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.

 

[johnr]

I have a Frabill two seater flip over that I picked up a few years ago, Runnings had them at half price. This might have been a mistake on them as it was cheaper than the tent style eskimos.

Has been a great fish shelter, insulated, and good window placement for watching the jaw jackers. Likely the last one I will own as I only go a few times a winter anymore, and its seems built to last.

Just have to air them out at the end of the season and store them dry and out of the elements, should last a guy 20 plus years.

My buddy retired last year and picked up a new sno bear, we are headed to Winnipeg next weekend for our annual green back revival. If a guy could make sense of that kind of investment, it sure is nice.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

All mine are older models 2010-2018 probably and have also fished with others that had different brands and models
I like my older Otter Lodge Insulated but it is heavy to load and doesn't pull by hand all that great if dealing with snow sometimes it can be a pain to setup and take down when things are frosty and I have had issues with it being tippy is some cases if the wind hits it in the back (fixed by carrying an ice anchor, strap and mounting some D-Rings on the side of the sled). Clam Summit Insulated hub house that isn't too bad that I have used a couple times but it's bigger and isn't overly fun in the wind but it gives good room for 2 adults, also heavy and a pain for walking to fishing spots.
Beings I mostly fish by myself I have pulled my old Shappell flip over out of the shop, it is a small 2 man (have fished 2 many many times in the past) but makes a really nice 1 man. Shappell isn't fancy with no sliding poles and not insulated but it is easier to get around with, quick and easy to deploy and brake down, the sled being wider than most rides over snow easier and there is plenty of room to run 2 holes, I don't mind the seat system, pretty easy to heat because it is so small downside is you really won't stand up in it but I find that if I need to stand up it usually means I am getting out anyways. They show that an insulated tent is available still and I'm thinking about getting one and making a few custom poles to stretch tension a little better, funny thing is I feel like my gear stacks nicer and easier in the Shappell sled than the Otter, Shappell shorter but wider, Otter narrower and longer.
In the end they each have their place based on my needs. Have fished mostly the last 2yrs with just my sled and no house

 

[Jigaman]

I had a Clam one man, two man and hub house. I sold them all and now have an otter one man, two man and hub house. IMO otter is a little better quality.