Otter. vs. Fish Trap X2

[The_Vex_Man]

I want to get a new flip over house and I am trying to figure out which one I should get. I like the sled and tent on the otter but i dont know about the square poles and the seats for it. And on the X2 I like the seats and the tent. I was wondering what people thought of and what you liked about them and how they have worked for you

[fishinlocal]

If it was me and a complete toss-up between the two go with the lightest (especially if you will be pulling it by hand at all). I myself have a FT Yukon and have had nothing but success with it! Clam is a great company to work with. One of the poles in my Yukon was slighty bent and I called then and they had a replacement out to me the next day free of charge. The seats in the FT models are unbeatable IMO. The X2 has a much tougher sled than the older model FTs so it would be comparable to the Otter sleds. I too have always wondered about the square poles in the Otter's and was one reason I stuck with Clam.

On the other hand I have also heard nothing but good things about the Otter tents and service people.

[Walleye Guy]

I have not used an X2. However I recentlypurchased a new Otter and the whole thing has been great. The one issue I have is one of the buttons in a pole is not alinged properly. I will fixed that after the season. The seats are great, the fabric is the best non-insulated I have seen. I would highly recommend the Otter.

[Iambjm]

I recently purchased a used OtterII with a hitch, and the hitch pin assembly that hooks to your towing hitch was bent. I emailed them and asked if I could purchase just this part and they sent me one free of charge. I really like this setup, although it is an older one and has many patches and the poles tend to stick a bit, but heck that is what WD-40 is for.

[Northlander]

Go with the Otter. Better tubs by far and the square poles were fine for me.

You should check out the Otter Ice Camo Series of houses. Best of both worlds in my opinion. http://www.otter.com

[PHD]

If you are like me its and easy choice. Go with the one that costs less!

[Neiko]

I was always against the Blue Company. After looking at a lot of houses the X2 was the one I bought. Love the seats and the poles and canvas are very durable. No regrets.

[David Kasten]

i have one and love it.

[The_Vex_Man]

Has anyone had any problems with the seats sliding back and forth on the black plastic with the new Otters?

[Fishing Freak]

otter i have a new one and it works great.

[eyebjim]

I like my X2 when I pull it with the four wheeler. It's a bit of a tank. Other than that it is great.

[PDOGG]

I've fished out of both and both are quality houses. I own and prefer the otter for a few reasons the biggest one being weight otter's are consideriably lighter if you check the spec's yet they are every bit as durable. The second being that if you do any sight fishing the x2's grey material lets in way to much light. The seats in the x2 are better but not enough to out weigh the other down falls. My otter has the square poles and they seem to slide up and down just fine I usually spray them with wd-40 each year.

[The_Vex_Man]

PDOGG have you had any problems with the fabric ripping at the bottom front of the house were the tent attaches to the poles. My old eskimo is a piece of junk and all the sleeves tore off not to long after i had it. So that is also one thing that i want to see what people have to say. Thanks

[castmaster]

Otter's(I believe the X2's as well) have extra fabric sewn over where tthe canvas rubs the pole bracket to keep it from tearing. They also attach to the poles using velcro loops, not the sleeves like a Eskimo does.

I've been running Otter houses since the first year they came out, and would still be using that first one(a buddy still puts it through heavy use) if not for the upgrades and improvements over time. Because of that I'll continue buying Otter products, but I dont think you could really go wrong with either. I have friends with X2's and they seem to be a nice shack. One thing I do like is the option to connect 2 together with the trap link feature. Wish Otter would come out with something similar, of course that would mean buying another new shack!

[anyfishwilldo]

I have and love an X2. The poles are unbeatable and the tent is very tough.

[Northlander]

Vex man I havent had any trouble at all with my seats. The new Otter Camo Series seat system is very nice. The new Pole design is probably the smoothest I have ever tried. The pole design is simular to the x2's. One thing is the Otter tub gives you a bit more seating room than the x2 sled from what I have seen.

[Borch]

 Originally Posted By: The_Vex_Man

PDOGG have you had any problems with the fabric ripping at the bottom front of the house were the tent attaches to the poles.

No problem at all with the canvas. The most durable stuff on the market. The seats work fine and you can adjust their position left to right but sliding it on the tub. It doesn't just move on it's own though. Another plus is how well the skirting lays on the ice and around the tub sealing out the cold wind. A little snow on the skirting and your in business. This past weekend we were fishing in an Otter Lodge in 35-45 mph winds on URL. It was impressive how the Otter performed under these conditions.

[SlabSlayKid]

Definitly go with the X2. i have used both brands selling my otter to get a Clam Corp trap. The otter has has square poles that like to stick along with a cnavas tent that gets easily wet and freezes. also you have to buy seats seperately. The X2 is the ultimate in several man comfort. The large diameter round poles slide through a rubber-coated plastic collar and work great. the tent is ice armour materail that is very durable as well as waterproof. it also comes with seats that are very nicely embroidered wiht the trap logo. the sled is also made with virgin resin plastic. the X2 is also a sleek blue and gray color compared to the either green or purple otter. or you can look at otter ice camo that looks like a third grade girl's t-shirt pattern. And if your budget isnt a matter step up to the Clam X-Thermal. Its a bit larger than a X2 and has a thermal lining on the tent that keeps it much warmer inside. Go with the clam X Series for sure!!!

____________________________________________

If it Hits the Bait, it HIts the Plate!

[tisosy11]

THe X2 is the way to go...the new tub is great and I've had zero problems.

Its a bear but still manageable!

[blueroof]

I've got an X2 and an otter cottage. Apart from the difference in size, the X2 is a better trap IMO. I've never really looked too hard at the Barbie camo Otters, pretty sure they are an improvement over the older ones with the packers or vikings colored tents.

As mentioned, the X2 and X4 tub limits the spacing between the seats. The seat at the front of the sled get more space by default because of the shape of the sled.

LB

[tisosy11]

Yeah, that is a negative...the shape of the sled, but also the sled is soo much more durable than older clam sleds, I think its worth it.

The new pole design is absolutely flawless. I have been out in -30 weather and never had any trouble.

Also, the window fabric has held up amazingly even in the cold.

The fabric is great.

No complaints here...still waiting to finish all my mods and get some pictures posted.

Hopefully after it warms up a little bit!

[PDOGG]

No problem with the fabric ripping what so ever.

[trro0901]

I just picked up an Otter Cabin, and its great other then the zipper seperating every time I touch it. Not sure why but one of my buddies picked up one too and his zipper does the same thing. The sled is really nice on it though, and the cost is much less then an X2. The square pipes can be a bit of a hassle, but like said earlier, just spray it down and they work fine. Good luck with your house which ever it may be!

[fishnhooks]

I suggest the X2 as well. Strong fabric. Very comfortable seats. Strong tub. Heck, If it can hold up to some of my friends it's good in my book. I do not think anyone would heckle you if you bought an Otter.

But go with what fits you the best. I am sure that you will be happy with either one.

"hooks"

[fishorgolf]

I have and X2 and was coming off Mille Lacs one night and I forgot to put the cover on and it came open. I drove 2 miles at 30 mph (my brother in his truck behind me said it looked like a big tent) and not one single problem with the poles or anything. This is one tuff portable.