Clam vs. Eskimo vs. Otter

[USMCGrunt]

So I just got into ice fishing this year and ive been having a blast. I got a good deal on an Eskimo Quickfish 3HD during a sale back in January that would work for my needs. I’ve been perfectly happy with it but I’ve been looking at the other offerings from Clam and Otter which seem to be the other 2 big names in ice fishing shelters. Is there any big difference in their quality of construction or materials? So what did you go with when you bought a shelter and why?

 

[risingsun]

I have had them all at one time or another. Currently have otter lodge flip over, and the Otter Pro Vortec lodge hub shelter. I think the otter is built better, but that is just my preference. 20 years ago without a doubt Otter was better, but the others have caught up with better zippers, sewing, tubs etc... from what I see.

 

[wslayer]

^^^^^ agreed. When first purchased many years ago Otter was a much more sturdy house. I have Otter Pro Cabin. Would like to go a little bigger but getting to hard for this old fart to get loaded in the truck. Already have to use my ATV ramps. Have a Clam Bigfoot 4000 for a hub (rarely use).
I think they are all pretty even these days in quality. The Thermal is a "must".

 

[Davy Crockett]

^^^^^ agreed. When first purchased many years ago Otter was a much more sturdy house. I have Otter Pro Cabin. Would like to go a little bigger but getting to hard for this old fart to get loaded in the truck. Already have to use my ATV ramps. Have a Clam Bigfoot 4000 for a hub (rarely use).
I think they are all pretty even these days in quality. The Thermal is a "must".

I finally put a little snatch block on the front of my pickup box and hook up the sled and pull double line. Makes it a lot easier for us old farts , then when I pull it out, I let the front down slow and unhook the rope. It would even be easier with ramps.

 

[shorthairsrus]

I selected otter because i own one. But recently fished from a new eskimo was impressed

 

[NDSportsman]

Otter or Clam have the best quality IMO.

Otter sleds can't be beat.

Both Otter and Clams tent materials/zippers are about equal now days.

 

[5575]

Otter or Clam have the best quality IMO.

Otter sleds can't be beat.

Both Otter and Clams tent materials/zippers are about equal now days.

Oh Otters sleds can be beat..by allot. But it comes at a price. Its nice knowing that your not going to lose anything when things get rough. The musher attachment is pretty cool as well to haul a buddy around.

https://koendersmfg.com/shop/trapper-sled/

 

[NDSportsman]

Oh Otters sleds can be beat..by allot. But it comes at a price. Its nice knowing that your not going to lose anything when things get rough. The musher attachment is pretty cool as well to haul a buddy around.

https://koendersmfg.com/shop/trapper-sled/

What's that cost?

 

[Silver]

I have the old style, 2-man, uninsulated, Clam FishTrap. I have had it for MANY years with no issues. I have been thinking about getting a new one. I want the uninsulated one because of the weight of the thermal ones.....I don't think that I can get it in the back of my truck anymore.
I don't think that a person can buy an uninsulated one anymore....if you know of a company that makes an uninsulated flip-over...please advise.
Thank you!

 

[Shockwave]

I love my Eskimo 650XD. Sometimes I wish I had something bigger but the 650 is heavy and bulky enough. If I do go bigger the Clam X-1200 would be the way to go. I'm pretty sure it's the biggest on the market right now.

 

[Allen Gamble]

I've fished out of all three brands and my order of purchase would be Eskimo, Otter, Frabill, Clam.

I'm just not impressed with what Clam has done in their flip over shelters line up.