Clam/Otter vs Frabil

[Tracker55]

I am in the market for a new portable and have been looking at the Frabil models. Everyone here seems to prefer either Clam or Otter. There is little if anything posted about Frabil shelters either good or bad. Anyone care to elaborate?

[Mike Stark]

Don't forget about Canvas Craft.

They all make great shelters these days. You want to find the one that meets your needs the best.

[fishersofmen]

I've posted plenty of good things about Frabill shelters. High quality shelters IMO. I really like some of the new models this year with the hard tops that have the compartments and drink holders etc...Alot of guys including myself have been modifying their shelters towards this style to make them more practical and finally Frabill has decided to do this at the factory which is a good move if you ask me.

[IcerRon2010]

Lots of options you need to consider before going to the store. How many people, what are you fishing for primarily, mobility, wieght, thermo, or non-thermo, transporting, accesories, flip up, pop up, so many things to consider. What is most important to you or top three, for that matter. I always say no one ice house, or flasher is ever one hundred percent perfect.

[Mike Stark]

Also if you use the search box on the left side of the screen you will find a lot of threads on Frabill houses.

[BassFisherman]

I have a Frabil Trecker DLX. I love it, has worked great for me. The canvas is nice and lasts awhile. Have a tow bar on it and tow it with either a snowmobile or wheeler. Only thing is I wish it had a bigger tub. Sometimes hard to get all my gear in it. I love frabil, but think im gonna get an otter for my next house bc its got a big tub and i do alot of fishing towing it with a sled or wheeler, and i know they are VERY sturdy houses for that kind of stuff. Like said above, get what fits for you.

[fishersofmen]

How old is your Trecker BassFisherman? The tub on my Predator is MASSIVE. I actually think it is too big. Mine is 2 years old and I believe the ones I looked at last year were made a bit smaller. No way an Otter tub is bigger than mine....

[BassFisherman]

Maybe 2-3 yrs old. Do u ever tow yours with a machine? If i can stick with Frabil i will FOR SURE!

[PerchJerker]

I've owned lots of houses, mostly Clams and Otters, and some others too. One of the houses I have right now is a Frabill Trekker. I've had it for a couple of seasons and I like it more and more all the time, the combination of size and weight and roominess is exactly what I was looking for in that house ...... and it's been great in terms of durability.

[RiverChuckNorris]

I'm coming up on my third year with my predator and have been very pleased (Owned several clams previously). I tow with a bar and the combination of the size (deep and large) and gauge of plastic (very heavy duty) of the tub were determining factors as well as comfort of seats and overall quality. Look at the support pipes as well.

[EBass]

What ever you purchase get it with thermo - or insulate it yourself. Once I put that reflectix in my old otter it made a huge difference.

I've never had a Frabil, but my brother went from Otter to Frabil (I have his old otter)

[Tracker55]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll look at all the different makes and models at the Ice Fishing Show, but right now I'm leaning towards either a Themal Trecker or possibly a Thermal Predator.

[BassFisherman]

I'd go with a thermal, that is the one thing (other than a bigger tub)that i wish i would have gotten.

[dan z]

Liked my ranger XL fished three with ease didn't like how heavy it was. Didn't like how shallow the tub was but they have changed since.

Love my otter cabin with thermal top. I fished more last year more than the previous few seasons, just because the otter fishes very nice!

[uffdapete]

Haven't taken a close look at the Frabill sled but the Otter sleds and hitches are very well made. The only ones I've seen that compare to Otter are the old Polar sleds.

[RiverChuckNorris]

Interesting points on the Otter. Just to elaborate on my personal experiences that have been indicative of the overall exceptional build quality of the Frabill:

-I was towing in the BW's and tipped the sled after hitting some brush, the tow hook on the snowmobile bent and the Frabill was untouched.

-My buddy has an Otter (granted it is probably 5 years old) and I've compared the two side by side.

I know I'm biased since I own the Frabill and I'm sure both are exceptional options. Definitely spend time at the ice show and go with what works for you!

[midwesthunter]

Another one to consider would be the Frabill Guardian. I've owned one for two years now and have no complaints. The size falls somewhere between the Trekker and the Predator. The sled on it is a lot more durable and deeper then the Trekker sled. It also comes in a thermal version.

[Scott M]

Haven't fished a Frabill but have sat in the seats in the big box stores and looked around inside. Comfortable design, nice looking houses for the Johnny-come-lately 'Sconnis (just teasing ). I've fished Otters and Clams and loved them both in their own ways, but I have to say its going to be really hard to beat the Clam X2 thermal I have right now. Comfortable chairs, lots of space, toughest fabric out there, no condensation, light colored sled to find things, thick poles, a more convenient design on the collapsible action poles, and did I mention lights built into the sled?

I'll have to agree with Mike Stark...go sit down in a couple houses, compare features, compare weight, compare price points. That's what has led me to Clam, you too may come to this conclusion.

[Matt C]

Can't say it any better than da_chise.

I have fished out of all the 'big brands' and all have great qualities. I too went with Clam. Last year I used a Base Camp pop-up. Super easy to pack up, set up, and store. Has a lot more room then the flip overs.

This year I am going with the Six Pack or XL.

The Ice Show will be a great place for you to gain further information, and be touchy feely with em all.

[JohnMickish]

Yes, make sure that you look at all of them at the shows and don't limit yourself to saying "I am only going to own brand X" There are good and some not so good points about every house out there. Some people out there are anti Clam because they are so popular, and to tell you the truth, there is a reason they are popular, most people like them.

Take a look at them all, compare apples to apples (size, warranty, strength and thickness of materials and accessories) and make the decision that best fits you.

I have owned a few different houses and currently own a Clam Denali and the new XL4000 thermal. I'll tell you why I still own Clam products.

I did have a warranty issue a few years ago on the Denali with a seam coming apart. I called Clam, emailed them a picture and in less than a week I had a new canvas at my door. Customer service like that is what will keep me as a customer.

[fishwater]

What has been lost from this discussion is the fact that the sleds aren't the same between all the companies. Eyeballing sled thickness isn't going to get to the root of the issue. One company rotationally molds their sleds giving end characteristics that can't be achieved through manufacturing methods used by other companies.

One sled is more expensive for a reason, it's simply made using a more resource intensive process.

[Random guy]

My two cents.

I beat the snot out of my Otter portables. Some are on the ice 60 days a year AFTER 9 miles out and 9 miles back in at my travel speed - "As long as stuff is not flipping over fast."

I have had some Otters for seven years now and they do not have one problem. Not one bad zipper, tear or worn sled. The sleds themselves are worth every penny. Deep snow, slush, logs, gravel, rough ice and portages from he// have not phased them. If you want something that is tough and going to last a long time I can't say enough about the Otter line.

No fishability, they do what they where designed to do and they do it well. I see many bells and whistles on some other brands but in my experience bells and whistles sell great but work or hold up horrible.

[Boar]

+1 on the otter. Had mine going on 10 years an from ice fishng to pulling the kids around in the tub, it been my go to portable.

[mnviking28]

I bought a Frabill Predator Thermal last year. Love it. The bigger tub, the room, the seats, the heavy constrution of the canvas, sled and poles. I looked at every brand including the clams and otters. To me, it offered everything I wanted. That being said, I am not going to cut down the Clam/Otter. They are both a quality house by a company that has been around for a while. I did a few mods to mine that actually used a couple of Clam products including the battery holder for my lights and some of their LED lights. I also added a string of rope lights for fishing crappies/walleyes at night. I plan on keeping this house for a long time the quality of the construction should allow me to do just that.

[bassNspear]

The product that clam has been putting out is second to none. I have used other brands that are good, but the customer service that i have recieved is above and beyond at clam. im pumped to get out spearing in my 6800 and chase some slabs around in my new Clam X2 thermal