2013 Otter Outdoors New Release

[gonehunting]

My brother found a picture of a new Otter fishhouse somewhere. It is a picture of thermal called the XT1200. Must be a heavier fabric. The picture I seen almost looks like it might be a bigger size than the lodge. Can't wait to see everyone's new ice products.

[CaptainMusky]

I saw one picture.

Just a side view. IceCamo is gone. Black and Blue color scheme (same blue and black).

[JoeMX1825]

If there's added weight, not sure an added 300 denier is worth it, 900 is already toasty warm with a small buddy heater...

[Northlander]

Weight gain will be minimal but the thicker fabric will make it even more durable than ever. I think they look sharp. Cant wait to get to use mine.

[CaptainMusky]

Northlander any other news? Im still holding out hope for a redesigned 1 man house similar to other offerings.

[Northlander]

As of now the 1 man off the back or front of the tub is being looked into but as of now I think the Cottage will be the 1 man.

[JoeMX1825]

Weight gain will be minimal but the thicker fabric will make it even more durable than ever. I think they look sharp. Cant wait to get to use mine.

Weight should be the #1 priority in my opinion..the ProXT houses are already tough & warm enough, adding weight is going in the wrong direction...

[harvey lee]

Otter has always built a high quality fish house.

I am sure this new house will be all that.

[BartmanMN]

Here's the pics.

[JoeMX1825]

If they gained even 1 lb this year, I'll consider it a step backwards....I don't need to be fishing in shorts & a teeshirt, these things need to get lighter...

[toughguy]

Oh man... Now I WANT ONE!!! Looks sweet. I already have a spare tub/sled too.

[Jared_P]

Looks good...I like the idea of warmer but then again I haven't fished in last years model yet so I could compare the warmth factor. I think there is some definite gains with the changes and I guess (as we are seeing in this thread) it will be for some and not for others. I would be interested if I was towing with a cat/wheeler but it might be a bit to much for pull across the lake or even get in and out of a truck myself.

JP

[JoeMX1825]

I have last years XT900 Cabin, I basically turn the little buddy heater off after an hour or so it gets so warm inside... I don't want it any warmer, but I do want it lighter...

[BartmanMN]

You may want to sell that thermal and get a non thermal if you want a lighter house or buy a clam.

[JoeMX1825]

won't sell the thermal I just wish companies would focus more on cutting weight... I think they have the warmth issue figured out...

[Northlander]

Look at the companies that have cut weight and what it did the the durability. Otter has never made its name on being "light". They have made their name by being Tougher, Stronger, Smarter. If Im going to have a house behind my Snowmobile, 4 wheeler or truck I want the most durable house I can get and for me thats a OTTER.

If Im pulling by hand I pack lighter and use a smaller house.

Im thinking it would be hard to notice the few pound difference.

[gonehunting]

Anyone know if seats or poles have changed in the Otter. The pole system has worked great in my XT900. The seats I would like a little lower. Any word or pics available on interior?

[dan z]

I'll have to agree weight is a problem with otters but I love that they have the frabic and tubs figured out. Once you have an otter there's no going back.

[Woodsy]

Are you guys sure they are increasing the insulation? I don't see where it says 1200 grams of insulation...I see 1200 Denier. I've always understood Denier was the outer material. I believe they just went with a more durable shell (a tighter weave).

[BartmanMN]

Woodsy, that is how I would interpret it. 1200 Denier is some thick/tough stuff.

[Northlander]

1200 is the combo of the 900 denier outer shell and the inner insulation. As far as the weight if you compare the Otter 1200 Thermal Lodge to the Frabil Predator Thermal and Clam X2 Thermal that are in its class.

[DTro]

If 1200 is the combination of 900 outer and insulation, then what is the current 900 model?

 

From what I seen, Otter must have let the cat out of the bag via Bill Sherck.      I found it interesting how many people commented about being disappointed that they might drop the Blue Camo, probably 80% of the comments referred to the new colors and how they didn’t like them. 

 

Personally I like the new colors.  

 

Any guesses on $?    Think it will top 1k?  I bet it will be close

[Northlander]

DTRO you are correct on your assumption about the cat out of the bag, I assume. Last years was 900 total with 600 on the outside shell.

Funny how many Camo haters were out there the past few years now we hear about all the haters of the new color scheme. I guess ya cant please them all all of the time.

I really like the new colors and the sharper edges to the pattern. I also like the Ice Camo as well. As far as price I dont know but I hope it can stay under the 1k mark.

[Write-Outdoor]

Here is an outdoor photo of the new Otter shelter. It is quite durable and warm! Look for a full description and photos of it (inside and out) in an Otter catalog. They will have them at Game Fair in the Beavertail booth.

[JoeMX1825]

You'de think Otter would hurry up and release quality photos of their new products vs letting leaked images skeew the minds of potential buyers...That last image doesn't instill confidence in the quality control of the fabric fitting the frame..lots of loose/sloppy fabric on the bottom...

I'll stick with my Icecamo ProXT900 unless they are able to reduce the weight...price will also be interesting..