Overall I would say I am happy with my Command Post. Last year was my first year Ice fishing, so as a beginner it was very easy. I now have a flip over 2 person shack, so my girlfriend and I rarely need the big Command Post anymore. Anyway, here are my thoughts.
The shack is very simple to set-up. Lay the shack out flat, start by pulling up the roof hubs, then pull out the sides. Never try and force too hard when the shack is tangled...that is how poles snap. Once it's up, we usually just piled snow on the bottom edges to hold it in place. We also bought some foam tiles to piece together a floor. That keeps the feet off the cold and improves traction.
If it is windy, try and set the shack up so the smaller ends are feeling the brunt of the wind. Tie downs are a MUST in windy conditions. To me, this is the biggest issue with hub style shacks. The wind can literally ruin your day. It will start collapsing sides in and stopping your heart as you get the feeling the shack is about to lift off! Some people have drills and stuff for the tie down set-up. If you fish in windy conditions a lot, you may want to get one or something similar.
Once the shack is up...it's awesome! Tons of room. We normally did 4 holes for 4 people. One hole in each corner. We tried different set-ups to keep a hole away from one of the doors, but this always seemed like the best result. Usually we would pop the shack open, find our spot, then tag/mark the spot for the holes. Then move the shack off, drill and shovel the area, then move the shack back over so the holes are set up exactly where you want em.
We tried the Little buddy heater our 1st trip out (rookies remember). This was not enough heat for the shack. We then went to a 20# propane and double sunflower. This was MORE than enough. If I had to suggest, I'd say regular buddy or Big buddy is what you want. for perfect heat/size combination. Be sure to try and leave zippers up top when doors are closed so they don't freeze down below.
You could easily fit 2 people and 2 cots in there...although we never did that. We have fished 6 in there, real tight squeeze, 5 is decent, 4 is perfect and really comfortable.
When taking the shack down, I usually moved the shack off the spot so I wasn't stepping in holes trying to fold it up. Push in sides 1st, then roof. I already mentioned but the bag we were given was a size zipper deal. Zipper froze, tough to use, brittle in cold weather. I hated it! Buy the Eskimo case for their quickfish 6 if this is an issue for you. Case fits perfect, and easy drawstring type deal.
Over the course of 1 year we did have 1 pole break (clam was great, new pole took 3 days). Plus the shack was still functional while it was broken since it was 1 roof pole. I do also have a tear along the floor seam. Not a huge deal, I just haven't repaired it yet since I now have the flip over. Condensation was also an issue with the roof dripping water down. Just sort of a pain, but it happens in other shacks too.
I would also recommend setting the shack up to dry out once home if it gets real wet or lots of snow stuck to it. Not necessary, but will really help keep the stink out and also easier to set up then next time on ice.
I hope that helps. I was happy with the shack. We just found it less mobile than we wanted when trying to change spots. If you don't fashion a floor, its really not that big of deal to move. As a base camp, it would work awesome!
PM me if you need anything else.
