Otter hub XTH Pro Cabin 2-3 Person

[TRT]

Considering getting a hub, Otter products appear to be well built. How easy is this one to set up?
I had a small 1 man (another brand that just sucked) an don't want to make a mistake with this purchase.
Any reviews by current owners? Is this a new model? Thanks Charlie

[cwavs1982]

I have fished out of the Lodge which is the next size up from the Cabin.  Setting these up is not issue, takes about 1-2 minutes.  These are well built so you have selected a good unit.  I would suggest that if you are looking for the Hub style, you might want to consider the Lodge.  64 sqft vs 36 sqft is a large change in the fishable area.  If you are fishing by yourself, then probably the Cabin the one for you.  However, if you will have others in there, and depending on what all you bring with you - the Lodge will be a better bet.  Depends on where you are and how many holes you can have. 

I have the Clam Bigfoot 4000 XLT and this is the same size as the Lodge and we fish 3 guys with plenty of room. 

[hays47]

I would say heavily dependent on if you fish alone or not. I have fished both the Lodge and the Cabin. If you fish most of the time solo go with the Cabin. Both are easy and fast to set up. On a windy day the Lodge can be problematic if by yourself.

Due to my old age and the ailments that go with it. I am going with the Cabin myself. Either one is quality so can't go wrong. I really like the anchors and the straps that come with either model.

[Mrpike1973]

I have the cabin absolutely love it. Well built no issues way better than Eskimo or clam it's the Otter I can afford if you will. I like it smaller easy to heat and stay warm I use this only when the wife and I go out plenty of room for us you could do 3 people we have it's OK but then the next size up is heavier and more work but you should have more people to help. I also have used solo for night fishing crappies and love it I can stand up how ever I'm very short 5.4. I have a Ford escape and bought the next size up but could not get it to fit good in the car to long may or may not be an issue for you returned it only because it would not fit good luck. I can say it's the best house I have owned in quite a while 2 years now.

[jethro]

After 5 or more years with a big, insulated hub, I am so happy to be going on my second year with the flip over. The hubs, although only slightly harder to set up, are soooooo much more work to fish out of because you are basically unloading and loading that sled twice a day because you have to set up your hub interior. Chairs, lights, tables, your cooking stuff, tackle, etc. I'm not saying a flip is better than a hub, there are advantages to both that is to be sure, but your question specifically mentioned how easy a hub is. I'm here to say its twice or maybe 3 times as difficult as a flip.

It should be mentioned that a flip over is easy for me especially because I own a snowmachine and a big inline trailer I can drive my 400lb flip over right into.

I also realize that you asked specifically about a hub, and not a flip, but just thought I'd voice my thoughts.

[BeenPerchin315]

After 5 or more years with a big, insulated hub, I am so happy to be going on my second year with the flip over. The hubs, although only slightly harder to set up, are soooooo much more work to fish out of because you are basically unloading and loading that sled twice a day because you have to set up your hub interior. Chairs, lights, tables, your cooking stuff, tackle, etc. I'm not saying a flip is better than a hub, there are advantages to both that is to be sure, but your question specifically mentioned how easy a hub is. I'm here to say its twice or maybe 3 times as difficult as a flip.

It should be mentioned that a flip over is easy for me especially because I own a snowmachine and a big inline trailer I can drive my 400lb flip over right into.

I also realize that you asked specifically about a hub, and not a flip, but just thought I'd voice my thoughts.

X2
I had a big hub for years and still have my quickfish3 I now this year have purchased my second flip. Went from a 6 man to a 2 man flip now getting the 1man flip. Hub is easy to set up if you know how. Yes a good flip is faster but. When I pick up my next hub it’s either gonna b the Eskimo outbreak 450i or the 6 side octagon by otter or eskimo

[slipperybob]

The Otter's are pretty much the premium best shelters as of right now.

I only own the Eskimo because of price point value. 

[DBV]

Good points, but when you are a walker like me, then a flip over is out and a hub is so much easier to walk with.  If I used a machine would most definitely get a flip over though. 

After 5 or more years with a big, insulated hub, I am so happy to be going on my second year with the flip over. The hubs, although only slightly harder to set up, are soooooo much more work to fish out of because you are basically unloading and loading that sled twice a day because you have to set up your hub interior. Chairs, lights, tables, your cooking stuff, tackle, etc. I'm not saying a flip is better than a hub, there are advantages to both that is to be sure, but your question specifically mentioned how easy a hub is. I'm here to say its twice or maybe 3 times as difficult as a flip.

It should be mentioned that a flip over is easy for me especially because I own a snowmachine and a big inline trailer I can drive my 400lb flip over right into.

I also realize that you asked specifically about a hub, and not a flip, but just thought I'd voice my thoughts.

[mboss13]

Right around Thanksgiving you should be able to find a great deal on the otter, it just feels better than the Eskimo (which is also nice though). I'd go with the lodge, you will appreciate the little extra room. I used to have the smaller one and 2 guys was very tight....can't imagine 3.....two in the lodge can fish with room to spare.

[TRT]

Thank you for the responses appreciate the suggestions, I fish with group couple weekends a year where the group has multiple hubs.
I have a one man flip over with expandable front and get closterphobic. I tried a one man hub and liked the feel of
it. I think the cabin might be right size. I don't use a machine and tend to fish tip ups on a lake with long walks being the norm.
Weight is an issue adding auger, 8  tip ups, bait, heat, an not getting any younger  etc. 
Weather is promising might be fishing right after Thanksgiving.

[TRT]

Thank you for the responses, I ordered the Otter hub cabin an the VEX FLX 20 and as the saying goes its easier to ask for forgiveness.
I await the UPS truck as we have fishable ice. 

[Unclegillhunter]

Good for you! Have a great season!
Keep it safe! JDL

[Iceicemike]

we had our otter lodge (the big one)for 4 years now. Everything been great! Only complaint is the flap gets stuck in zipper now and then, superficial!
The smaller one sets up just as easy as big one! Now had the frabill double (two roofs sections) that was pain in my butt!!

[sra61]

I bought the cabin hub last winter just for another option in addition to my cabin flipover. We fished out of it in some super cold temps last year. I never had a problem with it. I really liked how easy it was to set up and take down.