Dear Otter

[marine_man]

While I am not a big fan of the color... I'm pretty sure it wouldn't keep me from buying it.

The one thing I do wonder is where is Otter getting their market research data from if there is such a disdain for the camo pattern?

marine_man

[harvey lee]

One has to remember that people like to purchase items they like and included in that is the color.

When one spends hard earned cash, I would say they should be able to purchase a color they like.

I have seen some beautiful trucks inside but if the outside color is butt ugly, I wouldn't touch it even for a heavy discount.

[muc33]

I think that is why the others have become so stapled in their choices. Clams are blue, Frabill is black, Eskimo is green. Strikemaster is Black and Red, Jiffy black and yellow ect. When they made the switch, it had to have some reasoning. And I don't think they have fallen behind in the industry by any means, so maybe the few of us on here that can live without it are the only ones? Hehehehe, I doubt it, because I have one, and like I said, it wasn't bad enough that I didn't want one. Just not my first choice, but the workability and toughness were. What is really on your checklist for a house.

Mine are

Toughness

Ease of use

Customer Service

Available add ons

reputation with users

comfort with the companies future

color is pretty far, only because I feel if it's not "offensive", then how much does that matter. For instance, if it were Hot Pink for Flouresent Pink or Yellow, I would be concerned. But I can live with blue camo. Not my first choice, but hey, what do we ever buy that is 100% perfect?

[Knoc]

I didnt buy one of the purple houses simply for the fact that it was purple. Granted Blue camo, even though not a huge fan, is ALOT better than a barney purple fish house. Whenever I saw them houses I thought of three things, the gay Telatubbie, Barney and the Vikings. 3 things Id rather not associate my fishing hobby with.

[Iambjm]

I just happen to like purple, but would buy a pink camo one if they offered it Hey Otter you would be surprised how many of us gals are out here obsessed with ice fishing!!!!

[schweady]

But nobody has yet provided a reason for using camouflage patterned material on a fish house.

[gonehunting]

While we are talking about otter changing colors lets go back to white hyfax material for the sleds. You can only get them in blue now.

[CaptainMusky]

I dont give a rip what color it is, just make a one man house similar to the design that Clam and Frabill has. I would buy it in blaze orange, I dont care what color it is.

[chad austin]

All I can say is I almost lost my Ice Camo Otter Lodge on LOW last year, I went outside to relieve myself and when I turned around I couldn't find my house. Good thing my fishing partner was still in the house and I was able to follow his voice back to the door, when I fish by myself I use one of those leashes that mom's use on their kids in the mall, dang camo.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

[Northlander]

As far as making a house like the competitors that just doesnt make sense to me. Companies have to stay competitive at the same time unique in design as Otter continiues to do with the new Seat system and now the new Therma Covers. As far as the camo and some not liking it. Well many do. Sales at the show the past 2-3 years have been very very good. So good we ran out of several houses. So there are many, including myself, who do not mind the camo shelters. They are different. I do not like being like everyone else and Otters houses as you know arent your typical Ice Shelters. Tougher, Stronger, Smarter isnt just a sales gimmic its for real. Its what has given Otter its reputation of toughness and durability that it has today.

Just for some ideas for me to bring back to Otter though lets start a list here of colors that people would like to possibly see for next years Ice Shelters. Remember no repeats of other Companies Colors. Lets have fun but try to keep it pretty serious.

Ill start it off with #1:

1: Maroon and Gold for the Gopher State

[walleye44]

Just buy a canvas craft insulated house on an otter sled. I second that idea. Great customer service and repair if needed.

I third that idea. A MN company that does stand behind its products. It is black outside & white on the inside for brightness. They had the Norpac 3m insulation before everyone else went to China's insulation. The older Frabills had their Norpac material too. I believe Frabill lower cost & went with the china stuff too now. I still have not heard what R value these new otters & Frabills have. Anyone know? It would be nice to see them setup together on -20 degree day.

[tsande00]

How about a Zubaz print fabric!? How awesome would that be? Various colors.

I think the ice camo is unique and I like it. It distinguishes Otter from the competition.

My guess is that 90% of fisherman are (and should be) more concerned about the quality of their gear than making a fashion statement on the ice.

Look at the Packers football team for example - Ugliest color combination/uniforms in the NFL but that's OK because it sets them apart.

[CAMAN]

Tie Dye for the Dead Heads!

Seriously, I really don't care what color I have as long as it is durable. I currently have the purple uninsulated one-man and love it.

[CaptainMusky]

As far as making a house like the competitors that just doesnt make sense to me.

Northlander, the Frabill Commando for a one person shelter is a very effective design. What I am saying is Otter should build a style house like this that flips lengthwise instead of widthwise for a solo fisherman. I want my Lodge when I take the kids or others with, but the smaller design of these solo units and the way they flip is more effective IMO for a solo unit than a cabin from Otter.

Its not copying or anything, its effective. If Otter didnt do what other companies did they wouldnt even be in business. Afterall Genz invented these things years ago and Clam mass produced them. Where Otter found their niche is in the details, much better sled, etc.

[CAMAN]

Otter should build a style house like this that flips lengthwise instead of widthwise for a solo fisherman. I want my Lodge when I take the kids or others with, but the smaller design of these solo units and the way they flip is more effective IMO for a solo unit than a cabin from Otter.

I completely agree!!

[Northlander]

I think I know what you may be getting at but the Cabin is a two man shelter. You can go 1 man smaller and get the Otter Cottage. For me the Cottage is SMALL. Then again I am 6'6" and 280 pounds and not exactly "normal" and use the 2 man Cabin as a 1 man shelter. If I really wanted to down size and travel very light and pull a long ways I would get the Otter Cottage. Have you looked on www.otter.com? You will find all sizes etc. on the site and can decide if that Cottage would fit your needs.

[Northlander]

But nobody has yet provided a reason for using camouflage patterned material on a fish house.

Well to the best of my knowledge its because Otter wanted to have color that would stand out in the crowd and be able to sell in any regional market and across the nation/world market. Some colors just dont sell well in certain regions/states. A color such as the Ice Camo was found to sell well across all regions and nation/world wide. Time has proven this so Otter stuck with it.

By no means is it trying to Camouflage or not be visible on the ice. Although there is times I wish I had a "No see" button on my Otter. Or should I clarify that to no find.

[muskE]

I can't believe people are complaining that they changed the color from purple.

I think they should take a page from professional sports and make an Amy Pink model. It would make it easier to give directions to the pizza guy for delivery.

[&JAG]

Yep, miss the old Green and Purple Otters they were solid looking! I want to get a new one but the ice camo is lame. I'll stick with my old green one until they get me excited to buy! Just like my vehicles I like to look good doing my thing.

[TravP]

I think I know what you may be getting at but the Cabin is a two man shelter. You can go 1 man smaller and get the Otter Cottage. For me the Cottage is SMALL. Then again I am 6'6" and 280 pounds and not exactly "normal" and use the 2 man Cabin as a 1 man shelter. If I really wanted to down size and travel very light and pull a long ways I would get the Otter Cottage. Have you looked on www.otter.com? You will find all sizes etc. on the site and can decide if that Cottage would fit your needs.

I think he means not having to extend the poles, like many other one man shelters. I love my cottage, but hate extending the poles...

[CAMAN]

I think he means not having to extend the poles, like many other one man shelters. I love my cottage, but hate extending the poles...

Yup, exactly!! When I'm alone I'm a runner/gunner and having to collapse the entire thing and tuck in all the fabric is a pain every time you move. I just want to be able to flip it up and move, flip it down and fish.

[magicstix]

It would be nice if the pole/tub system was a little more balanced on the den model so you didn't have to collaspe them. If you don't collapse one wind or good bump it tips over. I don't mind collapsing them on the den too much because those poles are the easiest out of all of my Otters to extend and collapse, one finger literally.

That color thing: I got to admit when camo first came out ,I thought WAY COOL, but after a while I went back to perfering purple. Nothing to do with Vikings, barney or etc. I've always liked the purple RoadRunner, S10/ZR2, Ski-doo MX's, etc. Even put a purple/blue chamelon stripe on my canoe.

A gopher color scheam would be neat.

I'd buy other colors[except pink] if I really had too because the original reason i bought an Otter is because I thought they were better built. When I bought my first one I didn't see a another purple one for a 3-4yrs, so I did kind of stand out in the beginning.

That canvas craft norpac is an appealling idea. I am in need of a new canvas soon. Maybe CC should do different colors.

[Hardyboy]

Form, Function, Durability, Ease of use, Weight, Features... Those are all things to worry about and not the color. Seriously if color is the deciding factor then all the technology that has gone in to theses houses mean nothing.

[&JAG]

hardyboy, I think 90% plus of us on this thread own or are Otter fans... They are the best all around on the market hands down. I grew up 7 miles from the factory and know more than a few who actually produce these units. The consenses has been should have stuck with the original colors, from the locals standpoint at least. The color of Ice Camo is what is up for debate. Please otter lets do something different or at least give us the original green and purple back!!

[CaptainMusky]

TravP that is exactly what I am talking about. All the guys I ice fish have otters in various configurations. What they and I want now is a solo model. What we are looking for in a house has us looking elsewhere. I want to pull it, flip it over and be done if fishing alone. Who knows if I am forced to go elsewhere to find what I want I may end up staying there. I think otter makes the best multiple person shack out there but have a hole in their lineup that many of us want.