Insulated vs. Not Insulated Portables

[LockportRookie]

I am in the market for a new portable ice shack, and have seen a lot available with insulation.  I have never had the chance to fish one, and was wondering if anyone had some experience.  Is it worth the extra cost and weight?  If you use a propane heater do you really need the insulation. 
Also, what about shape? I had the standard rectangle, but really like the newer "circular" or five and six sided ones?  Any opinions.

[guy]

I am also thinking of getting an insulated flip shanty. I have an old frabill one man flip (not ins.) need room for two plus gear .

[Sodusitous]

Thermal shelter pros:
- warmer with or without heat source.
- less condensation dripping off ceiling  & down your back if you are using
  A heater esp. Propane because moisture is a byproduct of propane
  Combustion.
- less " wind whip " due to its weight. The wind can wreek havoc and drive you
  Bat s#$t crazy inside a shanty if its really blowing.
- generally quieter inside.
Cons:
- weight
- extra cost.

whether to buy a hub style or flipover...
- flip over more useful for moving around.
- hubs are less portable, but much lighter. 
- fit more people in a hub.

[FISHFORPIKE]

Sodusitous has it about covered.  The wind whip and the heat retention make for a much more comfortable experience and worth the price and weight in my book.  Never used a pop-up but have had a few of the 2 and 3 man insulated flips.  The otter was, by far, the best built.  Also had one by Canvas Craft that was really nice.  Last year I went to a Shappell FX150 for early ice (walking and towing) and a Frabill Thermal Pro for the main part of the season.  The Frabill is well built too.  Both of the last two shelters are roomy and comfortable for a one-man.

[nocod]

I have never owned an insulated hut,if you got the extra money and dont mind the weight,buy insulated,imo.

[Sodusitous]

Its impossible to buy one shelter that will offer you everything for every situation.
Too many variables- comfort, mobility, size etc. Sometimes I fish alone, so it doesnt
make sense to drag a 2man flip out on the ice. Sometimes I have someone with me so
extra seat is necessary.  Sometimes we go out in a group so we aren't going to move
once we set up - a  large hub fits the bill. Sometimes its 40° and sunny - no shanty at
all - just an open sled. Bottom line, buy what best suites your needs, and fishing "style"
the majority of the time and what  your wallet can accomodate. OR, like alot of us, buy
em' all whether you can afford them or not. Just remember,  8-9 months of the year
you will just be storing them - not using them. I figured this out a little too late.

[LockportRookie]

Thanks for all the advice.  Really appreciate it.  So it sounds like insulated is the way to go then.  We are family of four with two younger kids who love to go out, but can't stand the cold for long. Like the idea of the wind noise being cut down as well.

Now to decide on the brand.  Arghhh too many choices.

Thanks again all

[FrostBack]

The Eskimo FatFish 949i sounds like it is what you are after, It can be used as a base camp for the kids & wife to warm up in as well as on real cold days all four can fish inside in comfort.

I have a 949 and the wind whip on a hub style is not an issue, just anchor all four corners and at least the two hubs that are facing the wind. I like to anchor all four hubs in case the wind changes.

Where wind is a concern is in setup and take down of a hub....but a little experience and is can be mastered.

[fishinfirefighter]

If you have a family of 4 I would go with the 9416i over the 949i.
The extra space in there is nice when you have 4 people.

[jason22]

I have owned a Eskimo quickfish 3, and the big 6 man pop up as well as my newest Clam XL thermal pop up.  I have always used propane heat in my huts and over my few years of experience I love my thermal and would never go back.  The heat, and less condensation is well worth it. 
Clam has the 6 sided ones that looks nice, but I would highly suggest going for the thermal.  You would not regret it.

[LockportRookie]

Thanks everyone. 

Just picked up a FatFish 949i, it seems like it will work with the family.  The kids are still small and dad usually fishes outside anyway, so size won't be an issue.  Can't wait to test the Thermal.  Bring on the ice!

Thanks again for the advice.

[FrostBack]

Congrats....That should tame those Manitoba winds!!