Eskimo Hub Style House insulated or non insulated???

[rocky]

I am looking to buy the eskimo 949 flatfish hub fish house. Is it worth spending the extra money to get the insulated one or it the regular non insulated one just fine

[Lusid]

Insulated reduces moisture buildup, increases heat level within, but will add some weight and cost.

Depends on your budget but I would go spend the extra and buy insulated.

[SX3]

Yes. I've had both and the extra cost is well worth it. The weight difference isn't much when you consider how much a non-insulated model weighs after use...holding the extra ice and condensation build up. The insulated will be easier to dry out after use, more quiet, and save you some propane.

[ClownColor]

pending...hauling by foot or vehicle? I opted for non insulated and a friend has an insulated. The brands we choose there is a BIG difference in weight.

[WalleyeNordy]

Well worth it in my eyes!

[Grainbelter]

I have a non-insulated version and moisture build up sucks. I bought a moving blanket at northern tool for $7 but have yet to make it back out to try.

[paceman]

My hub is not insulated. I wish it was.....

[fishnowworknever]

Insulated is the only way to go...if it's affordable.

[DLD24]

Insulated for sure

[swamptiger]

Quote:

I am looking to buy the eskimo 949 flatfish hub fish house. Is it worth spending the extra money to get the insulated one or it the regular non insulated one just fine

I have the insulated version of this model, and it seems to work pretty well. Easy to put up and take down. Still some frost buildup inside on cold days and quite a bit heavier than the non-insulated model, however. Make sure you get a current model - they had some issues with the poles or hubs on the early models as I recall.

[walleye44]

I am looking to buy the eskimo 949 flatfish hub fish house. Is it worth spending the extra money to get the insulated one or it the regular non insulated one just fine

Get the insulated one. To not have the condensation drip is worth it! Insulated are so much warmer. Less wind flap also.

[slick2526]

my non-insulated hub will be the last non insulated portable I ever buy. either that or I will be insulating it myself before using it.

[Born2Fish]

The Fatfish 949i just had a recent recall because the poles they made for it kept popping back out of place. I too was going to go with that as well(i believe the price difference between the 949 and 949i was about 90 dollars). I ended up with the clam Bigfoot xl1600. A little less space(8 inches total side to side, 94x94, and 90x90). I actually saved 25 dollars going with the clam because gander was offering a 25 dollar mail in rebate. Not sure if they still are, but it might be worth checking out if your going to purchase one.

[Lusid]

The Fatfish 949i just had a recent recall because the poles they made for it kept popping back out of place. I too was going to go with that as well(i believe the price difference between the 949 and 949i was about 90 dollars). I ended up with the clam Bigfoot xl1600. A little less space(8 inches total side to side, 94x94, and 90x90). I actually saved 25 dollars going with the clam because gander was offering a 25 dollar mail in rebate. Not sure if they still are, but it might be worth checking out if your going to purchase one.

Do you have an email or product bulletin on the recall?

[Born2Fish]

I do not. It was the hub I was going to buy, but every retailer had sent every 949i back to Eskimo because of the pole issue.

[Iceboy]

I think the pole issue you are referring to was with the first generation design from a couple of years ago - there were lots of issues with those. The new ones have this taken care of, and I think a google search will verify this for you. I just bought a 949i and it is awesome! Really nice and the price is right.

[Born2Fish]

When I went to buy one, December 26th, both gander and D*cks told me that the entire stock of the 949i had to be sent back to Eskimo because of the pole issue. And don't get me wrong, I also think the Eskimo is a great hub. The only issues I had with it are the velcro windows. But that's just mearly a personal choice. I do prefer the HUGE pockets for storage in the Eskimo compared to the small ones in the clam.

[Lusid]

Personally LOVE the velcro windows.. But that's just a personal taste.

2 - gripes I have and seriously only two, 1. Poles pop out.. out of 10 outings it'll happen 2 times, and 2. bag is to freaking small... after a long period on the ice.

[Iceboy]

Do you guys mean the poles pop out of the hubs? Or the hubs don't stay "sprung" out?

[Lusid]

Pops out of Hub point. Then you have unscrew and re-pop in and re-screw the hub plate.

[swamptiger]

Quote:

Do you guys mean the poles pop out of the hubs? Or the hubs don't stay "sprung" out?

The early versions had pins through the poles on the ends in the sockets and the current version has a large ball on the ends. The poles would bind in the sockets, and actually fall out on the early models. This is easy to check in the store - just look to see if there are pins through the ends of the poles where they go into the socket.

[Lusid]

My version has PINS.

[swamptiger]

Try contacting Eskimo. They might send you the updated poles.

[Lusid]

Try contacting Eskimo. They might send you the updated poles.

I actually did send them a note after I read this page. I also told them that I do yearly reviews on the hub (767 version) and that I did year two's review and in year three I would do another review.. The "popping" out while trying to setup/take down gets very very old.. So we will see what their resolution is.

Thnx

[swamptiger]

If they won't do anything, you might be able to buy the updated poles also.

I think the current version also has a little larger bag.