Best purchase this season

[esox_xtm]

I spent a good couple hours +. Could have shortened the process had instruction been more concise.

All the end plugs for the seat slide and tent hoops go in BEFORE attaching to the sled or brackets. Make sure you use the right fasteners for each step. Don't forget the "hammock" thingy that goes on between the slide tubes and bracket. No big deal if you forget it or don't want it (I'm still wondering if I do but it's on). That is a fabric deal in the tent bag.

Other than that I was impressed by the apparent quality of the parts and construction. I didn't get runners (should have) but a heat gun will be your friend. Starting at the front is also great advice. You'll have better leverage as you move toward the rear.

Good luck Mr. Phelps!

[Iceassin]

Runners? Why not just throw it on a Smitty Sled?

[esox_xtm]

That's right, I almost forgot! I'm actually picking up skis in the morning  (Thanks kayl!)

[DR.SPECKLER]

Runners? Why not just throw it on a Smitty Sled?

i only use my smitty sled in deep snow.bare ice will wear holes in the tub.plus my snowmobile is a option for pulling gear also.thanks too deal ninja i ended up with nice clam x series hyfax for 12$.ive put runners on shacks before but these are 1/2” by 2” wide and definitely going to need a heat gun to install them.

[jethro]

ive been dreading putting it together.mostly the runners .i bought heavy duty x series that are not going to want to bend up the front.how long it take to assemble?

It took me two days to put together my X200. I do not envy you!

[Gunflint]

It took me two days to put together my X200. I do not envy you!

My x300 was about 2 days as well and filled my garage. Not easy to get all the tent fastened at exactly the right spot so it folds to the ice the right way.

Assemble it before it gets too cold.

[Wyoming_Ice]

Picked up a Panoptix Ice Bundle this fall. Used it in the boat and had it out on the ice once this fall. I think that it is going to be a handy tool.
Also a new 18ah ion battery from Amped Outdoors for it. 
I can't wait to get it out and get some hours on it...   

 Wyo Ice

[bigbucky1]

I picked up a new vexilar flx20 and a battery from amped outdoors for it.  Now the wait begins

[UFCreel]

Well i have not spent a dime this year on anything ice fishing. But what i did do was successfully double my money. I folded it over and put in my pocket. 

[winterbuddy]

But what i did do was successfully double my money. I folded it over and put in my pocket. 

 

[manning1987]

I just purchased a large number of tungsten jigs, spring bobbers and 6ah battery with charger from Amped Outdoors! Best prices on jigs I have ever seen and sounds like their batteries are great!

[Sylvanboat]

This is too easy to. Three simple things,

1. took a promotion at work and I now work a split shift so now I won't loose half of saturday sleeping.
2. My salary grew by 25% this spring so now I can acutally afford to fish again.
3. My fiance loves fish so now I have a fishing partner thats almost as crazy as I am.

That calls for a shot of Jameson. Maybe two.

[slipperybob]

There's the thing about buying when not needed, but getting the best clearance sales price on it.  Then finding a use for it.

Shimano Curado 70 HG @ $129 vs it's $199 retail price.

(That's actually lower price vs the Shimano Curado 50E reels I bought on clearance @ $150 each.  In fact that's how I bought my first Shimano Stradic 1000 spinning reel.  Was on a clearance price.  Back then that orange price tag was the hot clearance price vs the normal white price tag.)

[Figure ate]

12 ah lithium battery from Amped outdoors for my helix 7. So light, so much longer run time.

I also made a hole-hopping caddy for my sonar bag that holds 2 rods, my ice skimmer, and a chopped battery box for putting fish in. It allows me to carry the caddy, which is all I need to fish, in one hand and my auger in the other. Worked great on Upper Red Lake, it's a revelation for hole hopping while using my shack as a base for the day.

Hole hopping caddy https://imgur.com/a/pfoCr0K

[DR.SPECKLER]

Clam scout xl thermal flip and Garmin Striker 5plus.

[Reinert]

Switched from the vex fl 12 to flx 20, game changer for me so far with zoom features, also scored a smoking deal on a frabill recruit  from the deals thread,  absolutely love it, did ditch the boat seat and mount and am using a camping chair set in the tub for more  floor space and saves weight

[Fry Flier]

Just received my Aqua-vu 715c today, hoping it is what I want it to be. Need to wait for ice now that all ice in the area is not safe.

[Luckydog]

My best purchase this season was my 8" Strikemaster Lite Flite auger for $135, including shipping.  I found the deal on this site.  I also got a good deal on an Amped lithium battery via a group buy. Now all I need is ice so I can use the new tools

[TIBS]

The ice kit for my Garmin.  I’ve had my striker for several years on the boat and have been debating on whether to use it for ice fishing ever since I got it.  Pulled the trigger this year finally and thus far I like it much better than a flasher.

[smitty]

The clam conversion kit for my nils 8" auger with 18v rigid octane drill.

smitty

[dbickom]

The ice kit for my Garmin.  I’ve had my striker for several years on the boat and have been debating on whether to use it for ice fishing ever since I got it.  Pulled the trigger this year finally and thus far I like it much better than a flasher.

I've always stuck my head down the hole.  Wife bought the Striker 4 for me for Christmas.  I've been reading up on line and watching videos.  I'm going to finally give it a try this week.  Have you used it as a flasher?