Author Topic: Killzone pop up shelters??? (Read 9841 times)

PIKE FISHERMAN · « **on:** Feb 16, 2009, 12:36 PM »

Just wondering if anyone has one, or knows anything about these, they like an ice cube pop up, but just wondering about quality.

stoutbait · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 18, 2009, 07:58 AM »

I have one. Used it before we got the permanent shack on the ice and when I wanted to try other spots. Works really well, once you get the idea of how to set it up it only takes a minute or two.

Sinnian · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 18, 2009, 01:19 PM »

I bought one at the end of last season, and have only set it up in my garage thus far. Quality seemed good, and ease of set up in my windless garage was easy ~ still have to test it on the hardwater.

Nor Easter · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 18, 2009, 08:04 PM »

One of the guys on here bought one last year and ripped some material around one of the hubs almost the first time he used it (windy conditions). I was considering one and bought an end of season Shappel DX3000 from LLBean for $160 instead.

Mainedog · « **Reply #4 on:** Oct 18, 2009, 08:46 PM »

I own a Shappell 6000. Putting it up in windy conditions is not that hard. Just lay it on the ice and stake one corner on the up wind side. Then stake an adjacent corner, then try to pop it up. Have another stake ready to
tie off the up wind side. Take down is the reverse. These are really neat shelters! Good luck.

MD

prchslyr · « **Reply #5 on:** Oct 18, 2009, 09:04 PM »

I own an Icecube, my buddy own a Killzone. They both have small features that are better than the others. The Killzone has bigger windows. But the Icecube has adjustable straps that make it an absolute fortress in the wind. There's a strap off each hub that attaches to an icescrew.

stoutbait · « **Reply #6 on:** Oct 19, 2009, 09:38 AM »

I might have to try the hub tie down with my killzone. I figure I could tie to the pull handles that help with set up. I have not had it up on any really windy days.

pikeking · « **Reply #7 on:** Oct 19, 2009, 02:24 PM »

Ask Unoman...his pop up was like a kite. That thing took off so fast, and went halfway across the lake in a matter of seconds.

toddyrotten · « **Reply #8 on:** Oct 19, 2009, 03:13 PM »

I bought one last year. Good shanty for the money. It is a little tricky to set up and take down till you get the hang of it. Seems like if your not careful, something will break. Would be difficult on a windy day unless you have a few people to help. I got mine for

PIKE FISHERMAN · « **Reply #9 on:** Oct 19, 2009, 05:39 PM »

They seem like a cheap alternative to the more expensive models... i have an ice cube (which my brother has 2 hrs away), but want that same pop out style.

They look like a good option for the price.

pirkaus · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 20, 2009, 03:18 PM »

Beware if you buy
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=109506.0
Pirk

Nor Easter · « **Reply #11 on:** Nov 20, 2009, 04:37 PM »

What I hear here,,

...is the hubs are chit and break often.
..the limbs `are` break.
..they float like the wind.

IMO, they have no business on the ice.

I`ll stick to cabin style porty`s and permi`s.

Thank you very much

prchslyr · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 20, 2009, 08:00 PM »

The big down fall of the Killzone is that there are no straps on the hubs. A good idea would be to cob up some sort of cinching strap off each hub to screw into the ice. It's designed to screw into the ice on the base skirt making it top heavy. Off the hub it's secured half way up the structure, lowering it's center of gravity and making it more stable in the wind. You can get them dirt cheap, but with a minimal amount of tinkering they make a heck of a shack.

Nor Easter · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 20, 2009, 08:06 PM »

Gathering an anchoring point up farther does not change the `center of gravity`.

It just gives the holder a better grip on his box kite.

Weeeeeeee!!!!!

The ONLY way to lower the center of gravity is to make the whole tent`s mass, shorter.

prchslyr · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 20, 2009, 08:46 PM »

Um. Ok...Whatever term I was supposed to use. All I know is when my Icecube is anchored from all four hubs. It's like fishing in a brick house. If done right you won't have any flapping at all. The killzone anchored at the base AND obviously improperly will make it flip over on you. Besides, we're talking about a shelter that can be bought for less than 150 yet new, not a cabin style porti or hardside.

ugp685 · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 10, 2009, 04:44 PM »

I just got my killzone XL today. It came with 8 anchors and rope to tie off all 4 hubs. From what I saw when I set it up outside (pretty windy today) as long as it is anchored properly it should be solid. I am happy with mine so far, as far as quality I will not know until after a few trips.

prchslyr · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 10, 2009, 06:31 PM »

Well it sounds like they are making improvements with the hub straps. Its a decent shelter for your buck for sure. The key is to be smarter than the shelter. I think that is the only way you could break something on it. You should be happy with it.

$ignmoney · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 10, 2009, 06:38 PM »

I just bought a Pac-Shack on ebay. Anyone ever use one? I set it up in the garage and it seems OK. Any info would be great!

Sinnian · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 10, 2009, 06:50 PM »

Quote from: $ignmoney on Dec 10, 2009, 06:38 PM

I just bought a Pac-Shack on ebay. Anyone ever use one? I set it up in the garage and it seems OK. Any info would be great!

You'd be better off starting a new thread and asking. Also, there is a search feature ~ just type in Pac-Shack and I am sure you'll find what you are looking for.

Hollywood703 · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 11, 2009, 10:58 AM »

Quote from: Nor Easter on Nov 20, 2009, 04:37 PM

What I hear here,,

...is the hubs are chit and break often.
..the limbs `are` break.
..they float like the wind.

IMO, they have no business on the ice.

I`ll stick to cabin style porty`s and permi`s.

Thank you very much

I've had a ice cube for 4 years used in heavy winds etc......I have seen more clam syle's floating accross the ice than i have the hub style......If you Anchor it as suggested it will not blow away....I would stay away from Killzone though due to the problems noted from people.......anything unanchored has the potential to blow away....Most of the time i only use 1 anchor......and thats a just in case......

fishin4fun · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 25, 2009, 09:22 PM »

i bought a killzone last year, i returned it after one time out. first, the carry strap ripped off on one end. once on the ice i anchored it the way the instructions showed. and yes i did bring them. getting it to pop up in about a five mile an hour wind was pretty tough. then came trying to get the windows to fit the openings. there was no way to make them cover the whole opening.needless to say,wind came right on in. but the real problem for me is i've got a bum foot,so trying to fit through the vee style door just was to hard.. but i did write the company and say,when they work out a few kinks it will be a nice shelter..

strizzy · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 06:03 PM »

Well thought I would chime in. Bought a new KillZone Igloo-XL 5L 4 man shelter and I love it. Can't imagine having just the 2 man as I love the room of the 4 man (which might be a little tight with 3 people).

What steered me towards the KillZone was the 4 larger windows (which I put on inside my home when I set it up when I first received it and have not had any problems with) on all sides so you can see your tipups. It does only have 1 door (I wound recommend putting the door away from the wind...), but thats fine for me. And it is made of 600 D Poly much like the Clams and only cost me around $150 shipped.

The way I found best to set it up (and have done so in 25+mph winds by myself) is to point one corner into the wind (so that two sides will be into the wind, not just one) and then I use a old hand drill with a 1/4" drill bit and pre-drill that first windward corner. Once pre-drilled I install that anchor and then proceed to follow the same procedure on the two common corners with those two sides. I have yet to bother to put all for corners in. After I install all three corners, I then put two anchors in to secure the windward hubs to. With the lines attached to the hubs on the windward sides, I then pop the roof up, followed by the two leeward sides, and then the windward sides which I promptly secure to the anchors. Then its fishing time. One spot where I fish, I can pull in the parking lot, walk out about 1300-1500 feet, setup the shelter and be fishing all within 20 minutes.

Two things I found to help with the anchors is to pre-drill with a long 1/4" bit, or you will be there all day trying to start those by hand. Even with an old-school hand drill it only takes a matter of seconds to drill the hole and you don't have to worry about a dead battery. The other thing being that I put 1.5-2" of 1/4" marine fuel line (had it around and its thick) onto the shaft of the anchors so that you don't have to screw the anchors all the way in till the handle, which is kind of awkward, and this allows you to tighten the skirt right to the ice.

I think the biggest thing with any hub style shanty in common sense... they are big, and they are light (which is exactly why I bought it), so it NEEDS to be properly anchored (windward hubs need to be anchored). I still believe they are the best bang for your buck. You do need to realize that if your fishing style is hopping from hole to hole, you are not going to want to set this thing up and down a million times.

Some pictures:
http://www.killzonehunting.com/blog/category/ice-fishing-shelters/

Four man:
http://www.killzonehunting.com/killzone-igloo-xl-ice-fishing-shelter.html

Quote

New 2010 Model - KillZone Igloo-XL© Ice Fishing Shelter (Shanty)

The popular KillZone Igloo-XL© 4 Person Ice Fishing Shelter has been updated for 2010 with a Heavy Duty 600D Poly Shell that will keep you warm and out of the wind. This hub style premium fishing shelter features an open floor, 4 clear removable windows with shades, open flap vents, and a black-out interior for superior fishing vision. The lightweight redesigned steel hub design makes setup and takedown quick and easy. We now include 8 auger stakes with clip end tie-downs and a zippered carry bag at no additional cost.

Features:
Fits 4 People
72" x 72" Floor
4 Removable Clear Windows and Shades Included
Carry Pack Included
8 Auger-Style Stakes Included
Open Dimensions: 92” Hub to Hub x 83” Center
Folded Dimensions: 52” L x 8” W x 8” H

walleye tattoo · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 06:20 PM »

Great price if I find one in my area I will buy.

ugp685 · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 12, 2010, 04:55 AM »

strizzy explained it perfectly. Just position it logically and anchor the correct sides and this thing is amazing.

I also had the problem of the carry strap on the bag rip halfway off after my first trip. It ended up not even mattering because on my second trip it blew away across unsafe ice and some scumbag on shore snagged it and wouldn't answer their door when I was done fishing.

All in all great bang for the buck.

McIce · « **Reply #24 on:** Mar 26, 2011, 12:01 PM »

These are on sale now with free shipping at the Killzone web site.

Just got mine....

fowl_language · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 23, 2013, 04:25 PM »

I have had a kill zone now for a couple of seasons, 4 man popup, the bag straps broke but no hair off my back, it goes in the sled and on the ice. The stakes are terrible but I bring a hammer and it's good to go.

I love mine, good strong canvas and fits 2 really well and have fish 4 before, good windows that haven't cracked and good visibility for tip up fishing, I would recommended it especially at it's price range.

fishinnut · « **Reply #26 on:** Feb 03, 2013, 03:48 PM »

A buddy bought a Killzone and the only downsides I see are the windows are not sewn on and it only has one door. He made the mistake of removing a window and it was a PIA to replace. One door makes for a Chinese firedrill if you fish with more than two anglers. We did add some nice tie downs from a set of boat cover tie down straps. Snap on and then easily adjustable to length. Also the shape of the door makes it difficult when entering; you catch your foot on the opening. How long before it rips or zipper gets damaged is anyones guess.

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Author Topic: Killzone pop up shelters??? (Read 9841 times)