Flip over vs. Cabin fish houses?

[Go Big Red!]

   I'm looking at getting a portable fish house and not sure which way to go.  Really want a roomy two man but cost is huge a determining factor when making a choice for me. I like the ease of a flip over with a sled and built in seats and less I need to carry, but I like the cabin for cost and larger sizes. Yet, if a flip over has the room and ease of use, I wouldn't mind spending a bit more and have less to worry about.  Not sure what to do here.   

[22lex]

I had a Clam 6800 and they are worthless unless you just plan on driving everywhere and not dragging it. Very hard to unload without another adult, and set up wasn't bad. Something like a suitcase would be great for two adults and one child, but I am not sure what you are getting it for. Not sure on the clam 5600 sizes and such, but ultimately they are hard to drag anywhere.

I have one of the medium sized Frabill flip overs and with everything loaded (auger/heater/equipment/minnows..etc.) in there I can drag it on ice/snow quite a ways without getting too tired. It fits two average sized adults + heater, plus stacked holes so it serves it's purpose quite well. I personally like moving around alot, so this unit is perfect for me.

I got mine used over the summer for 225 bucks.

I would just keep your eyes on the classifieds and forums for a good used one to come up.

[sandmannd]

I have a flip over and a pop up. The pop up is great because it's light, I can stand in it and it's 6-8' so very roomy. However, if I had to choose it would be hands down my flip over. My otter is the bomb. Can load up the sled with everything I need, pulls great and to move you just flip it down and move then flip it over you again. Course, the flips cost a lot more.

[Go Big Red!]

I had a Clam 6800 and they are worthless unless you just plan on driving everywhere and not dragging it. Very hard to unload without another adult, and set up wasn't bad. Something like a suitcase would be great for two adults and one child, but I am not sure what you are getting it for. Not sure on the clam 5600 sizes and such, but ultimately they are hard to drag anywhere.

I have one of the medium sized Frabill flip overs and with everything loaded (auger/heater/equipment/minnows..etc.) in there I can drag it on ice/snow quite a ways without getting too tired. It fits two average sized adults + heater, plus stacked holes so it serves it's purpose quite well. I personally like moving around alot, so this unit is perfect for me.

I got mine used over the summer for 225 bucks.

I would just keep your eyes on the classifieds and forums for a good used one to come up.

My main use is two adults or myself and my son.

[FireRanger]

Get a flip over....nuff said.

[lhprop1]

I've got a Frabill and Clam flipover and my buddy has a Clam hub style.  We fish out of all of them depending on the situation.  Each has its pros and cons.  You have to figure out what features are more important to you and choose depending on that. 

Flip over pros:
-Sled included. 
-Easy to set up and take down
-You can put other stuff in the sled if you're dragging it by hand. 
-Easy to get into and out of.
-Built in seats (less to forget)

Flip over cons:
-Heavy to load/unload into the truck if you're by yourself.
-You can't load it into a car if you don't have a truck or SUV
-Limited space and you're limited on how to configure your holes, heater, Vexilar, etc
-You can't stand up.
-Sliding poles can be hard to collapse when cold

Hub style pros:
-Easy to set up
-Easy to transport, especially if you don’t have a truck or SUV
-Roomier than a flip over
-You can arrange your holes, heater, Vexilar, etc in many different configurations
-You can stand up

Hub style cons:
-No sled included.  If you’re not driving out on the lake, you have to figure out how to carry your rods, chairs, auger, heater, electronics, etc another way.
-More difficult to get into and out of than a flip over.  I’m a bigger guy (6’1”, 235 235 lbs) and I have a really tough time getting in and out with my boots and winter clothes on.
-Will blow away if you don’t anchor it down.   

[UplandObsession]

Get a flip over....nuff said.

 

[BiggA]

I have a flip over Clam x2. It is nice having the sled and it is tall enough inside for me to stand up in. I think the x2 is toward the top as far as price though for a two man. The thing I dont like is it weighs around maybe a little over 100lbs empty. I dont know maybe Im a little outa shape but dragging 100+lbs of dead weight in the snow sucks.

[JohnWester]

Get a flip over....nuff said.

 

agreed

[FireRanger]

The weight is not a problem (for Red to lift), he is a strong and husky young lad. I think for him the flip suits him better. Early season is warmer so I think a house so to speak isn't always a necessity. Later in the year when the weather is colder you want protection and the ice is thicker to drive on (on average). I know I get sick of dragging my suitcase around with the kids riding on it or saying they are tired of walking out before we even get there. I am a rather large man (6'4" and 255) and the suitcase is too small for me but Red fits right in it. The floor is nice but snow is also a good floor eventhough it's a bit colder. IDK.....

[Go Big Red!]

The weight is not a problem (for Red to lift), he is a strong and husky young lad. I think for him the flip suits him better. Early season is warmer so I think a house so to speak isn't always a necessity. Later in the year when the weather is colder you want protection and the ice is thicker to drive on (on average). I know I get sick of dragging my suitcase around with the kids riding on it or saying they are tired of walking out before we even get there. I am a rather large man (6'4" and 255) and the suitcase is too small for me but Red fits right in it. The floor is nice but snow is also a good floor eventhough it's a bit colder. IDK.....

Are you handing out compliments?   I'm impressed.  And right you are with the later season and colder weather for a house.  I would like to get out more and get the youngsters out of the house too.  I don't mind your suitcase, easy to move and set-up but it could be bigger as you have said.

[Dan R.]

 I was at fleet farm today & they are starting to put there flip over's on sale, might what go there & check them out just my .02 

[Go Big Red!]

I was at fleet farm today & they are starting to put there flip over's on sale, might what go there & check them out just my .02 

Blaine or Brooklyn Park?  Thanks Dan!

[Dan R.]

Red, I was @ the one in Oakdale

[Go Big Red!]

   I forgot about that one.  Thanks again Dan.

[lentz]

i just bought a otter 1 man flip its big enough for 2 if your pan fishing but is perfect size for 1 if your wally fishing and the square pipes are hard to bend compared to clam fish traps

[Go Big Red!]

Thanks for the info everyone.

We have now purchased a Clam Denali II fish house.  Our only complaint has been the hardware as some of the nuts and bolts wouldn't thread correctly.  Unfortunate considering how much we spent and they cannot provide proper .03 hardware. 

FISH ON!   :fishing2:

[FireRanger]

Congratulations on your new arrival!! Now you just have to find the time to use it! Oh wait....you have no time to use it . For sale! 1 barely used Clam Denalli II!! Just kidding bud! Now you will be able to fish in comfort. Let me know what yer doin this weekend. The weather will be nice and the whole family may be going out.

BTW I have a limit of Tullees smokin out the neighborhood right now!! STOKED!!

[Go Big Red!]

Congratulations on your new arrival!! Now you just have to find the time to use it! Oh wait....you have no time to use it . For sale! 1 barely used Clam Denalli II!! Just kidding bud! Now you will be able to fish in comfort. Let me know what yer doin this weekend. The weather will be nice and the whole family may be going out.

BTW I have a limit of Tullees smokin out the neighborhood right now!! STOKED!!

Hockey Saturday PM and into the evening.  Mix in a brother-in-law birthday gathering as well.  Sunday looks to be open but need to check the Mite ice times.