I can't get ice fishing off my mind so I need some help. I am looking for a portable shack this year. I am stuck between the clam yukon thermal cap ($550) and a frabill tekker deluxe ($450) The clam has a slightly taller tub, tabs for pushing the pole buttons and an insulated cap. The frabill comes with a travel cover a $50 add on for the clam. What are some of the pros and cons? I don't think I will be out in -10 with a 30 mph north wind as I have a permanent. I'm just looking for a run and gun option first ice and in fair weather.
My wife and I use the Yukon Thermal Cap and love it. I have been very impressed with Clam's customer service dept. too. "Operator error" has caused me to call the customer service dept. for parts a couple times and they have shipped them out right away!!! They are both about the same weight, so you probably can't go wrong with either one...
Good to know of customer service. I am leaning toward the clam. Something about the tub, seems heavier than the frabill. Just curious, does the thermal really help keep the condensation down? That is gonna be the definite winner if you say yes... Something about getting rained on when its 0 degrees. Thanks!
The Clam is the only way to go, I have 3 clams, Voyager, Pro, Scout non thermal, The Voyager has at least 100 miles on it drug behind the snowmachine loaded with gear the tub shows no wear, it is one tough sled. Seen a new Frabill last winter with 15 miles on it behind a wheeler and the tub was almost worn through.
As Kevin said customer service is good from Clam Corp.
Now the new Otter's are supposed to be the real ticket as well, have not seen one in action, sat in one set up on the store floor, seats are really comfortable.
I have the Clam X2 and although heavy to lift for a short fat guy, it is a beast on the ice and The most comfortable portable I've been in. Great customer service also when my brother in law burnt my nylon zipper!!! Clam al the way!!! Slammer!!!
Dont give short fat guys a bad wrap. Just have TJ do it for ya. He nice that way. I agree all the way. Got a 6800 and broke a pole end. It is a few...yrs on it and just called cs to tell um how nice an ol shack she was. They sent me the pole end free of charge. Way out of warrantee. For gratitude i sent a pic of it on the aluminum sled i made with stotage. One day i get a package in the mail. It contains ice team decals, literature, a nice letter and some ice armour gloves. You tell me in this day and age what company does things like that???
I did punch a hole in the front of my Yukon last year but you should have seen the ice I was pulling it through. I know 98% of most fishermen would not even dare to venture in it. 1/2 mile an hour at the most is all I could travel. So it wasn't Clams fault. I can't say enough about my Yukon.
I have a frabill deluxe 2 and the sled is thinner than the clam corp. sleds. but i rigged up two old skis to the bottom to protect the sled. it works great and i have about twenty dollars in hardware. i use it on saginaw bay(which is really rough travel usually) and on lbdn and bbdn. been using it for three years that way, but i think next time i will purchase the clam.
I did it. Bought the Yukon TC... Started to assemble but that didn't last long. My excuse was I should buy the wear strips before its all together. Think they will be easier to install while its not assembled. Man there is a lot of pieces to that thing. Pretty excited.