R2 Tech- Frabill & Canvas Craft - An Inside Look

[Ed Carlson]

I have one of the few Frabill Commando R2-Tech shacks made and put some ice time on it this season. Very honestly I find it the nicest 1 man shack I have ever seen and/or used, and at this point can imagine.

I can heat it with a Mr. Heater Buddy 4000 on low even on the coldest of nights. Humidity and frosting has not been a concern and the fabric is silent in the howling prairie winds.

The fit and lay of the NorPac fabric on the Frabill Commando frame is like a custom tailored suit. Canvas Craft does an exceptional job on the R2-Tech line for Frabill.

I hope to see the Frabill Commando R2-Tec and possibly the Frabill Trekker R2-Tech DLX added in the 2010/2011 line for all whom wish one. Or made as an upgrade from Frabill as an option for an aftermarket exchange of the skin on the Commando and the Trekker DLX.

[dairyman]

hey Ed--got any pictures of your "new" commando

[Ed Carlson]

Not handy but.....I'll get my crayons out and see what I can do.

Basically looks the same, just with the R2 Tec. Mine has a dark interior, not the white. I prefer the dark.

[dairyman]

so what kind of price is one the "new skin"

[Ed Carlson]

You would need to inquire to Frabill about that, as I'm unable to quote it.

You can have your existing skin retro-fitted with R2-Tec by Canvas Craft direct too if you wish. Choose whatever color interior you wish, light or dark.

[Dave]

Choose whatever color interior you wish, light or dark.

Unless CC changed policy lately, having a dark interior isn't really an option since they do not stock "bulk" NorpacR2 with dark interior. And, it's quite costly to manufacture smaller runs of different color interior to offer a selection of interior colors. Call 'em and see though.

[Gunflint Guy]

"I can heat it with a Mr. Heater Buddy 4000 on low even on the coldest of nights. Humidity and frosting has not been a concern and the fabric is silent in the howling prairie winds."

Is it difficult to find the right heat setting on days when it isn't super cold? I'm afraid of getting cooked out of the place by my Buddy on warmer days that are still cold enough to require some level of heat.

[Ed Carlson]

The Frabill Max Vent system is a big aid in regulating heat and humidity.

So far I have been able to regulate the right combination in all temps. I can dial my new Buddy 4000 down to 1500 to 2000 btu's +/-, so that helps.

When the sun if out it basically heats itself with the sun and aid of your own body heat, it's that thermal efficient.

[hamms-scooter]

That sounds like one heck of a skin Ed! It would be worth every penny I think! I use a guide and a scout and would love the thermal skin to stop the drip... getting the reflectix!

[Gunflint Guy]

The Frabill Max Vent system is a big aid in regulating heat and humidity.

So far I have been able to regulate the right combination in all temps. I can dial my new Buddy 4000 down to 1500 to 2000 btu's +/-, so that helps.

When the sun if out it basically heats itself with the sun and aid of your own body heat, it's that thermal efficient.

I have the most recent buddy (bought in Dec. 2009) how do I "dial it down" to 2000 btu? Using a bulk tank and restricting the flow into the hose?

[NCLaker]

Ed, any plans for Frabill to implement this fabric into their hub/pop-up line of shacks? That would be a real ++++, since the hub style shak's do a terrable job of insulating and reducing condensation issues (can't speak for the clam thermals). If Eskimo had this with their hub's, I would be buying one for sure. Might consider Frabill if they do one. I like both these manufacturers because they use removable windows.

[Ed Carlson]

Possibly, I'm highly recommending they do.

The cost factor is the issue, will X % of anglers want to pay about close to double for the same unit if it is offered in R2-Tec.

I personally think they will. Seen it with the R2-Tec Predator, as it was the fastest selling shack again this season, over all lines. So anglers wish more thermal options is my personal read on it.

We will see?

Even as a "Frabill Guy", I will quickly say the Clam Thermal Hub proved out very well in the field. So that in itself will stimulate competition in that market.

[Get'n Jiggy]

I too bought a R-2 Otter Skin Magnum this year. I got it late in the season so I didn't get to use it a lot, but so far I'm really impressed. First time we went out on a 20 degree day and just our body heat was all we needed till it clouded up and the wind kicked up. Put the buddy heater on low and we had to shed our jackets but we were very comfortable. I was surprised how well the canvas fits. They are spendy but I'd have a hard time going back to an uninsulated house. Wind has very little effect on the canvas, I think that's what I was most impressed with.

[Ed Carlson]

They are quite as well as warm, and the overall breath-ability and no frosting up and dripping is a huge benefit too.

[stumper]

From what I have gathered talking to one of the other R2 tech commando owners, you will be using a heater on days where the sun would normally warm you right up. The insulated cover keeps the suns BTU's on the outside.Small price to pay for a warmer shack on the frigid days.