Eskimo Quikfish vs Clam vs Cabelas houses?

[traveler]

Anybody have any comparisons between these pop-up styles? They seem to be the 3 of this type I see out there. Eskimo was first I think, and gets pretty good reviews. Clams version comes in both a normal material and "thermal", which I saw set up and seemed like good quality material. Cabelas is currently on sale and made by Clam (so I hear), and I can get free shipping on Cabelas, plus a great return policy, so at the moment I'm leaning toward them. Any thoughts?

[BrokenWing]

Cabela's version made by Clam is funny because of the on the phone a salesman said that I should come into the store and see the shanty that is built by Otter.

[randyfaas]

I bought the Cabela's 6x12 hub this week. I noticed that the design was pretty much the same as the Clam. The only real difference that I noticed between the two was that the zipper on the Cabela's seemed a little cheaper, and did not have the "storm flap" over it. I also have an Eskimo 6x6 hub. I like the Eskimo better because of the removeable windows, higher quality zipper, and the higher quality ice stakes. The Eskimo 6x6 came with 6 of the better stakes while the Cabela's 6x12 only came with 6 of the lower quality stakes so I ended up buying 4 extras for the 6 man. I would liked to have bought the Eskimo 6x12, but I ended up getting the Cabela's because it was only $200 after the sale price, a coupon, and using some Cabela's bucks.

If you buy the Cabela's one, go to the store if you can because there is a $17 extra shipping charge (on top of their free shipping deal) due to the heavy/oversized delivery, plus you can use a coupon if you have one (you can't use a coupon AND do the free shipping deal).

[traveler]

Cabela's version made by Clam is funny because of the on the phone a salesman said that I should come into the store and see the shanty that is built by Otter.

Hmmm...I went to the otter site and don't see a house of this type shown there.

I will try to get down to Cabelas and check them out firsthand (and save on shipping!) but if the zipper on thiers is cheaper I'd probably go with one of the others. Zippers are usually the downfall of anything that has one...

[BrokenWing]

Well it would not be the first time their staff in Dundee Michigan have made completely wrong basic statements about their own product line.

Rich

[deadeye]

I just got the eskimo. What sold me on it was the zipper is much heavier than the clam and the windows are replacable. The cabelas is made by clam for sure, it even says ice team on it.

[traveler]

Where did you pick up the Eskimo and what did you pay? Does it come in a larger size than the 6 by 6?

[jdsmi]

I think I saw Joe's in St. Paul has the 6x6 Eskimo on sale now.

[deadeye]

If your willing to jump on it today, FF has the quickfish3 (6x6) for 134.99. They have the quickfish6 (6x12) for 229.99 (I think the prices are good through today but you may want to give them a call). I ended up getting a bunch of money back for the quickfish3 I got last week at 188.99, (yay! more money for a ice 45 now )

[BrdHunter01]

Yes certain FF's carry the quickfish, but I also saw that add for 134.99 and 229.99 and I believe that deal goes through dec 5. But I know the FF up in St. Cloud does not carry the quickfish so I would call first.

Anyway, I wanted to buy the quickfish. Couldn't find it anywhere so I ended up going with the cabelas hub 6x6. I believe its actually a couple in's bigger on each side. But the thing I liked about the Cabelas brand was the carry case. The eskimo you kinda have to shimmy it in the "tube" so to speak. Also, as of last years model quickfish it only had 1 door I do believe. Cabelas had 2. Also if I remember correctly the Eskimo hubs are made of plastic? I thnk, not positive. The cabelas is made by clam and you can compare the 2 and they are pretty much exactly the same design. I honestly wanted the quickfish, couldn't find one (except for the E auction site for 170), found the cabelas on sale for 150, went and snagged it...

[traveler]

I did check FF online (don't have one locally) and no go on the QF. So how does the zipper on the Cabelas model look?

[deadeye]

I see your in duluth? check out marine general. They got a shappell version of those models that has thicker canvas and the same zipper as the eskimo. replacable windows too. I was going to get that one but with the deal I got on the eskimo I could't pass it up.

[traveler]

thanks Deadeye, I'll check it out.

[eyeguy 54]

Google " quickfish eskimo for sale " to find one online if you can't get to a store. 170 with free shipping was the best I could find. I bought the III 2 years ago and love it. Very easy to transport. No floor feature is great. Perfect for 2 guys a little crowded for 3 but ok. I pop the top first, then the sides when setting up and top last when breaking down. A couple bungies to snug it up and it goes in the case nice. I sold my 5600. I liked the 5600 but I like he III even more.

[duluthangler]

Any thoughts on the clam insulated? Have had an eskimo GF for several years with only probs being broken zipper pulls and icing/condensation. Clam product similar quality? Thermal material make much difference in this kind of shelter? Thanks!

[traveler]

I saw the "thermal" clam at a GM by the cities last week. Is it new this year? Looked like a good tent, bound to be warmer (and heavier). If they aren't new, who's used one??

[stumper]

Cabela's version made by Clam is funny because of the on the phone a salesman said that I should come into the store and see the shanty that is built by Otter.

The cabelas shack that is made by otter is a flip over .

[randyfaas]

Thanks for the heads up on that FF price. I ended up taking the Cabela's back and getting the Eskimo.

This review is referring to the 6 man hubs.

I think the Eskimo is just a little bit smaller than the Cabela's/Clam, but the beefier zipper, the removeable windows, and the higher quality stakes made me decide to go with the Eskimo at the same price.

One thing that sucks though is that I picked up one of those Clam drill attachments for putting in stakes, and the Eskimo stakes don't quite fit into it. I think maybe I can get it to work with a little "customization".

I also agree that I do prefer the zip up carrying case on the Clam/Cabela's, but I also noticed that the Eskimo carrying case carried much more comfortably on your back. The Cabela's one that I had rode low on your back and banged the back of your knees while you walked (very annoying). The Eskimo rides higher up and doesn't do that.

Other stuff:

The hubs of both the Eskimo and Cabela's are metal (the Eskimo's are a little smaller).

The Cabela's only comes with 6 stakes while the Eskimo comes with 9 stakes.

[bstell]

I hear that this FF is having a sale on the Quikfish 6X12. Can anyone give me details on where this place is?

[deadeye]

Where are you at?

[NCLaker]

I hear that this FF is having a sale on the Quikfish 6X12. Can anyone give me details on where this place is?

FF = Fleet Farm. Look them up on the web to find a location nearest you.

[bstell]

Thanks for the info. Im from WI. I must have missed the sale cause I just checked out there web site and I dont even see that they offer the Quickfish6.

[deadeye]

Its not a HSOforum offer. Its in store only. I would give the closest one to you a call. They have the sale going through saturday.