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Frabill Predator vs. Otter Lodge

eyesandgills

By eyesandgills
in Ice Fishing

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eyesandgills Apprentice

eyesandgills

Posted
Posted

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!

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Cody Lubeley Enthusiast

Cody Lubeley

Posted
Posted

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

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morpho Enthusiast

morpho

Posted
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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.

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Big A Proficient

Big A

Posted
Posted

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.

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bus33 Apprentice

bus33

Posted
Posted

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.

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fiskyknut Mentor

fiskyknut

Posted
Posted

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

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ChuckN Veteran

ChuckN

Posted
Posted

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.

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Neighbor_guy Grand Master

Neighbor_guy

Posted
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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.

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Dave S Grand Master

Dave S

Posted
Posted

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.

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