otter vs. other brands

[coombia21]

I am in the market for a new fish house. I have had 3-4 otter houses in the past 5 years. I really like them and I am looking at the new otter lodge insulated. Is there anything else that will compare to the quality of an otter?

[FirstIce]

In my opinion NO. Sounds like you have had good luck with them in the past. I would stick with them. Sure everyone has there own opinions but for me I believe they are great quality and have one of the best sleds underneath them.

[Tracker55]

If you've had three or four in the past five years i'd say they either dont hold up very well or dont fit your needs.

[Fred_Bear]

When it comes to durability, otter is the best. I'm not saying other brands aren't built well and durable, just not as tough as an otter. If you plan to pull your portable behind a snowmobile/wheeler and beat it up and keep it for awhile, then the otter will last you longer and take the beating better. That's the advantage of going with an otter.

[deadduk]

I am in the market for a new fish house. I have had 3-4 otter houses in the past 5 years. I really like them and I am looking at the new otter lodge insulated. Is there anything else that will compare to the quality of an otter?

I'm just curious why you have bought so many? I just picked up my Pro Thermal Lodge 2 weeks ago and it seems by far a more durable protable than anything else that was on the market...thoughts?

[grasshopper]

I was wondering that too.Why 3 or 4 in 5 years?

[Brad B]

the only one that is close to the pro series otter is the ones made by canvas craft. Canvas craft uses otter sleds on their houses and I find the nor pac insulation they use is thicker then otters insulation. If I wanted a heavy duty type house(one that can handle being pulled long distances by atv or snowmobile) I would go with either one of these but if I wanted more of a regular duty house(the type you drive out on the lake and pull out of the back of the truck) I would go with a clam X2 Thermal. I did hear that Clam did beef up the thickness of their sleds now . I guess we will see what time will tell once we start seeing house reviews.

[Jim Hudson]

Otter definitely makes on heck of an ice house. Very durable and put together well. But, for this season, I will stack the X2 up against it for the same reasoning. The introduction for this shelter was well thoughout and has some great new features no other ice shelter on the market has. Make sure you take a peek at them and see how it stacks up against a similar Otter.

[fishwater]

Otter definitely makes on heck of an ice house. Very durable and put together well. But, for this season, I will stack the X2 up against it for the same reasoning. The introduction for this shelter was well thoughout and has some great new features no other ice shelter on the market has. Make sure you take a peek at them and see how it stacks up against a similar Otter.

I'll give Clam props that they have added some nice features. Making a thermal-molded sled thicker might make it seem beefier and stronger.

[Northlander]

I will say that you should always compare shelters against each other at a retailer or even better the St. Paul Ice Show. See what fits your needs.

The Otter sled and poles are the strongest most durable out there. Companies have changed their sleds for years trying to catch up to Otters but the roto molded Otter sleds are still the top of the line.

Square aluminum anodized poles are the strongest and very smooth to operate.

The Thermal Shell is fully sewn quilted high loft insulation, NOT sonic welded.

The Cross Link Multi directional Seating System with custom roto molded seat slides give you ease of use, versatile and gives you very easy access to everything in your Otter sled.

The Otter portables may be a bit more expensive but I think when you compare you will see that the quality is well worth it.

Many good houses on the market so do the comparing and get the shelter that fits your needs, is in your price range and that you feel will give you the most bang for your buck and give you years of service.

[walleye44]

I am in the market for a new fish house. I have had 3-4 otter houses in the past 5 years. I really like them and I am looking at the new otter lodge insulated. Is there anything else that will compare to the quality of an otter?

Canvas Craft! They use the otter sled, but the Norpac Fabric is awesome!

[deadduk]

I will say that you should always compare shelters against each other at a retailer or even better the St. Paul Ice Show. See what fits your needs.

The Otter sled and poles are the strongest most durable out there. Companies have changed their sleds for years trying to catch up to Otters but the roto molded Otter sleds are still the top of the line.

Square aluminum anodized poles are the strongest and very smooth to operate.

The Thermal Shell is fully sewn quilted high loft insulation, NOT sonic welded.

The Cross Link Multi directional Seating System with custom roto molded seat slides give you ease of use, versatile and gives you very easy access to everything in your Otter sled.

The Otter portables may be a bit more expensive but I think when you compare you will see that the quality is well worth it.

Many good houses on the market so do the comparing and get the shelter that fits your needs, is in your price range and that you feel will give you the most bang for your buck and give you years of service.

Oh Yeah!!!!! Otters are awesome!!!! Just got my Sportsmans Caddy in the mail today. Can't wait to start customizing!!!

[DTro]

That Clam X2 has a couple of nice features I haven’t seen on any other houses. 1 the spreader poles are attached to the main poles so they aren’t banging around in the bottom of the sled or left at home altogether. And also the light colored interior of the sled will make it very nice to find things in low light.

[Northlander]

deadduk you well love the sportsmans caddy.

[Jim Hudson]

All shelters and tubs can be broke, trust me, as I have done it - the previous generation X2 sleds and Otters included. Just the nature of the beast here on Lake Superior.

In my mind, both of these shelters are comparable, but yet, each offer the consumer some differing features that you may or may not like. Either way - pattern out what you want in your own shelter, and go from there.

[gonehunting]

I see Clam has and emergency tool kit included this year. Just a fan of the Otters also.

[coombia21]

I started off with a wild 2 man, didn't like the fabric and then I got a lodge, loved the house. I traded that for a resort and then I realized it was way too big for me and now I am looking to get back into the lodge or cabin in the insulated fabric. I have fished out of clam, eskimo and frabill houses and I have not found a better house than an otter but I have not been in any of the new houses. I like to get out of houses after 1-2 years. They get pretty beat up when we use them, I fish 3-5 days a week and I don't like the idea of having old equipment. I change augers every 2-3 years and houses every 2. Looks like it will be a new otter again this year.

[BradHawthorne]

I believe Otters eat clams in their natural environment and on the ice, just having some fun guys no harm no foul

[mww24]

Id give canvas craft a look to. My next thermal one man will be an otter or canvas craft. I also think you can get most canvas crafts in double flip over models.

[deadduk]

I started off with a wild 2 man, didn't like the fabric and then I got a lodge, loved the house. I traded that for a resort and then I realized it was way too big for me and now I am looking to get back into the lodge or cabin in the insulated fabric. I have fished out of clam, eskimo and frabill houses and I have not found a better house than an otter but I have not been in any of the new houses. I like to get out of houses after 1-2 years. They get pretty beat up when we use them, I fish 3-5 days a week and I don't like the idea of having old equipment. I change augers every 2-3 years and houses every 2. Looks like it will be a new otter again this year.

Coombia21--You are living the life buddy, 3-5 days a week !!!! I am very jealous!!!

[Tracker55]

In this entire thread there is no mention of Frabil. Why is that?

[buzbunni]

I own three shelters.

One canvas craft thermal; one frabill, and one clam.

I recommend the thermal canvas craft.

[harvey lee]

I will agree that Otter has some very nice portables.

I have both and will usually use me Canvas Craft Norpac insulated one.

This house has an Otter tub and the poles slide better than anything I have ever used for any brand portable. They are the round style poles but slide so easy.

When it comes to the insulated models, I do not know if any comapnay has a insulation as thick or as warm and durable as the Norpac.

Canvas Craft has been making the insulated models probably longer than any other mfg and they do make a very nice warm, well built portable.

If one is concerned about CS if you have an issue, Matt at Canvas Craft and Otter are good to work with.

[walleye44]

I will agree that Otter has some very nice portables.

I have both and will usually use me Canvas Craft Norpac insulated one.

This house has an Otter tub and the poles slide better than anything I have ever used for any brand portable. They are the round style poles but slide so easy.

When it comes to the insulated models, I do not know if any comapnay has a insulation as thick or as warm and durable as the Norpac.

Canvas Craft has been making the insulated models probably longer than any other mfg and they do make a very nice warm, well built portable.

If one is concerned about CS if you have an issue, Matt at Canvas Craft and Otter are good to work with.

Remember the customer service you got from the small mom & pops stores years ago. You get that from Canvas Craft. They take care of people. You get a great house & a company that stands behind their product.