Frabill Predator vs. Otter Lodge

[eyesandgills]

Wondering if anyone has used the new Frabill portables (Predator or the Magnum) with the new 1 1/2" tubing? Considering the purchase of a new portable and the Frabil caught my eye. I like the Otter design, but the new tubing Frabill has intrigues me. Any thoughts?

Thanks much!

[morpho]

I love it no problems in the 6 times its been out.It also seemed pretty solid during assembly as well .

I will say its a beast to drag threw the snow and load by yourself!

[Cody Lubeley]

I agree I've used mine about 7-8 times this year and i can't get it in the back of my truck without help from one of my friends.

Also it is the perfect portable if you have an ATV or Sled to pull it with otherwise it can be tough to drag out onto the lake.

Once you've got it set up and your fishing I'd have to say its one of the nicest houses to be in and setting it up is a breeze...Once you get to your fishing hole

[morpho]

I agree I've used mine about 7-8 times this year and i can't get it in the back of my truck without help from one of my friends.

Also it is the perfect portable if you have an ATV or Sled to pull it with otherwise it can be tough to drag out onto the lake.

Once you've got it set up and your fishing I'd have to say its one of the nicest houses to be in and setting it up is a breeze...Once you get to your fishing hole

I find the best way to self load it is to use the towbar blocks in the front as a rest/brace. so lift it that high and rest it on those. Then go to the back and lift it up so the front angle gets level and slides in. once it slides you can set it down.

Its not light but its by far the best way I've found makes it 10x easier and it keeps you from having to take the whole load at any given time.

[Cody Lubeley]

I'll have to try that out tomorrow While loading up on my way to the croix sounds a lot easier than the way I've been loading it in there haha

Thanks

[Big A]

I saw the new Frabills at the show ..

Based on all others that were there.. which was just about all the sled style portables available.. we will be seeing a LOT more Frabills out on the ice.

The changes they made were definately for the better and I would argue they are the best sled style portable going right now.

My Bro bought one on the spot. They are very nice.

[bus33]

I purchased the predator for this year. I have to say it is heavy to drag if there is snow but I have an ATV so when the ice is good it's not a problem. The thick poles and self lubricating system is awesome. It takes no effort to put it up and take it down. The fabric is super tough...900 denier. The seats are amazingly comfortable. There isn't enough room for a third seat but you could fish another person on a bucket. Overall it is an awesome shack and 100 bucks cheaper than the comparable fish trap x.

[Ed Carlson]

Bingo...it is a well made and tough unit. Best 2 man shack on the market this season, with the exception of the New Frabill R2-Tech version of the Frabill Predator...that is as good as it gets.

[tonkapat]

the fact that the predator weighs 140 pounds makes my decision pretty easy. the lodge

[morpho]

the fact that the predator weighs 140 pounds makes my decision pretty easy. the lodge

lmk where that extra 30lbs in the predi is missing from the lodge when it comes apart they did not fill the sled with lead

[fiskyknut]

Otter is the only way to go in a flip over for my money. The Gold Standard by which all others are judged!!!

Put a Canvas Craft Norpac skin on the Otter tub and you're talking top shelf when it comes to an insulated sled type.

fiskyknut

[ChuckN]

I can't speak of the Predator as I've never put them to the test, but they look nice in the store when I've checked them out.

I'm an Otter Lodge fan, and have been for several years. Otter introduced a new tubing design also, and I really like it. Smoother and stronger.

The new 900 Denier canvas is nice too, much lighter, yet very efficient in the cold and wind.

Otter gets my vote because it will go anywhere in the worst conditions and never let me down.

[harvey lee]

Otter seems to never let one down. I agree 100% with you Chuck.

[Neighbor_guy]

I tried hard to buy an otter but.... They did not pass the "tip over test". I got booted out of the shack section of Cabellas for dumping one and I did the same at the Ice fishing show.

I like to sit on the right hand side of the shack and spend most of my time fishing alone. The frabills and clams did not tip the way the otters did. Great for others... Not for me.

[wishing for walleyes]

Frabil for me.no complaints with it.

[Dave S]

I was looking at portables the other day and noticed the upgrade to the larger tubing. One thing I didn't like was the sharp edges left by the mandrel bender from using the wrong size tooling during the fabrication.

It's not a house that anyone is talking about here. But no matter how thick the canvas is, those sharp edges will destroy it.

I can't believe the poor workmanship. I will be looking towards a new Frabill or Otter after seeing that.