Which Flip Over to Buy

[czl99]

I am looking at buying a two man flip over for this year. I already have two cabin style portables and dont like that they take so long to put up. Do the flip overs come with seats already in them or do you have to buy them seperate? Which ones work better for pulling behind a wheeler?

Thanks for any help

[ChuckN]

I've owned a lot of different portables, and for my run-n-gun fishing with a snowmobile or ATV the Otter sled and fishhouse is my favorite. I have the Lodge that I have used a couple seasons and it is a perfect house for my needs.

The strength and durability is out of this world and I've pulled my house on countless miles over the roughest terrain.

I have used different styles of seats Otter sells, but last year I went with the bench seat. I love the bench seat over all other options.

You can check out all the options on their HSOforum, and don't forget to look at their wilderness series houses that include some accessories. www.otter.com

[jerkin'm]

Ditto what Chuck says-I have the frabill ranger xlt 2 man w/bench seat...I like it but not enough room for more than 2 and longer rods are an issue...will be picking up my Otter this week...

[Dave]

Otter Outdoors Wilderness line of shelters can be purchased as a package; house, sled, seats and travel cover. Could save some cash with that line of shelter.

[Surface Tension]

Lots of options out there. I've got to go along with the Otter as well. The house itself if nice and I like the inner flap, extra large snow cuff, well placed windows, headroom and quality fabric. That wasn't my deciding factor though, it was the tub. Roomy, tuff and rugged, just what I needed for those winter camping trips when haul a ton of gear. No worries about busting the thing. With the seating you have a few options to choose from. Check out their site.

www.otteroutdoors.com

[Matt Johnson]

I run either an Otter Small Cottage or an Otter Magnum Lodge, both outstanding portable fish houses. Otter does make an excellent fish house. Very durable sled and the canvas is top-notch as well.

Another option that I'd consider to be right up there with Otter is Polar Sport. Both Otter and Polar Sport are very similar in quality in my opinion. Otter provides a few more options, however, Polar Sport will still provide models ranging from a 1-man to a 4-man.

Can't go wrong with either Otter or Polar Sport.

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Dan Brelje]

The Eskimo line of fish houses are also an option.

My dad owns an eskimo while i have a fish trap. Like Otter houses, you can find models of Eskimos that have very heavy duty sleds, lots or room, great tow hitches. I have fished this house many of times and i can not complain, the only reason i switched to the fishtrap guide is because it is a lot lighter and easier to haul around alone w/out a atv or snowmobile.

ardisam . com / eskimo

[Gus]

I like the fish trap brand of houses. They seem to suit me best. I like the built in seats, venting, windows, gear pockets, extra long skirt, and they are pretty light weight. For me I usually dump my house on the ice from my truck and pull it around by hand as I hole hop so this suits me best. If I were to do a lot of pulling behind a snowmobile or 4wheeler I would probably go with the Otter because I think they have the toughest sleds on the market. Pretty much every house manufacture makes a good product. I thought I was sold on otter until I sat in a bunch last year and decided to go with the fish trap for a few of the above mentioned reasons. One thing is for sure, you can't go wrong with any decision. You'll just have to see what important factors suit your fishing style the best.

Ice will be here soon! (right after deer hunting of course)

[burl]

The otter is probably the most durable model on the market.

Mine is one of the originals i purchased about ten years ago.Its still in great shape.I had the fishtrap two man also for about four years.Every year it seams like in needs something re sewn on it.Burl.

[Captain B.R.K]

You'll find that for durability, the Otter houses are hard to beat. The material they use on their houses are top notch and the sled can be used all year long (just pop a few screws/bolts and the house comes off). The square tubing used makes it an extremely tough house and a sound support system. This is also a good option if you are looking to move around in the house when it us set-up--> very roomy. Just a bit heavy to move around sometimes.

I have a FishTrap and they aren't so bad either. They've always done refinements over the last few years that have impressed me, but I find aren' necessary for the user (i.e last years trap connector). What I like about it is light to pull....might be a non-issue if you have a four-wheeler, etc.

Don't overlook the Eskimo line of houses. My buddy bought one of these 2 years ago and has held up real nicely. The house material isn't as strong as the Otter or FishTrap stuff, but is durable. It has the same square tubing as the Otter and like I said....is durable.

A few options for you......best time to take a look at these all is at the Ice Expo held beginning of December!

[Guest]

I havent used the Otter,but do own a fishtrap that I pull behind my 4-wheeler alot in the snow.I built my own hitch that is better than the one made for it.I have had no trouble with the tub or bolts pulling out and with the runners the bottom of the tub after 3 winters is still like new.Its a little heavy only because of all the gear inside the tub and the carpeted floor that I made so you can kneel or you could actually lay down on it.GREAT house