Help me pick a new shelter!

[Jmiverson]

Hey all, my apologies if this belongs in a different spot.
I’m in the market for a new hub shelter and I’ve narrowed my search to either the Eskimo 650XD or Clam X600. Does anyone have experience with one or both of these shelters?

Things in a shelter that are important to me:
Pole rigidity
Zipper strength
Hub reliability
Ease of packing in carry bag
Insulation quality
Overall weight and packed size

My only frame of reference is with older models of both makes, so I’m looking for some real use reviews to help me out.
Please and thanks!

[Majic_Fish]

Not sure about the clam but I just bought the 650XD and couldn’t be happier. So easy to set up and tons of room. And that door!!!! Oh how I love that big door. No more tripping! Used a big buddy heater with it on Sunday and it kept warm on medium heat. So happy with my purchase. Very sturdy poles, spacious, warm, and I’d I mention that DOOR!!

[Jmiverson]

Thanks Majic!
One thing a sales guy did mention about the door on the 650 is that the frame poles see a lot of stress. He also said he’s seen some negative reviews on that specifically. Do you find the door poles to be strong/rigid enough to handle a Saskatchewan breeze?

[Majic_Fish]

The support poles seem fine to me. They see as much stress as the main poles do, and they seem just as sturdy as the main poles. I suppose if you set up the shack so that the big door is away from the wind, that might relieve some of the stress as well.

[Scrunt]

I picked up the Otter vortex lodge this year and I’m really happy with it. I used an Eskimo quick fish for 8 years and it was great. But after using the otter I am really impressed with how well built it is. Strong thick poles, good insulation, and the grey interior is a nice change from the classic black of Eskimo. Plus the big pockets, built in rod holders and over head cargo nets are awesome. I think that’s what really sold me on it in the end.

[Majic_Fish]

I do like the otter vortex as well. It was a toss up between the otter and Eskimo. But it came down to the big door being the deciding factor

[Finnegan]

The Otter Vortex Lodge is going on sale starting tomorrow at Cabelas for $469.99. Save you $60.00. Saw a preview of their new sales flyer this morning.

[ran7ger]

I like my Eskimo but would go for that otter over anything.  Good price too.

[OHeyes]

Scheels has the Otter XTH Cabin Hub Shelter (last years model) on sale for $250. 

https://www.scheels.com/p/otter-xth-cabin-hub-shelter/60914221110.html#q=otter&start=8&sz=24

[calgary-john]

Hey all, my apologies if this belongs in a different spot.
I’m in the market for a new hub shelter and I’ve narrowed my search to either the Eskimo 650XD or Clam X600. Does anyone have experience with one or both of these shelters?

Things in a shelter that are important to me:
Pole rigidity
Zipper strength
Hub reliability
Ease of packing in carry bag
Insulation quality
Overall weight and packed size

My only frame of reference is with older models of both makes, so I’m looking for some real use reviews to help me out.
Please and thanks!

What did you wind up going with

[gman51]

Scheels has the Otter XTH Cabin Hub Shelter (last years model) on sale for $250. 

https://www.scheels.com/p/otter-xth-cabin-hub-shelter/60914221110.html#q=otter&start=8&sz=24

    that's nice if you live in the U.S.    otter makes a great shelter.