Frabill Predator or R2 ?

[GbayGiant]

Hey fellas, I'm going to purchase one or the other for sure just wanting to justify the $400 difference. The Predator is $599 at bass pro in Canada witch is a steal for sure compared to other huts but I like the idea of insulation just not sure if it's worth $400 more ($999 at bass pro) for the exact same hut in the R2-Tech only insulated with 4 lbs of thinsulate, seems like quit a jump for 4 lbs of cheap material all though they would have to stitch it in as well but you would think it should only be 100-200 more for the insulated model not 400 ?

Anyone have a Predator or R2-Tech yet ? what do you think ? are they going to last 4 or 5 years or more or be garbage after 2 years of hard fishing.

I also plan on modding it with the bass boat type floor so everything has it's own spot for hauling in the sled. Anyone got any mod pics, I'm wondering how to get around the seats with the legs on, guess I'll just take the legs off and mount directly to the floor ?

If I get a mod going I'll post some pics because I can't find any on the Predator or R2, didn't want to be the first but oh well.

[pjhaef]

Gbay

I picked up a Predator and used it all of last season and I was really impressed with it. The way that they are put together is great. It uses the large tubes for the frame which withstood some good winds with no problems. The windows are Velcro so they can be taken out when stored when not in use. One nice thing about the windows is that you can stick them on leaving a small gap to get some fresh air in or to be able to see out clearly. As best as I can tell after one season is that it will last a good long time.

I have not done any mods to the sled so I can not help you out there.

I am sure an insulated unit would be nice but ours stayed plenty warm without it. Good unit otherwise well built lots of room and nice seats in them. All I can say is I am happy with it.

[wishing for walleyes]

I have a frabil fortress gt.Its insulated and worth every penny i paid for it.You never have frost build up or dripping from the roof.Its worth it for me because i ice fish every weekend throughout the winter.

[GbayGiant]

Yeah, I guess I'm just complaining a little, my thought is if you look at Clam the Vouyager is 599 and the thermal x is 749, the exact same flip-over only insulated with a 150 increase while the frabill R2 is a 400 difference than the Predator with the only differenrce being 4lbs on thinsulate. I'm just cheep I guess but I also notice marketing schemes like x ray vision and hate being molested by the MAN like anyone else does, I'll end up with the r2 anyway. Still curious in any mods on the Frabill though, because the sled and seats are different than othe sled mods.

[KG243]

Yeah, I guess I'm just complaining a little, my thought is if you look at Clam the Vouyager is 599 and the thermal x is 749, the exact same flip-over only insulated with a 150 increase while the frabill R2 is a 400 difference than the Predator with the only differenrce being 4lbs on thinsulate. I'm just cheep I guess but I'll end up with the r2 anyway. Still curious in any mods on the Frabill though, because the sled and seats are different than othe sled mods.

I think the clams are alot smaller though. I have heard thge pnly doffrence is you dont have the frost and the water dripping on you. I have had my frabill treker out in -38 temps and had no problems keeping it warm enough so that all I had on was t-shirt and jeans! The insulation would be nice, but is it really worth the $400?

[Ed Carlson]

The R2-Tecs have been around in a few models now for 4 years at least, the Frabill 200 Magnum, the 300 Fortress, and now the R2-Tec Predator. They hold up well.

I know of nobody who ever bought one and than switched back to an uninsulated model. I know many guys who have the first ones made and would only switch if it was to new R2 Predator, due to it is now much more beefy, and built for the hard pulling and run and gun tortures dished out on large waters and long hauls.

The new NORPAC R2-Tec has the most advanced frame system made...can't tweak it out of square..imposable to do. The 1.25 modular tubing component system will not allow it to be bent or deformed. The new Roto Molded sleds are like tanks, very durable. The 900 denier canvas is rugged and fire retardant, very tough to beat that. In fact it is the material of choice for our armed forces and various governmental agencies including NASA, NORPAC 3M R2 won out over all comers as the best insulation and toughest material.

Fish in one once...you will soon see, hear, and feel the difference.

[Brad B]

if anyone is interested cabela's in roger's has some of the R2-Tecs from 2 years ago(model before r2 tec predator)new and still in the box for $799.99 instead of the normal $999.99. They are clearancing them to make room for the new predator verison. this came from a employee of theirs that I talked to the other day.

[GbayGiant]

Great info Ed thanks, Yeah I like the new sleds and frames that's what made my decision for a frabill regardless, because I'm on big water and will be pulling it with the sled often.

The only other thing I was wondering if the insulated material absorbs water like a sponge and freezes up or smells bad ?

[Ed Carlson]

The insulation is much like Gore Tex in it's properties, and allows moisture to evaporate away while retaining heat and it is not at all like a sponge. Other "loft" based insulation materials do absorb moister, NORPAC R2 is far less prone to do so.

Ventilation is key in any shack to limit frosting and the R2 is knows for not frosting up, freezing up, and raining on you. The Max-Vent system on the Frabill Predators and the R2 Tec functions very well to manage humidity and CO2 build up.

It is a much dryer shack as you do not need to crank up the heat and melt down just to keep warm, you generate less humidity.

A 4000-9000 BTU Buddy heater can easily heat the R2 in any conditions with less floor space sacrificed and less floor meltdown.

Helpful tips to limit humidity are use a rubber mat to place the heater on, this directs heat up and away from the snow and ice and limits the melt down puddle that generates the bulk of the humidity that causes frosting complications.

Add a small fan, recirculating the air and heat is very helpful to manage humidity and in the end you use less fuel to heat the shack. The fan will do wonders to keep the ice holes open and slush free as well.

Another is humidity wants to escape, so let it, use the Max-Vents as if you do not the humidity will try to creep out somewhere, and very often it will find the zippers and frost them up. I highly recommend the use of a "Zipper Lube" on all shacks as it helps to limit zipper damage and lessens frost related complications. Zipper lube can be found in most every camping department in sporting goods stores.

As for smell...kinda depends on what ya had for supper Eh....Kubbies and cabbage?

Again..the Max Vents and the quick vent removable Frabill Velcro windows are very handy critters in this situation too.

I hope these tips help, enjoy your new shack.

[fiskyknut]

Have those things been out 4 years already? I could swear they were introduced 2 years back.. I musta maybe missed a coupla winters then, LOL!!

[Ed Carlson]

We have had them on the ice for 4 year, I ran and field tested one of the first as did several other Frabill Pro Staff members.

3 years on the sales floor, 1 year in R & D = 4.

This is the second sales season for the NEW R2 Tec and new modular frame and roto molded tub, prior to that was the 200 and 300 series, it was on the ice one season prior as well in R & D.

Prior to that, Canvas Craft made a select few for retrofit Frabill Magnum and Fortress skins for Frabill and other shack vendors, and they also were in the field...so that time line may extend back 6 years depending on how you look at it.

[fiskyknut]

I know Norpac/Canvascraft history, the real skinny too. I will bump a post from a coupla years back iffin I can find it.

fisky edit.....Found it. Slick edit on your post above too Ed!