Best Ice Shack?

[badgercreekfreek]

I've been looking at purchasing a new ice shack for my son and I to head out on the hard-water this year. 

He turned 5 this year and has been asking about going ice fishing this year, especially after the fun he had all summer long while we were out camping.  He's very capable with his rod and reel and has caught a number of fish over the summer, so I want to keep him going through the winter.

Anyway ... I've been looking at a number of different shacks.  I've sat in the pull-over style fish traps with the two seats in them, a small sized on with a floor, a medium sized on with a floor, and a larger (6' x 8') with a floor.  Given the fact that it'll be him and I usually with a potential third person (adult), I'm wondering what people think would be the best option for us?

Thanks.

[goody]

I have a flip up for my solo trips and run and gun days, but for a longer period in an isolated area where I am not moving much, if I want to turn up my heater, or if I have more than just me going, I use my Shappell 4000.  It is large enough for 4, with gear, and folds up/totes pretty easily.  Of course, it is a little bigger, so windy days make it a little tougher, but not terrible once you have done it in the wind a few times.  I like the solid floor with my feet off the ice as opposed to flip up models and it really is a nice shack.  My 2cents.

goody

[Mr.Seaguar]

Depends on how you can haul it. If you have a pickup, get a flipover thats for sure. About 8000 times easier in the wind. You wont necessarily need a pickup for like the Shappell 4000 and 3000, but then you got to fight the wind. If you have a minivan, try it to see if you could fit flipovers in there. I have a pickup and I use the Frabill Triplex. But they arent the only shack out there. I do love mine but Eskimo, Otter and some others make very nice shacks as well. Good Luck.

[deadduk]

I have an Eskimo Quick Flip 3 and I did quite a bit of research before I bought it.  The great thing is that it has a very comfortable padded bench seat with a nice back rest.  It is a little heavy but i can pull it around.  It has a ton of room for a portable and the material that it is made of is very high quality.  You may spend $20-$30 more for it, but if you are going to have it for even 5 years it is money well spent.  Good Luck.  P.S. Order now, shacks are going fast.

[badgercreekfreek]

I looked at the following shacks yesterday:

Clam Yukon - $430 (new for 2005 with two swivel seats)

Eskimo Quick Flip III - $380 (with bench seat)

Eskimo Grand Caravan - $420 (with bench seat)

Eskimo Lodge - $430 (no seats)

Otter Medium Cabin - $368 (without seats)

Otter Magnum Lodge - $444 (without seats)

I looked at the flip over style and ones with floors.  I have a full-size truck to get to the lake so I'm not overly concerned there, however, everyone of the shacks with floors seemed to be VERY lightweight material that looked to be very short lived especially if it were pulled behind an ATV.  The big thing I was looking for was something to keep my 5 yr old's feet off the ice so he isn't miserable on those cold days.

I guess right now, I like the Yukon the best simply based on the comfort, take-down/put-up, material, and extra options that cost on the Otters.  The Eskimo was ok too, but I think I like separate seats better than the bench.  I saw the other post stating that it works good, so maybe it would be ok, I just think the swivel seats would be nice and comfy ... and given the fact that when we go, we're typically there from early morning all the way until early evening, comfort is key.

I'd like to hear more about the flip-over brands that others have.  It will typically be just my son and I, but I'm not opposed to bringing a third or even a fourth person along.  Like my avatar says ... take a kid fishing.

[badgercreekfreek]

One other question ... where is the best place to find shacks in the Des Moines area?  I hit Sportsman's Warehouse, Dunhams, and Scheels. 

I've heard Sportsmart and a couple of the bait shops have them, but I figured they'd be a little over priced there versus a place like Sportmans Warehouse our Scheels.

Thanks for all the replies.

[-fish-]

Sportsmans will run you a little less(i think) that scheels, just because the overhead that scheels has being at that new Jordan Creek Mall they tend to run a little more expensive on just about everything. I was pricing 1 man shacks and found they are just about the same everywhere tho, give or take 20 or so bucks. Baits shops also seemed a little more expensive as well, but like I said not much difference from what i have seen so far.

[Spud_bar]

I used to drive a pontiac grand prix and had a shappell s2000 that would fit in my trunk with most of my other stuff and worked quite well for the situation but the flip over models are so slick to set up. I did have some issues setting up the shappell s2000 in some wind. tried tent steaks but they pull out. Ended up "trolling" (aka sliding across the lake via 20 mph wind) one day in the house. that was nuts! if you're budget/vehicle can manage I would reccomend a flip over style.

[Mr.Seaguar]

As far as I know, all flipovers leave your feet on the ice. The trick is to bring carpet remnants along to stand on. Your feet will stay warm this way. The heater will help too, LOL.
I use the Frabill Triplex. It is very nice. I look at the Eskimo Caravan and really liked it too. Dont remember why we chose the Frabill, but its been great. I`m sure Eskimo would be just as nice.

[deadduk]

One thing that you may want to consider is the weight of the shack and how far on average you will be bulling it.  I pull my Eskimo Quick Flip 3 by hand and over snow and Ice it's easy.  Over dirt or grass it is a heavy SOB.  The unit itself weighs 120lbs.  Throw another 45 lbs of gear and a gas auger on there and you can get close to 190 lbs.  Weight is the only downfall to any shack.  Obviously the benefit is keeping out of the elements.  Good Luck with your venture.  One thing that I will say is take a good look at the quality of the Eskimo's. 

[badgercreekfreek]

When you say quality of the Eskimos, should I take that to mean they are of very good quality?  Based on my few days of inspections, I think the quality of the products would be in the following order:

Otter

Fish Trap

Eskimo

The reason I say that is the Otter fabric, pole extension (square tubing), and zippers were the best.  The fabric on the Fish Trap feels similar to the Eskimo, but seems a little tighter woven.  I don't think one would go wrong with any of them, but I think for the money and quality, my first choice is still the Fish Trap, followed closely by the Eskimo, then Otter.  Seems a little odd based on my ordering above, but the $$$ they are asking for an Otter is CRAZY ... especially if you purchase the optional seats!!! 

NOTE: This is based on inspection at the sporting goods location, so there is definitely something to be said from experienced users, so if the Eskimo Quick Flip III has been good, I'd like to know as that was my next choice after the Fish Trap due to it being big enough for two adults and a young child.

[badgercreekfreek]

TTT ... wanted to get this back out there for additional feedback before I decide to buy.

Thanks in advance.

[CrappieBuster]

The new Yukon flipover is sure nice and on sale too for $429 at Mills Fleet Farm.  Msrp on the Clam website is 470$.  Kinda sounds like a deal not worth passing by.

[Frabil3]

I fish with young children (3 Girls) ages 4, 6, and 8.  I have a Frabil Triplex and i wouldn't trade it for any shack with a floor in it.  With a small propane heater you will be just fine all day long.  the room a youngster requires, as they often don't stay situated for long, you will find in the Triplex.  Carpet squares for under your feet is a good idea also.  I bought the Triplex last year and haven't regretted it yet.  To find local dealers pick whatever shack you want to look into and go to their web site and search for dealer nearest you.  you will be surprised as to who might be selling the shack you are looking for (i.e. local bait shops).  Good luck and thanks for taking your child fishing!!

[CrappieBuster]

I agree I purchased a Frabill Ranger XL Twin a week ago. I can have my shack set up before most guys have the gear off the top of there shack(even in the wind).  I was a bit worried about not having a floor but with a heater and good pair of boots you can be toasty in even sub zero temperatures. And the thing is black so if its sunny you dont even need a heater. The backed seats with rod holders and beer holders are also slick.  Best 400 bucks I've ever spent..........

[icedbunz]

 Just bought a yukon . Wont use it until mon. but know I will ejoy it as I used a Guide for 2years but wanted more height as I am 6'4". I found the cheapest place to get one was Polk City Bait he also has covers .With a Mr. Buddy heater you will be plenty warm . Happy Fishing!!!!!