Frabill ultralite

[Guest]

What are the things you like/dislike about this unit? I have never seen one but, I like the price. any help is appreciated.

[richstick]

I won one from another site, and sold it - kept my fishtrap. The ultralite is VERY small. Narrow. It is light. It does not have a seat in it, so you have to supply your own. It has molded in bucket holders in the tub, if you still use 5 gallon buckets. The fabric is that same cheap feeling stuff that all the frabills are made of. They claim it is very tough, but I don't see how it could be nearly as durable as the USL/Clam or Otter fabrics. Just my $0.02

Richstick

[SpikeRoberts]

Bob G,
You may want to compare to Frabill with the HT Polar units. Comparably priced and I think the HT's are better units.

[Terry Hagstrom]

Frabill's cover is cordura nylon. Lets very little if any wind in and is very tough and durable at any temperature. The ultra lite was made for the person that wanted to stay on the move quickly and often.
The other models have the new seat system in them with a few other features.
It's to bad Richstick is too optionated not open minded. Frabill stands by all of their products.
Like anything, there is a tool made to do every job.

Terry Hagstrom
Terry's Guide Service
www.fishingmn.com/terry

Frabill Pro-staff and Product Development staff

[This message has been edited by Terry Hagstrom (edited 11-06-2003).]

[Northlander]

Like Terry said its designed to run and gun with, not sit all day. If you want to move a lot check it out. If your going to sit a lot than get something bigger with a seat. Frabills stuff is tuff. I have never had a problem with the materials and my stuff gets used a lot under all kinds of stress. Not a salespich just my opinion.

[Guest]

For a few more bucks the Frabill SOLO has much more head and leg room with a comfortable seat.

------------------
Ed Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
701-281-2300
><,sUMo,>

[Guest]

Thank you for your responses. Terry, I thought that all this years frabill's came with the seating system?

[Jarrod32]

I have one of these units, and the above posts are pretty accurate. It is narrow, and the fabric is lighter...though I have found it to be pretty durable. The unit is just what it says...'ultra-light'. It is a situational shack...made for moving around a lot and with ease. If I am going to be in one spot for a while, I use my Speed Shack - another Frabill product that I am extremely happy with...five years and running.

If you are going to have just one shack, though, I would suggest that the Ultra-Light is not the one. Go up a couple notches to the Ranger Twin (or another similar product such as the Fish Trap, etc)...more money, yeah, but a product that you will use more and be happier with.

[richstick]

Pardon me for expressing my opinion. The guy asked for opinions, I gave mine. I thought that was the idea behind this message board. For run and gun fishing - which is 99.9 percent of my fishing, there are simply much, much better shacks available. Check out the fishtrap scout if you want a small shanty. Blows away the ultralight. Built in seat, better tub, better fabric, etc. But I digress, I'll leave the opinions to the guys who are paid to endorse products here.....

[iffwalleyes]

Terry I see that you are a Pro Staffer maybe you should read the guidelines for posting that say no personal attacks on other individuals. I have been repramanded for far less on this site. Richstick is not too optionated he just stated what he had found in his using of the product. That is what the idea of the forum is to help people out. Don't take what he said so personal just because you are a Frabill Product developer. As he stated that was just his $0.02. As this is just my $0.02

------------------
Grip it and Rip it

IFFWalleyes
I Fish For Walleyes

[This message has been edited by iffwalleyes (edited 11-05-2003).]

[Jarrod32]

WhoaWhoaWhoa. This doesn't need to get out of hand. An individual asked a simple question about a product...looking for some other opinions on it.

A few people have tried to help him out with some insight, and everyone who has offered an opinion has indicated in their post the basis for their opinions.

richstick didn't care for the product, as he has another product that he feels is better when he compared the two. Mr. Hagstrom stated his opinion, but also disclosed his relationship with the company...the reader can then take that into account when analyzing the information. I let my feelings be known, as I have one of the units in question (unfortunately, I am not paid to endorse any products...). Mr. Roberts (as well as richstick) offered a possible alternative.

Bob, who merely requested some information, can take everyone's opinions into account for whatever he feels they are worth. Anyone else reading the post can do the same, for that matter.

[Guest]

I thank everyone for there opinions. Please, lets not get into fisticuphs(sp?) over this. It is not worth the aggrevation.

[Northlander]

You may also want to look at the Eskimo line.

[Guest]

Bob G the FRABILL ULTRA-LITE Portable is not stander with the seat. The seats becomes standard with the SOLO and remains so through the Ranger XL-Twin, and the Ranger TRI-PLEX.

Here are the basic dimensions and seating arrangements for the Frabill Flip Shack models for you to compare.

ULTRA-LITE Portable
0-seat
94"L x30"Wx57"H
Folds down: 54"Lx30"Wx17"H
Weight: 32lbs.

Ranger Solo Setup:
1-seat
96"L x 48"W x 67"H
Folded: 48"L x 45"W x 28"H
Weight: 58 lb.s

Ranger XLTwin Set-Up:
2-seat
96"L x 63"W x 67"H
Folded: 63"L x 45"W x 28"H
Weight: 87 lbs

RANGER TRI-PLEX #6095:
3-seat
106"L x 77"W x 77"H
Folded: 77"L x 45"W x 28"H
Weight: 112 lbs

I am personally eyeballing the Solo for my needs this season. I have used both of the new the Solo and XL-Twin shacks and find them handy and usefully laid out.

Last season I opted to get a Speed Shack XL and man I really love that unit!

Speed-Shack XL
Set-Up: 72" L x 72"W x 84"H
Folded: 72" L X 32"W x 9"H
Weight: 98 lbs.

Lots of room and the completely flat floor is a big winner in my book. You gain so much more usable space in the shack without that darn hinge in your way. Even in a shack that size it is easy to set it up in a minute or less. For large semi/portable unit, it is a very well built shack in my opinion.

Just think back 10 years once, and look at all the new options we have now compared to then. There are many great ice huts on the market now. The trick is finding the one that fits your needs the best. Lots of options out there for sure, and that is great to see.

------------------
Ed Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
701-281-2300
><,sUMo,>

[slick2526]

I picked up one. The skirting was improved from last year for it is longer. As far as the fabric goes its probally the best on the market. Doesnt seem the strongest but on the XL Twin I had I never cut it even when i set my new hand auger blades right on it. Eddy is right, if you can afford, go with the solo. More roomy. I bought mine because of the weight factor and it can fit in the back seat of my car.

[Stradic]

Frabills new Ice Ranger shelters are even better this year. If you fish solo, then you have to go with the Frabill Solo, as this year the seat is removeable with a couple of cup holders and a rod holder on it. Last year it was a fixed seat. And you can't go wrong with the black, five-hundred denier fabric. Sit in this house at 4 degrees with the sun out and you can dang near sit in yer underwear.

[larryz]

Last years ultralite and solo were not made with
the Arctic Armour fabric. this year they changed
all models to Arctic Armour.much better in addition to previously mentioned improvments.

[Stradic]

You are correct sir!

[Guest]

I'd like to thank everyone again. I have decided against the ultra lite only because it does not have the seating system in it. I spoke with some one from frabill and they said the seat could be purchased seperatly.
O.k. so I am being cheap!! I am however considering the solo or the fish trap pro. I am going to look at them this weekend.

[EBass]

I have a fish trap scout and love it, but it is somewhat small for my 5'11" frame, but it does the job. I would like the fish trap pro if I was looking again this year.

[Guest]

I am also 5'11". when I sat in the scout it did seem some what small. I am going to check out the pro this weekend.

[Guest]

I have a Frabill Venture plastic floor 35 lbs
I find that the material is excellent. I have been in some good strong spring winds and it held up great and not noisy I dont care for canvas as it sweats and the "tarp " material ones will make you go deaf on a windy day.
I do want to invest in a flip over one day but for now mine fits in the cruiser perfect and it goes where I point it.
I really wanted a speed shack but the price was out of reach at the time and weight was a factor, but I really would like one of them also.

My opinion? frabill gives a great deal at an affordable price.

[This message has been edited by frozenminnow (edited 11-12-2003).]

[dfv87]

I have a frabill ranger twinxlt from 3-4 years ago and really like it, the new units have the full seats but mine has the bench style so I have had 3 guys sit in there watching tip ups and fishing. the fabric artic armour I think holds up great. I have only one complaint is that as with all flip syle ones my fett are always on the ice. I found some tips to help that in new boots and building a footrest, so I think I will be set.

[icemac33]

Frabill hideout here.Bought it used.I love it.Throw everything in the sled and zip the door up.I think it is listed for 3 man.It should be listed for 2 man,two big fat canvas chairs.And a crapload of gear.