Frabill & 3m team up on new huts!

[BTrauma1]

The thinking of this house is too expensive drives me nuts. To say, I will buy more propane, how will more propane keep you warm at -10 if you are already cold? Lets face, we have all experience cold toes, hands, butts and body's ice fishing. There are several times a season that 12,000 btu's in a Clam style house DOES NOT KEEP YOU WARM! You know those times. I was on Red Lake when a deep cold wind front came in. I had a Canvas Craft insulated house. While everyone else was leaving because of the severe cold, I was catching walleyes every 10 - 15 minutes.

How much was that trip left? Ad up your gas, food, bait, hotel, etc....and to leave early from the lake because you were cold, heck I will pay $500.oo more for a good insulated house, simply to fish longer and to enjoy my trip.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I bought a bottle of ice hole pepperment flavor liquor for $8 and used a heater was just fine. Cold or not I still would have had the $8 cost. lol for $1000 I'd rather put it towards building a perm. Plus the resale would be better.

[IcePro]

Wow…

A new product is introduced and all the comments are on price.

Seriously look at the comments on price and relate them to other items you own.

When you were building your home did you insulate it to help keep you and your family warm and lower your heating bills? If I based my decision on comments being made I would use no insulation in my home and just turn the thermostat, install another furnace or up buy a bottle to keep warm.

When buying a vehicle I won’t have the heater installed, I will just make sure I have plenty of ice scrapers and warm clothes will driving.

How many of you have $40,000 vehicles and/or boats?

Yes this new house is on the higher side and not all higher ticket items are for everyone and as mentioned in an early post the price is not out of line when you add all the extras.

If you feel this house is not in your price range fine, but let’s not condemn a product before you have seen or fished out of it.

[Ed Carlson]

A very good point, we pay for options and upgrades in all aspects of life. It's just up to us to see what is worth it and if it adds more value and convenence to the experance.

Warm is good, I got that figured out. Less need to pack more fuel weight and the need for a smaller heating system to do the same job a larger one did is also a plus. As in all things sporting and otherwise we pay for convence and quality.

[swags_7]

I need a shanty to keep the wind, rain, sleet, and snow off of me. These insulated shanties don't do that any better than my otter. I don't need it to keep me warmer, that's what my clothing is for. I can't use my shanty while hunting, but I use the same clothes for hunting. And I'm definately not going to pull a 135 pound or heavier shanty around by hand(and that's before my icefishing gear).

Don't try to mix apples with pomegranates in your comparisons, it doesn't fly.

[Ray Esboldt]

Ed,

Thanks for the information.

I think these houses will be for someone. If you're into spending long days on big open lakes no matter what the weather is, these (or other insulated houses) might be for you. If you're a runner an gunner, it might not be the best choice.

I like the idea of increased insulation. My turnoff on this model and some of the other "next generation" houses is the increased weight. I have a wheeler, so no big deal pulling it, but loading it into the truck by yourself might be a major production.

I assume someone is going to develop an in-betweener house with better insulation but not the extreme weight.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Quote:

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When you were building your home did you insulate it to help keep you and your family warm and lower your heating bills? If I based my decision on comments being made I would use no insulation in my home and just turn the thermostat, install another furnace or up buy a bottle to keep warm.

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OMG LMAO

I guess if you heat & cool your portable everyday for 2/3 of the year this would be worth a $1000 if it relly kept your heating cost down. Really do you think by having this insulated hut your going to save enough in heating cost to pay for it. In my opinon it would maybe save me a $15 refill once a year for my heater. Also the roof doesn't flip down on my house letting the heat out everytime I leave the house, which would cost me to reheat the house. And if you are going to heat it for 1/3 of the year everyday, maye you should look at a good insulated perm. I'm sure they are better at keeping the heat in and offer more comfort. Besides 90% of the time it's warm enough in the portable with cloths, but I run a heater so we can strip down to a t-shirt and shorts.

[harvey lee]

I think many are missing the point. This house is offered to make a fishing trip more comfortable for you, the fisherman. I have seen these houses and have considered taking a serious look at them. I really like to enjoy my fishing time and be warm without putting on tons of clothes.

This house may not be for all and thats fine as a Hummer is not for all also but, that does not mean a Hummer is to expensive. If thats the models you are looking for, then buy it.

Its also fairly diffucult to downgrade a product when one has not seen or used it. Another example is that in the gun world one can spend from $200.00 to a unlimited amount. Doesnt mean the most expensive gun is bad, its just that they offer a very fine, out of the box rifle.

I have seen the heating numbers on this house and I will say this, it will be much warmer with a smaller heater that one cannot use in another house and be that warm.

If one figure out all the options one would need to add to another house, then this house isnt as bad as some make it out to be.

Yes, one does need to compare apples to apples and I cannot see where many are. If you dont believe the house is for you, thats fine but dont downgrade this house because it is maybe the warmest house on the market.

[DzNuts]

Why are we talking about staying warm? Let's not forget that we are choosing to leave our houses to sit of a frozen block of water...

[Surface Tension]

I remember the days when there weren't any portables. Spent many a cold day sitting on a bucket with my back to the wind.

Fast forward to today with dozens of portable shelter manufacturers. Innovative and creative designs all to make your day on the ice a bit more comfortable.

I think we're at a time where you'll see a lot of companies using insulating covers.

Remember those -10 and below days where the interior of your shelter is covered in frost and the heater is on full just to take the nip out? I'd rather sit outside on nice days but on those cold days if I have to cooped up in a portable I'd at least like it to be warm.

An insulated cover would be nice then.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Agree with you a 100% I Just feel that fabrill over priced them selves out of the market

[BTrauma1]

This is becoming Laugable. Then Ranger out priced their $56K boats, knowing I can by an aluminum for $499 at Mills Fleet Farm. Then GM out priced their Trucks, knowing I can by an import for $10K. Then my builder over built my house, knowing I could of lived in a double wide trailer. Why are you focusing on costs? If cost was the issue, we would all be stilling driving Model T's and living in three room houses, fishing from shore.

[Ed Carlson]

FYI- On if Frabill overpriced the units out of the market.....well..most are already sold, there is a list for them. A shortage is more likely as they are a limited run for 07/08. So that is not a concern as it looks.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Quote:

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This is becoming Laugable. Then Ranger out priced their $56K boats, knowing I can by an aluminum for $499 at Mills Fleet Farm.

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Agree 100%, but wouldn't that comparison for and Ice house be more like a Perm compared to a portable. Try to use something a little more comparable in your arugement, and you might change my opinion. And if there is a waiting list for these portables how many did they make. Maybe fabrill didn't make very many thinking themselves that they might be over priced. What I'm looking at is for it only being a 2 man portable for $1000 vs a clam 3 man for $300 there is a $700 differnce. For it to pay I would need to save myself from refilling my 20# tank 46 times. I think its a hard sell. I have no doubt that the isulation or idea of it is great. I just think that For a $700 premium vs other huts that its a long strech for me to try and believe that it will end up saving me money and keep me that much more comfortable then my current set up. In a year or two when these huts bring around $600 I'll probably buy one myself. But untill then I feel they are to high price for what they will do in my mind.

[BTrauma1]

Not knowing you, I can tell you are a fair person, but are choosing to ignore simple facts. Minus 10 degrees, a one ply house was 9F. The heater was running full blast. 9,000 BTU's. So you are telling me that 9F is tolerable for hours of fishing? As a paramedic, I can tell you that its not true. No matter how well you dress, mild hypothermia is setting into your body. Its not about using a BIGGER heater or saving $700.00, it is about advancements in technology. Yes, my boat scenerio applies to this comparision. You can have your 14' boat, 9.9hp on 5 foot Mille Lacs waves. Or you can have a boat designed for those conditions. The anaology applies to these new insulated houses too. Regarding produced units, over 500 according to a find of mine at Gander Mountain. Already they have fishermen wanting to buy this new house. Owner of a Canvas Craft house, I can attest to the comfort and 3M's facts. My house does not have this new thinsulate, but ask my friends using my house instead of theres. They are buying the new R2-TEC house. Money or not, it offers a better fishing experience and a better option over 1-ply.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I agree with you on those facts. I also agree that technology is advancing. I just disagree with you in your opinion that you feel the new frabill isn't overprice for what it does.I feel that if a person was to fish in those conditions that you mentioned, there is other options to help keep a fisherman comfortable that is more economical in my opinion then buying the new fabrill hut at that price. With it being at $1000 I would say a person is better off building a perm. Resale would keep better & you could fish in even colder conditions. I don't for once doubt that the hut does what they say. And your blurp on hypothermia is interesting, but who in the heck fishes in a hut at 9 degrees. Not me. I have a hut and have been out when it was that cold, the temp it the hut was much warmer then what you are using for a temp. Guess my heater must be bigger then what they used. Let's just agree to disagree on this one.

[MuleShack]

When it gets below zero, i just put a Y fitting in my gas line and hook up the 2nd Mr.Heater. $40 more for not having my holes freeze. Priceless

[BTrauma1]

To have room for my camera, flasher, heater, bait, rods, auger, and family and my family is insured 58 degree comfort....without having to carry an extra tank, heater or hose.... warmth, Priceless. Hey, its snowing!

[Lotwfisher]

I am looking at buying one. I have to spend most days out on the ice guiding and we do move a few times so a permanant isnt really effective. I own an otter right now and it takes so long to heat up if I get it covered with enough snow to begin with. Also when it is -37F WITHOUT a windchill and the customer wants to go fishing there is no heater that will heat my otter without lighting it on fire. I am already looking at buying a new portable anyways. I did spend over $150 just on propane and that was in 20lbs bulk tanks last winter. Aside from buying a Snofox for $30000 this may be the best way to keep me comfortable when I have to be out there. If it comes already assembled and is better, then I may give it a chance. But I will definitly research completely before hand.

[BoxMN]

I saw one at the Thorne Bros Mod Day. It looked really darn nice. I liked how they did the windows, and it looked well put togehter and well thought out. The only thing was weight. But if you can get by with less heater then that helps. If I was pulling behind sled or wheeler, then weight doesn't matter as much either.

But I can totally see where not needing as much heat to get warm or stay warm would be nice, and eventually come closer to breaking even for those up north where it still gets cold. It was nice, I was impressed, but a bit scared of the price So far my Otter Cabin is perfect, but if I wanted bigger, and had a sled/wheeler I might be convinced to go this route.

edit: BTW - me and bro were fishing metro lake last winter, temp outside was -10, and we were in my Otter Cabin with one sunflower and also a Tough Buddy. Sunflower wasn't even on high, and we were fishing in just bibs and long sleeve shirt. No way is it only 9 degrees in that hut unless you are talking no heater. Heck, we were darn near sweating so we had to turn sunflower down.

[Ed Carlson]

The added weight is only #3. I first thought it was #6 but after speaking with the tec he got me on track. #3 aint to shabby, I can live with that.

I have/had a GT Fortress and love it, but I sold it yesterday to get a R2-Tec. I.....just couldn't help myself...they are too darn "Kewl"...er...Hot...to pass up.

[swamptiger]

I think they should work pretty well if they have adequate ventilation and there should be a market for those who want to stay portable and who spend a lot of time on the ice in all kinds of weather.

For my part, (being the casual sort of fisherman that I am) I will keep my $1000 and my old Mankato style house with the heavy canvas and wood floor... When it gets reaally cold, I prefer to stay here - in front of my virtual fishing machine - maybe with a bottle of Schell's or two - and dream of nicer days to come... Maybe save a little gas that way, too....

I doubt if they will make a spectacular splash on the market - when you consider you can buy one of the foamed type skid hard-houses for under $1000.

[wishing for walleyes]

I looked at these r2 tec houses the other day at gander mountain.Definatly the way i will go.Flip style keeping me very mobile.No more frost and dripping water from the ceiling.And way more comfortable.After sitting in the bigger one setup i liked it.For days like today it will be worth the extra $ for better comfort.

[fiskyknut]

Bumpala.

[crappiekid]

I just spent 15 minutes reading this post. Crazy where it has gone. Here is the bottom line and or my opinion. Lets say i fish a lot Perm and portable. I like to fish early ice which requires portables. Later i have perm house but always bring port as i like to troll durring the day.I too rememebr the days of sitting on a bucket with my back to the wind.. Then a 4X8 portable that my dad and i made out of cheap tarp. Then the fish traps came. People complained about the price clam was charging. Now you see a blue sea of clam portables on the ice at any given lake. I remember staying over night on Mille Lacs in my first portable sleeping on a cot with the sunflower on full boar! Wondering if i would freeeze to death. I have owned a fish trap clam and frabill ranger XL twin. On the long cold days each one has frosted up on the inside.THAT SUX! It and can wreck a perfectly great day of fishing. Throw the wind in pounding the material and making more rain fall. Ya real fun! Now my back is Soaked got chills and must leave the portable. INSERT 999.99 Frabil MAG R-200 and problems solved!!!!!!!!!(which i now own) Has anyone ever been in the line of work of setting price for products they sell. Many factors are considered like, research and developement, patent rights on product, marketing, advertising, a fully burdened shop rate to make these products of $xx.oo dollars an hour with employees bennefits including overhead. Materials..Yup look at those dollar signs add up. I paid $600.00 for my first DVD player. This week at target you can get one for $19.99!!! The Thermal is the next advancement in technology to make ice fishing even more enjoyable. If you want to sit in a frosted up shelter all day with water dripping down your neck that is your choice. I will be in my t-shirt with my 5 year old daughter catching crappies!