Otter. vs. Fish Trap X2

[Tyler D]

I got the X2 this year have been nothing but happy with it. I think the best feature is the new sled design it makes it so easy to pull, especially nice for the early and late ice.

[Fred_Bear]

As far as durability I think you'll be fine with either. I just got back from a trip to Ontario where we took a 20 one way snowmobile trip each day through a few portages and on lakes that had 2-4 foot drifts everywhere. 2 guys were pulling new X2's and another pulling a 5 year old otter cabin. We went 30-40 mph all over and the only things ever to break were the hitches which are actually part of the snowmobile. The guy with the otter snapped his hitch (3/8" steel) right off and one guy with an X2 bent his but nothing ever went wrong with the sleds... No damage at all the tow bars even.

These are both great portables and I think you'll be happy either way... a true "win - win situation".

[Walleye Guy]

SlabSlayKid,

You need to look at the new Otters with the Ice Camo and not compare the X2 to the old Otters. The canvas on the Ice Camo unit is a completely different animal compared to the other older Otters. Seats and a cover are included with the new Otters as well so there is no buying the pieces like in the past. The square poles on the Otter have not stuck or froze at all for me.

Both are great house. Just don't dismaiss the Otter as an option by comparing the X2 to the old Otter model.

[Northlander]

Ya the Otter Camo Series is what you need to compare to the X2. Its very simular with the poles and black inner on the canvas. The canvas on the Otter is 900 denier.

Either way you will have a nice house to fish in. Both tubs are very tuff and pull very nicely on a ridgid hitch system.

Buy the one you like most and has the right price for you.

[Neiko]

Do any of you Otter guys have problems with the poles collapsing. When I was looking at houses the one thing I noticed in different stores was one side was usually collapsed in the Otters. The guy at one store said they would be a great house if they got that problem fixed.

[BoxMN]

Hmmm, nope, not on my Cabin. Had only for two years, but everythign works great. One reason I like the square tubes is that the buttons will ALWAYS line up correctly. Not sure about the new style round ones as I haven't really looked at them. But anybody who has ever used a round landing net that collapses (yes, even the good brands) it is a pain/hassle/swear fest when you canNOT get it alligned quickly to "snap" tight. Once we got a triangle shaped net handle, we never had that problem again.

Not sure if that affects the round tube shacks, the newer ones, but I know it happened on some older models. But I think either would be good choice. Weight was a fairly big factor for me as well, in a two man shack. Good luck.

[Northlander]

I havent had problems with my poles not colapsing in my old square tubing Pro Series or in the new design of the Camo Series. With any house I get I make sure to put some light gun oil in where the spring clip runs in the bigger pole.

I had a older portable with the round poles and swore I would never buy another round tube house.

The new X2 round poles are much improved over the old metal on metal round tubes that some brands still use.

[tisosy11]

If your concerns are weight and price - go otter.

If you don't care about weight and can afford the X2 - go that route.

I don't even think the price or weight is much different when comparing the otter camo to the x2. Both portables will be real favorable.

I chose mine only because of how comfortable i was sitting in the fish trap seats...even when i am alone i leave the second seat in and kick back and relax!

[D_BOONE]

I have the x2 and love it. It is kind of a heavy pig at times but it is manageable to get it in the back of the truck by yourself though. Built very well I have given it abuse and seems to hold up well.