Large hub shanty options

[buckslayer]

Am looking at two styles of large hub shanties to keep the kids and wife warm while fishing.  I know that most manufacturers have the two styles, so not really set on brand.  Considering Eskimo's lineup, what have you guys found to be the pros and cons of the longer (model 9416) vs. round (model 6120) larger hub shanties?  Is one easier to set up than the other, lighter, better layout? 

[IFF]

How many in the family ?  an 8 x 8 big enough for everyone to get in ?

[buckslayer]

We've got 4 kids, so that makes 6 total.  We aren't typically all in there though.  Just figured bigger would be better, especially as they grow more.  Any particular reason you ask about an 8'x8'?

[jethro]

I've got a pretty standard but large size Clam Bigfoot XL4000T and have had 8 adults in there just to warm up. 4 big, grown adults can sit in camping chairs in there no problem and not even feel cramped. The footprint of the Clam is like 9'x9' if I remember right. It's a big hub shanty. And it's heavy, I'm a big boy and can tell you I wouldn't want to deal with much larger, although I don't have slaves (kids) to help me.

[hardwater diehard]

May want to add your location ...helps with what Denier fabric and/or thermal requirements ...plus may be a deal near by at your local retailer .

[buckslayer]

Northern MI

[hardwater diehard]

I have the Frabill 6x12 ..pretty easy set up/take down but mine is 300D ...I'm thinking in your neck if the woods a thermal might be in order ...I recommend Eskimo Ice anchors for ease of install ..and a practice run or two with the set up and take down procedure at your house .

[buckslayer]

Thanks everybody for your input.  Is the condensation dripping of a non-thermal unit a big deal?  I'm currently using the largest Shappell suitcase, which is about 75# and not insulated.  It rarely drips condensation and we can get it onto and off the ice easy enough, but I'd imagine any of these hubs would be a larger upgrade.

One thought - anyone notice that the round hubs might "shed" the wind better than the rectangle ones?

[PerchFace]

I've got a pretty standard but large size Clam Bigfoot XL4000T and have had 8 adults in there just to warm up. 4 big, grown adults can sit in camping chairs in there no problem and not even feel cramped. The footprint of the Clam is like 9'x9' if I remember right. It's a big hub shanty. And it's heavy, I'm a big boy and can tell you I wouldn't want to deal with much larger, although I don't have slaves (kids) to help me.

cant wait till my slaves get older( 4, 3 and 1) youll see me walking the ice with a spud like I am king. my entourage will be pack mullein all the gear behind me.
who am I kidding ill probably have multiple sleds tied together pulling all the crap out there 

[hardwater diehard]

Thanks everybody for your input.  Is the condensation dripping of a non-thermal unit a big deal?  I'm currently using the largest Shappell suitcase, which is about 75# and not insulated.  It rarely drips condensation and we can get it onto and off the ice easy enough, but I'd imagine any of these hubs would be a larger upgrade.

One thought - anyone notice that the round hubs might "shed" the wind better than the rectangle ones?

The condensation is based on moisture ...breathing and propane heaters ...thermal tents kind of  alleviate most of that .

[frostbit]

I have a Frabil Headquarters. I think it's 8 X 16 , My family of five can fish in it.

[prosty41]

Go with the 6021i. You can't beat Eskimos quality or customer service.

[Bucket Brigade]

Stay away from the Frabill hub style...the fabric rips away from the grommets on the hub and the poles go flying!

[Lavman]

Frabil Headquarters, I love mine!

We are a family of 5 and we all fit in there with room for all the gear, a table, the works.


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[ethoma1]

I started the season with an Eskimo 949i.  took it back when the workmanship was crap.  Got a Clam xl4000t instead.  I liked the window placement on the Eskimo, but love the inside tie-downs on the Clam.  If there is any wind, the clam is nice to be able to lay the hub flat, screw in and attach the anchors, then set up the walls.  if the wind is pushing the walls, there are also external anchor straps permanently attached to the wall hubs.  I'd definitely recommend the Clam!

[jethro]

Yep, the Clam rocks. I have had mine in 50mph sustained winds and it holds up fine. Just gotta anchor it well.

[dcso3009]

One thing to look at on the 6120- The doors are smaller.  I'd go with the 9416 or the bigfoot 6000. 

[prosty41]

I think Eskimos hold up. The clams so does crack and arnt replaceable. I don't mind the door size on the 6120 at all

[buckslayer]

Still haven't gotten anything new yet guys.  Anyone notice an appreciable difference between the Eskimo 6120 and Clam 1660 size difference?