i does hold heat better, but there is also more volume of air to keep heated - in the end I felt the quickfish3 was about as warm as my 949i). Add those 2 facts with the fact that I can purchase two quickfish 3's for the price of one 949i.
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Well I guess we are of the mindset that when we pay that much for something... it should not be faulty. Others feel the same way, they just don't want to go through the hassle of taking it back... sending it back, etc... and they are willing to try and fix it. (Very doable).
I got mine from cabelas and taking it back wasn't a big deal for me... I was heading there anyways. Piece of cake. If I had purchased it from somewhere and taking it back was too much of a hassle, due to shipping or whatever... I'd just fix it.
Sounds like Eskimo is aware of it now though and I bet the next production of them will be fixed.
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I dont think you need to wait two years. It sounded to me like they were going to address all the issues everybody had trouble with. You cant even buy a 949i until next season there are not any left in stock anywhere. All the new stock should all be the new improved version. I want the 949i for the insulating factor esp. since it is the whole hut not just the top. I thought about going with the std. 949 but thought it would be better to wait for the insulated. I'm still going back and fourth on that one. I should just go with the std. one but keep thinking it would be nice not to have the condensation in the hut.
Matt
Good to know GEM. I wanted the 949i for the size plus the insulated was a bonus. I think it might be 2 years before I get one to make sure all the defective huts are through the system. Really pisses me off however as I really wanted a 949.
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Throw a blanket over it. Real simple fix for the "rain". Even a poly tarp works to provide an insulating barrier. Did it for years with my clam classic and my Yukon before I added the Refectix. I do have the 949i and am extremely happy with it, even in 55mph wind gusts here on the Rocky Mtn Front. One of the lucky ones I guess.
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Right on. I did some work up in East Glacier Village a while back... those winds up there are crazy strong.
I think the 949i could handle 60mph or more probably. I just don't think it would be as sturdy as a smaller, more compact, quickfish3.
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people on here are saying they have had poles pop out of clam shelters too b/c of faulty pins. I thought the clam shelters didn't have pins but were more of a rounded knob that fit inside a recess in the hub?
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I bought a regular 949 from a local store this afternoon, I talked to the manager about the possibility of the poles in the hub having a defect. He assured me that if I had any problems with my FatFish that I could bring it back to the store and get my money back. He told me that this hut was from the last shipment that the store recieved from Eskimo in early January.
First thing I did after getting it out of the box was to take the covers off all the hubs and check to make sure that all of the pins were secure. All my pins & pole ends were good to go. So then I set up and hook it down 10-12 times and then took all the covers off again and all the pins & ends were still good.
I'm going to take it out this weekend and test it out in the SoDak winds and see how it holds up.
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Well, my season is just about over up here in Southeast Michigan and my 949i made it through without any problems. I will however email Eskimo and inquire about a bigger bag. I was thinking of getting a big hockey equipment bag to store it. That's the only thing that sucks is the amount of time it takes to get the shanty in the bag and zip it up. Great input in this thread and I think everyone would agree that Eskimo will go out of their way to make you a lifelong customer.
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We should keep this thread open because there are lots who want a fat fish , including me. We are using a 'sub-zero' right now ( 4 man hub) and its bag is huge we have never had an issue getting her in. I thought a few bungee cords could wrap her up too ??do we really need he bags ?
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well to keep this thread going- I have got a New 2013 FatFish 949I and have had it out a few times and "NO" issues so far. The poles are alittle curved which bothered me some so i wrote Eskimo and the lady called me back in 1-day.. Said this is normal because of how new it was and the materal had to streach.. So we will keep using it and see how it does.. But the Insulation is great- keep you warm with a small Mr Heater Hunting Buddy heater on low and no condinsation or dripping in the tent.. Works like a dream!!!
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Anyone have issues with the 767i fatfish
Also looking at my hunting blind all hubs Are even when folded up on my 767i the ceiling hub is out further than the others . Normal? Never the less everything functions well time will tell as I have a tendency to heavily use and abuse all my equipment
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Just went and opened up the hubs on my 767 I and found no pins or place for pins in any of the Assembly's might be just a 979 and up thing
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I haven't had a chance to use mine yet but when I set it up it looks to be well made. When I get to use it I will post a report.
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Good to hear. I plan on ordering a 949 I at some point. One question- I hear a lot about the bag. Is it possible to just use a few bungees to hold it together if you have a sled to put it on instead of bagging and unbagging it on a lake? Then just using the bag to hold it when you get home?
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Good to hear. I plan on ordering a 949 I at some point. One question- I hear a lot about the bag. Is it possible to just use a few bungees to hold it together if you have a sled to put it on instead of bagging and unbagging it on a lake? Then just using the bag to hold it when you get home?
That should work but remember to air it out when you get home to get any moisture off it so it doesn't mildew.
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I'm looking at one of these for spearing, I wanna bump this to get some more feedback about the newer ones
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I took the straps off of two old life jackets and am using them for additional straps to make it easier to put it in the bag. The bag could be bigger but other than that I have no issues with mine.
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I just bundle mine up when done fishing and sort of roll the skirt and stuff it on the sled. No bagging it until spring. Just make sure none of your strings are flopping out of your sled. I do put a bungee around the 949i sometimes since it's bulkier due to insulation.
This is Chinese manufacturing at it's finest; affordable stuff, but it's got it's glitches. It's not easy to talk to the boys on the factory floor and get their feedback. Change orders in manufacturing are slow to implement. Plus none of them use these weird shelters they're making so they don't care about a sloppy sew job. Who knows, Clams and Frabills and Eskimos are probably all made at the same place in China. At least Eskimo makes real ice screws for the houses. I wish the US maker (forgot the name) made insulated; I would have bought one this yr.
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I have been looking at getting a 949i as well. can't find a decent priced one. Did anyone else go with another model tent, 3-4 man, and liking it so far?
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I got mine through Glenn's for about $260 but when I just checked they don't have them listed on their webpage anymore. The only place I found that has them is the icefishingmaniac.com and they want $284.99 plus shipping. Most places are sold out and who knows if they're going to get anymore in or not. Here's the link if you want it.
http://www.icefishingmaniac.com/store/p/946-Eskimo-Fatfish-949i-Insulated-Shelter.aspx
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Thanks, yes everywhere I've looked too is either super high or out of stock. I've found the non insulated for as low as $199.99 & that had free shipping! But insulated is way I want to go.
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If the 949i ever gets down to $50 in price, it might be worth it, but probably not. This shelter is awful.
I've had a two poles break, the bag tear/break, the chest strap for the bag break, two pull straps on the outside break, and the stitching at the bottom of the tent that the pole inserts into break. I can't even use mine in the current state that it's in because of the broken stitching.
The idea is good, but the shelter is not.
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Dam, I'd say u got a lemon out of the bunch.
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That's a lot of things to go wrong with one shelter, seems like it was a lemon or someone beat the hell out of it. I'd give Eskimo a call and talk with them about it, they have great customer service.
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The Chinese guy at the factory must have had to much baijiu the night before and yes bags are cheaply made and a bit small. Broke one of the back pack straps and broke zipper handle in half . I called they sent me a new one no questions asked . At my door within 4 days
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Ive got this years 949i, and besides the poles internally being a tad bowed, it has been great the couple times I've had it out. I hear the bowed pole issue will work itself out.
The bag is fine and fits the tent well, especially if you use the velcro strap that comes with it around the tent before trying to shove it in there.
Not a huge fan of wearing it as a back pack, the shoulder straps end up angling the bottom of the tent into your feet and I end up shortening my stride to compensate.
It was 10*f the last time I had it out no wind to speak of and plenty of sun, it pretty much baked us out of the shelter.
Seems they also used a polyurethane adhesive on the hub/pole connections.
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Been out in my 949i a handful of times and I really like it. It's easy to set up and take down, even alone. Had it out in wind, snow and below zero temps and as long as you have a couple anchors into the wind it is fine. It is the perfect size for 2 guys to fish 2 holes each. 3 guys is fine as long as you lay out the holes right. Have a big buddy heater for a clam 1660 and it doesn't go any higher than low. I even packed it out on my back last weekend to lighten the sled for my buddy to pull and it wasn't bad. We have had some wicked cold temps in WI and the zippers, material, bag and ice anchors have held up fine.
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949i not spacious enough for 4 guys?
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949i not spacious enough for 4 guys?
For me it would be tight with 4 guys. Figure each guy has a bucket or tackle bag and you need a good place for a heater. I always put the holes in the corners and it works good for 3. Put a hole in the 4th corner and someone is sitting in front of the door. If you are consistently fishing with 3 other guys, I would look at something bigger.
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An easy check. The problem hubs have the pin and the improved ones have a pinless design that lets the pole spin freely in the hub. Great hut. Love the insulation and zero condensation. A big bonus is that there is no coating to flake off creating light spots. Love mine and highly recommend it.
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So guys that still run this shack happy and recommend it? Glitches fixed?
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MHO would be to buy the Clam Bigfoot XL 4000 if u r going to fish 4 guys. I have fished three out of my Clam and had a lot of room left over that u could easily fit another guy and gear in. Plus the poles in the Clam are massive compared to the 949i. The doors are big enough to easily walk through and u can stand anywhere in the hut which the 949i is tapered down at the sides. I'm saying the 949i is a bad hut just if u want room for 4 the bigger Clam would be the way to go IMO.
Matt
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is the fatfish 949 be big enough for 4 guys to sit comfortably in fold out chairs to watch tip ups and stay warm without jigging.
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I have heard it both ways. For me it would be my wife myself and 6 and 4 yr olds. 1 hole a piece in it. They also don't go out every time I do...
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Watching tip ups is one thing but fishing four holes would be tight in a 949. IMO
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I have fished with 5 adults in my 949 all sitting on folding camp chairs with the arm rests. It was cramped but we did it on a very cold day, fishing 4 adults would be easy. I also use a full size cooler to put the camera on and a hole for the camera.
Most people that have the Clams have lots of complaints about he cracking of the windows that you can't replace as well as their poor quality zippers.
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Yeah it does say 3-4 person and the big foot xl4000 says 4-6. How are clams anchors? I have heard good things about the eskimo ones never heard about the clam. I am planning on going to gander to check these two out then ill order one ... I have been warned of the zippers on the clam and the only warnings on the 949 were from 2 yrs ago in posts about them ive been reading and have all been resolved by Eskimo. The canvas 600d vs 300d has me thrown off but like I mentioned ill check it out.
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I have never heard of any complaints on the windows and the only complaints I have heard about the zippers were the plastic pull tabs. Now everyone knows the long last be of problems with the 949's. Bad stitching travel bags are junk and tear easily. Rods break easily. I'm on my second clam and no problems with either one.
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I have never had any problems with zippers and a lot of guys use a parachute cord for the pull tabs the plastic ones get brittle when it gets super cold but I have not had this happen to mine or the one I sold my buddy
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The canvas wasn't as good on the 949i? Never heard of poles breaking just the pins they used to have in the hub.
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If u can find them set up somewhere u will see the difference. I'm not saying the 949i is a bad hut IMO the clam Bigfoot XL 4000 is the better hut
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I do like the light color of the fabric on the clam .One thing I like about the X2.
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also 42# for the clam weight and 34 for the eskimo...
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Clam Bigfoot XL 4000 weighs 55lbs but that's bag and anchors included.
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Just got a 6120I the new bigger version of the Eskimo 949 and hopefully that will be a good hut...will find out..
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Just got a 6120I the new bigger version of the Eskimo 949 and hopefully that will be a good hut...will find out..
Congrats on the new shack, I am sure it will be good to you and if you have an issue the company will be there willing to correct any issues.
Do a search on what Clam is telling to guys with cracked non-replacable windows and their warranty! :o
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FrostBack I did a search and didn't find anything on the windows or no complaints on them. Where did u find them? I would like to read them. So far my clam has been great but would like to know if there r issues. Thanks
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FrostBack I did a search and didn't find anything on the windows or no complaints on them. Where did u find them? I would like to read them. So far my clam has been great but would like to know if there r issues. Thanks
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=293631.msg3070372#msg3070372 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=293631.msg3070372#msg3070372)
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I have a 949i and love it. you will not go wrong- You can fish 4 guys out of it- Yeah it would be tight but you could do it.. 3 is a piece of cake.. I'm sure whatever you get you will be happy...
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I am hoping to buy a 949i tomorrow morning for black friday at $200. I need a cheap portable shack that can fish 3-4 and sets up easily. Hopefully this one will work for me.
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i am going to be recieving a fatfish 949i for christmas. what do you guys use to heat the unit? little buddy heater, big buddy single pane or double pane or something else. i am trying to figure what size heater i need to keep the unit toasty
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BZ- I heat my 949I with a Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy Heater on low and I can sit in there all day long in just a long sleeve shirt even with it 0 to -20 with no wind of course, the Hunting buddy is inbetween the Buddy Heater and the Big Buddy Heater.. I would not go smaller than the Hunting Buddy Heater and most you will hear from really like the Big Buddy Heater..
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elkhunter.
thank you for the response. do you use the setting of 6000 or 12000 btu. also how long does your propane last
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Had 6 guys and 2 ladies in my 949 last year. No jigging, sitting elbow to elbow in camping chairs with the girls on their guys laps, keg in the middle and propane heater in the corner. Sardine can, but everyone stayed warm. Im pretty sure the "4 person" space is intended as jigging use.
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I have a new 949i and the first time out a few weeks ago it was me and the gf in about 20*f with 10-15mph wind using the small regular buddy heater on high used a 1 lb bottle in 5 hours but it kept it 60* or so inside. Was pretty good in my opinion.