Frabill--Commando

[Mike Stark]

looing at getting a fabill commando because of the new clam kodiak seat design and for the no-hassle pole design of the commando

pros and cons of this shelter?

enough room for a vex and heater?

i will be doing a lot of laker fishing with longer rods...36-40in. enough room for longer rods???

thanks for the opinions.

mike

[dairyman]

I think there is enough room in the tub a guy could even carry his auger there. I'm lookin hard at getting the commando also. I think the seat sets a little high but I always have a piece of foam board under my feet anyhow. So-------

[Mike Stark]

thanks dairyman.

i was talking about fitting the vex and heater on the ice while fishing but its good to hear the sled is that big.

[JimBuck]

mstark,

I'm looking pretty seriously at one for this season as well. It seems that there should be plenty of room for a vex and heater in there. I've been looking to modify a 5 gallon bucket to fit batteries,vex,camera etc. in a tower style setup. Anyways, sweet shelter for the money.

[Ed Carlson]

I run a Frabill Commando, and I use mostly longer rods.

It is a very good 1 hole hit and run shack. Plenty of room for a heater and a Vex.

If you wish a bit more room...move the seat back 16" and rods up to 42" are doable.

I use a lot of 36" to 38" rods now in mine, and it works as is, but the seat could move back a bit and I would like it even better.

My profile picture up to the left is in a Frabill Commando, and the hole set is positioned with a 38" rod in use...if that helps any.

[Mike Stark]

thanks for the info ed. i think im sold on the commando. i dont like what iv heard about the new clam kodiak and iv heard only good things about going commando

[Mike Stark]

hey ed....this seat flips out so you can access the sled...right?

[WallyGader]

I looked at the commando at cabelas last friday looks nice, havent seen the clam in person but noticed it has more floor space on the ice. I would ultimatly like to get the clam pro but not sure where i could purchase a new one of those so im still undecided about what to do also. One thing i love about the commando is the seat.

[Ed Carlson]

hey ed....this seat flips out so you can access the sled...right?

The seat is movable left to right, pins solid in 3 positions, and can be removed if you wish. I can easily stuff whatever I need in it without flipping the seat off the bracket. Lots of room under the seat and on the sides. I just fold the seat down and slip on the cover and go. The Commando is a single stage frame so no poles to collapse, just uncover flip and fish..or flip cover and scoot.

I can set a power auger in it and secure it to the seat frame and room to spare. A Mad Dog gun rack style ATV stirrup works very nicely to secure a ice auger in place. Works equally well for hand augers and power ice augers. With a extension on the power auger it sticks out the back a bit, but the Commando cover still fits over it.

The Commando is a deluxe 1 man hit and run unit.

[Mike Stark]

thanks ed.

[aczr2k]

Hey Ed does it truly fold down to 58"? That seems awful large for a one man house? Thanks

[dairyman]

their literature says-----60long x 35wide x 18high

[Ed Carlson]

Hey Ed does it truly fold down to 58"? That seems awful large for a one man house? Thanks

It is a large roomy and tall one man house, largest single stage 1 man made.

Fishable Area 50"(l)X33"(w)X64"(h)

Max Occupants 1

Seating Type 1 Padded deluxe boat seat

Insulated No..(A rare few are R2-Tec mods..SWEET!)

Set-Up 110"(l)X33"(w)X66"(h)

Folded 58"(l)X33"(w)X18"(h)

Pounds 59.0

[Bob Horn]

Thanks for all the info Ed. I tried one out at Bass Pro and I thought the seat was very comfortable. I am going this Friday and get one.

[aczr2k]

Yeah that folded 58" is going to be a deal breaker for me, the old clam fish trap pro folds down to 36x44x22. Why wouldn't they make it fold down to the size of the sled? Could you modify the poles to make them slide together? I'm a frabill fan and would like to keep it that way.

[stumper]

Pretty sure it does fold down to the size of the sled.

[Ed Carlson]

Something to also consider, is this.

The Frabill Commando and the Frabill Trekker DLX is the same exact size sled, and takes up the same amount of space.

So...if a very roomy 1 man or a part time 2 man shack is an option..consider the Trekker DLX as it is very wide and offers more room for multiple lines. It is about 20 pounds heaver is all (and 12 lbs lighter if you use only the one DLX seat) and GM has an exclusive package out that also includes the DLX cover at a price lower than last years price for the Trekker DLX alone...a great deal!

[stumper]

Pretty sure it does fold down to the size of the sled.

Checked, it actually folds down a couple inches shorter than the sled.

[zepman]

I use the Trekker DLX as a one man and it's awesome...highly recommend it.

[backlash 1]

I don't really understand the door concept on the Commando without seeing it in person. After you drill 2 holes, ( or 1 ) get set up with your Vex and heater, is there enough room left to actually use the door?

[stumper]

Yes,the big thing for me would the ability to get outside and seal up the flaps with snow on windy days.Cant do that with my old Scout.

[Ed Carlson]

I don't really understand the door concept on the Commando without seeing it in person. After you drill 2 holes, ( or 1 ) get set up with your Vex and heater, is there enough room left to actually use the door?

I use the door on mine a lot when I'm in one spot for long periods. If you bank it up you do not need to re-do it just to exit. And because it has a door you can bank it with snow if required. It is tall enough of a unit you can walk out comfortably. You don't dump all your heat just to leave the shack either. Nicer days I just leave it open. It is a useful option on that single stage unit for sure. Sit in one, you will see.

[Ed Carlson]

Yes,the big thing for me would the ability to get outside and seal up the flaps with snow on windy days.Cant do that with my old Scout.

Here is a tip that will help you out.

Don't flip the storm flaps outwards, flip them inwards forming a partial floor around the shacks perimeter...if need be you can still kick some loose snow around the outside...but most of the time it will not be needed.

Now...add a couple of rubber truck mats at the front and rear to hold the flaps down. This seals the heat in, and the cold out... plus produces a tighter seal at the front of the sled and the corner of the flaps.

The mats will hold them down nice and tight and keep your feet warm and dry. The mat also serves to keep the heater from forming a puddle on the floor, it directs the heat up and the snow will not melt to form the slop hole in the center.

[Thunderman]

I used my commando last season it is a nice hut the only thing I don't like is when you have alot of snow the a$$ end of the sled sits up when you sit down. Has any one made modifications of moveing the seat back if so do you have pics? Thanks Thunder

[Ed Carlson]

Here is the fix:

Order a second rear seat support frame from Frabill, bolt the seat to it....now it will slide front to back on the sled rail. If you wish pin the front legs at the old rear bolt hole from the rear support legs at mid point. This will keep it from moving or tipping back. You will need to slide the seat to the front to put cover on and for transport.

Now remove unused front short leg seat support bar. Or.... if you wish, re-use it.

To re-use it just flip it, bolt it to the lower corner frame bolt holes, and now it can to be used as a foot rest or a support for your power auger. If you add a stirrup style Mad Dog ATV gun rack support it will make a very solid auger rack and still function as a foot rest bar or rod holder bar.