17. Price
- Clam X-400 - 9 points
- Eskimo Outbreak 450XD - 8 points
- Otter Vortex Pro Lodge - 10 points
In USD MSRP, these tents are all fairly close in price, ranging from $519 for the Otter up to $579 for the Clam. But the spread in Western Canada is considerably larger, due largely to availability. The Otter Vortex Pro Lodge was $649 at Cabela's while the Eskimo Outbreak 450XD was $779 also at Cabela's. The Clam X-400 Ice Team was considerably harder to come by and I paid $839 from Pokey's Tackle in Regina. Unlike the Clam, you'll almost certainly see the Otter and Eskimo on sale throughout the season.
One thing to keep in mind with the Eskimo are those tie downs and ice anchors mentioned earlier. To have all that you need, you'll need to buy Eskimo's
Deluxe Tie Down Kit and
Ice Anchor 2-Pack. Figure another $60 or so for that, bringing the effective price of the Eskimo up to the $839 of the Clam. Of course the Clam still needs grommets and more ice anchors itself. But this Ice Team Edition comes with Clam's Aurora Lighting system. I haven't set them up yet, but a comparable number of
Otter Pro Universal LED lights (you'll need two sets) will run you over $200. Remember the Otter is $650 and goes on sale. Also remember the old saying you get what you pay for.
