'09 frabill predator

[shnelson]

Anyone pick one of these up yet?

I sat in one at GM and decided it was time to upgrade, I can't believe how much room and comfort you have in this flipover!

The price tag hurts a little, especially since I just picked up a flipover last season (got it used at least, but I best not make a habit out of this).

My only worry is that it sits too tall when folded up for the back of my truck, I like to have the tonneau cover be able to close on top of it to keep it protected from the elements (and thieves) while traveling. Would love to hear from anyone that has one and any thoughts you have on your purchase!

[Pedro77]

I decided it was time for an upgrade this year as well. Sold my Clam 5600 and figured I would get a two or three man flip over. I planned on replacing it with another Clam product, but after looking over this years line up, I decided to go another route. I love my 2007 fishtrap scout, but these new clams just don't seem to be as high quality (IMO). Looked to the Frabill Predator, was totally impressed with it. The poles, the 900 denier tent, the seats, I just liked everything about it.

Anyway, yes I picked one up. They are spendy and heavy, but the way these things are built they should last for many years. I haven't got to try it out yet, but I've had it set up in the garage three times, and am more impressed with this house now than when I first looked at them. Absolutely can not wait for ice to try this thing out!

I can't speak on the tonneau cover as I have a suv and height isn't an issue for me (barely fits length wise though). Also takes up quite a bit of space in the garage.

[BartmanMN]

Predator is the 'creme de la creme' or whatever they say. That is a nice house forsure. Buddy has one that I've fished out of.

[shnelson]

Just collected cash for my current portable, so now I think I'm pretty much committed to this purchase - gotta have something to fish out of!

I decided it was time for an upgrade this year as well. Sold my Clam 5600 and figured I would get a two or three man flip over. I planned on replacing it with another Clam product, but after looking over this years line up, I decided to go another route. I love my 2007 fishtrap scout, but these new clams just don't seem to be as high quality (IMO). Looked to the Frabill Predator, was totally impressed with it. The poles, the 900 denier tent, the seats, I just liked everything about it.

Anyway, yes I picked one up. They are spendy and heavy, but the way these things are built they should last for many years. I haven't got to try it out yet, but I've had it set up in the garage three times, and am more impressed with this house now than when I first looked at them. Absolutely can not wait for ice to try this thing out!

I can't speak on the tonneau cover as I have a suv and height isn't an issue for me (barely fits length wise though). Also takes up quite a bit of space in the garage.

Would you be willing to pull a quick measurement for me? I'm wondering what kind of height it has when folded up & seats pulled. The site says 26", but I don't want to believe it .

[icefishing21]

I have the frabil preditor and i love it! its got a ton of room and very durrable! its a little heavy but so worth it. i just did a quick measurement for ya and its exactly 26" with the seats pulled. you'll love this house!

[shnelson]

I have the frabil preditor and i love it! its got a ton of room and very durrable! its a little heavy but so worth it. i just did a quick measurement for ya and its exactly 26" with the seats pulled. you'll love this house!

[PoorWordUsage]. There's no way that will fit under my truck bed cover .

I don't think that's going to stop me though, I may just have to invest in the canvas cover for the predator and make sure everything is tucked in it nice and neat.

[icefishing21]

i also have the cover for the house and it is the best investment you can make for the house! kepps the snow/ice out and keeps everything organized in there nothing sticking out and all that. i would recomend gettin the cover for it!

[Pedro77]

icefishing21, did you install the hyfax kit on your predator?

[icefishing21]

yeah it also helps alot when pulling it behind a sled or atv!

[Pedro77]

I was going to try to get by without one, but I suppose I'll have to get the kit.

[icefishing21]

if you don't do much pulling behind a sled/ATV you'll get by just fine but if you do alot of pulling i would highly recommend them

[Mr. Sheephead]

I have noticed that the new clams with the blacked out interier are not as heavey as the original material. That is the main reason why I am not going with clam. It also looks as if the black material might sweat???? I also love my clam scout. I need to upgrade to something a little bigger.

Andy

[jbird68]

I looked at Frabill before I bought my HT Iceman Escape one-man flip-over. The HT had a 600 Dernier Canvas and the Frabill had a thinner nylon fabric. The HT was only $200. But the sled is shallower and I like the Frabill sled with the storage compartments in the trax. For now I will stick with my HT. But the wife said she would like to try ice fishing sometime. I guess on that day I'll have to fish outside while she stays warm inside.

[HaRdWaTeR jUnKy]

predator is a sweet rig, been wanting one since last year but couldnt fit it in my jeep so i went with the new frabill guardian still have plenty of room, now we just need some ice!

[shnelson]

Icefishing21 - can you tell me if your predator has a pair of boots on all 3 beam corners? Mine only came with two pairs, I think I am missing a set (the gray corner socks/boots that velcro onto the bars to protect the canvas).

[Esox_Magnum]

If I needed a new shack this would be the one, may get one at the end of the season just to have when and if the Eskimo ever dies.

[Pedro77]

I contacted Frabill with the same question. They said they go on the second and fourth poles, as these areas are somewhat tight. I only got two pairs as well, that is the correct amount.

[aczr2k]

What are these boots your talking about? I don't have any in my R2Tec house?? Any pics? Thanks.

[Ed Carlson]

I believe he is talking about the new corner protectors on the modular hinge points on the new R2 Tec? If so, they are "Boots" made to corner cap the modular flex joints on the support frame to add a greater level of protection from rubbing and possible wear and tear at the corners. Good idea, and they stay put well so no extra hassle to have them there, piece of mind thing.

[icefishing21]

yeah i only have 2 boots

[shnelson]

These are the boots:

[aczr2k]

Thanks for the pics, they must be new this year, I have a black and gray r2tec but I don't have those. I don't even see them in the online parts book. Guess I'll have to call and order some, so you need 4?

[aczr2k]

Called Frabill and ordered the boots, 2 pairs with shipping was $10, reasonable enough I thought, she said to put them on poles 1 and 3? So the big question is counting from the back or the front? A post earlier said they were on 2 and 4?

[shnelson]

I think they are supposed to be on the poles furthest back, then the 3rd from there (top front).

My shack came pre assembled from frabill (they had them all together at the ice show), and they have the boots on 2 & 3 which is wrong according to what you have found out.

I threw reflectix up, so i don't think I'm going to worry about it. At $10 for a pair shipped, it's almost worth it for me to hit the other two pole sets though!

[aczr2k]

Here's a pic, so she told me 1 and 3 and yours are on 2 and 3? I think 2 and 3 would be the best.