Clam vs. R2-TEC

[BTrauma1]

Lets really start a debate. (For you cheap guys, you can read along.) 3M owns the science of insulation. Their new FR - NorpacR2 retains heat greater than any other insulation. Okay, R2-TEC uses NorpacR2, Clam using a poly fill. Clam has the history of building a good house. R2-TEC by Frabill is new. Clam has loyalist, who will only buy blue. Will they be willing to try something new?

[Reynolds]

I personally that Clam should have used the heavier duty sled that comes standard on the X2 for their new X Thermal. I would find it much more appealing myself. I think if you set up the X Thermal and the R-Tec side by side in a store with X Thermal retailing at $899 and the R-Tec retailing at $999 that you would have a hard time selling the latter, especially to a former Clam owner.

[BTrauma1]

Interesting how this always turns to dollars vs. benefits. Clam is using a polyester fill, something used in your old snowmobile suit before Thinsulate came along. Clam claims 28 degree warmer, R2-TEC 58 degrees warmer. Clam, the seams are heat welded that can be easily seperated, permitting the insulating polyester to fall and bunch. R2-TEC is industrial sewn. Why do I know so much about these houses? Do a simple comparison at Thorne's or Gander Mountain. Then walk over to the glove department and look at what gloves you have been buying to keep warm. HHHmmm, they are $14.00 more than the cheap cotton options. As a medic, quality is important. If you want cheap and under performing equipment, you get what you pay for and your experience and outcome is always compromised. Sorry for sounding so defensive.

[DARTER]

Can you tell me what kind of heat retention I can expect hole hopping with my portable, or maybe I'll just spend a little more and buy a wheel house.

[BTrauma1]

My quess is the heat retention is very high, based on 3M's findings.

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.]

A wheeled house is portable? My neighbor owns one, and it is a lot of work to move. I know the R2-Tec house will warm to 45 - 50 degrees in 10 minutes, with outside temps of minus 10 degrees. Again, based on 3M's lab studies.

[McGurk]

Hey BTrauma1, hows that job at 3M working out? J/K, I caught that you are a medic.

[BTrauma1]

I wish I worked at 3M. I could use the free tape.

[wasssit]

I use that foil with the bubbles in the center of it, works very good and it's cheap.

[MOBY RICHARD*]

I just looked at the R2-Tec at the Fishing Frenzy, but was quoted just under 1300 by Thorne Bros, a lot more insulation than the Clam ThermalX, but much poorer Outer Skin material in my opinion, also standard old steel poles, the Clam ThermalX has the heavy duty X Series Aluminum poles...

Also with the Flat Top Sled in Either you can fit 3 comfortably, whereas in the Regular X2 with the Up Curve Sled only 2 and close together, and they are Heavier...no Upcurve Sleds for me...

I wish Clam would have made an Insulated in the Yukon Size, with More Insulation and the Flat Top Sled and Upgraded Poles...

[Reynolds]

If you were quoted $1300 dollars, then I assume that was the R-Tec three person model, as I believe that retails at $1299. The $999 figure I wrote of was the retail on the R-Tec 2 person model. As far as the sled goes, I guess that is a matter of personal preference. I just feel that the X2 sled is a bit more durable vs the X thermal sled. For either an X2 or an X thermal, you are talking about portables that for the most part would have to be pulled by a four wheeler or snowmobile. I feel that sleds tend to take a lot more abuse when pulled by a machine as opposed to being pulled by hand. With that said, I can understand why you do prefer the Yoyaguer/Yukon type sled. Definitely a lot of wasted space as you mentioned on the X2 Sled.

[MOBY RICHARD*]

Yes it was the R-Tec 3 Man, thats the only one they showed and did not mention a smaller one, and yes the X2 Sled is much thicker and hopefully more durable.

The Fish Trap ThermalX however, is able to be used by three, and if not being towed over sharp ice, should be durable enough and is much cheaper at $899, than either the 2 or 3 man R-Tec, but I agree we would want the most durable sled if machine towing long distance, over rough ice...and more insulation in the ThermalX may be desirable, even though it has the better more expensive pole system...

The thicker sled could surely be made in a Flat Top, more room and a flat lid can be made with trap doors, and used as Seating or a Swivel Seat Platform.

It seems no one Company, can get everything just the way I want it...

[BTrauma1]

I compared sleds at the show too. The R2-TEC sled was designed for rugged conditions, while the Thermal X was their standard tub. Regarding the Otter Skin material vs. R2-TEC, you must not of compared them fairly. The same sewning company sews them both, with the R2-TEC house having the newest Thinsulate FR120 insulation. Is it me or do a lot of ice fishermen make premature conclusions?

[cold one sd]

I'm guessing that there will be a pot load of used portables for sale this winter for people like me that can get along just fine with the models that are out there now. These new ones should be a lot easier to heat, but probably pretty heavy for me to load in the back of a pickup by myself. I would like to see one if I can find one around here.

[Reynolds]

Quote:

---

Is it me or do a lot of ice fishermen make premature conclusions?

---

Quote:

---

If you want cheap and under performing equipment, you get what you pay for and your experience and outcome is always compromised

---

Is not calling the Clam X Thermal cheap and under-performing a premature conclusion?