Hello I’m looking to buy a new pop up ice fishing tent. I looked at the Eskimo fatfish 949i the dimensions are perfect 8’x8’6’high, but I’m not really happy with the quality and materials It looks to me that it’s a one or two season use and then it’s just trash. I have an old canvas ice fishing shelter made by Norseman that I still use the thing is 20+ years old and built to last, but I want something a bit more roomier and that sets up quicker any recommendations you guys have on selecting a new pop up would be greatly appreciated?
Only thing to keep watch for are the poles, if they bend too much they break easily. Not a bad idea to order some spares to have on hand, they usually will break on take down.
Other than that it is like most things, look after them and they will last a long time.
Have a 949i. Going on 3rd season still looks like the day I brought it home. I dry it out after every use. No issues with it in anyway, shape or form.
Wish I had bought a 6120i for the extra room as I am a bit of a gear junkie so be a bit crowded with more than 2 people in it.
I have the same tent (949i) and mine is still going strong after 3 seasons too. I usually fish either Spray Lakes or Beaver Mines Lake, so it's not like it hasn't seen any wind lol.
Maybe they have gotten better in the last couple years but when I used to work at Wholesale, people came in all the time looking for parts. Broken poles, broken hubs, torn out grommets. I would go with one of the sled style flip up ones. But each have there advantages and disadvantages.
I too have the 949i and am happy with it. I have had two of the hubs break due to taking it down improperly. Check out the Otter line up, I think they are built slightly heavier.
Pop up ice fishing tents, durability...
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