Eskimo or Clam?!?

[morinj]

Looking to purchase a ice fishing tent, not sure if m gonna go with Clam or Eskimo, does anyone know of any pros and cons, any suggestions, or feedback, any info would be appreciated, thank you!

[bwackwabbit]

I would say Eskimo. I've owned 3 now and all excellent quality. I've had to deal w/Ardisam (the parent company) on several accessory orders. Let me tell you they go out of their way to demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction.

I've not had reason to seek warranty service. However I personally know several guys who have and the experience has been the same.

Buy with confidence.

Cheers,

Scott.

[linger]

the only bad thing with these is they won.t spare about an extra foot of material on the carrying bag hard to get the tent in after a day of fishing.tents are good though.

[jeffrey929]

Clam all the way!! Have had mine for nearly 5 seasons and it's bulletproof

[JohninAB]

I prefer Eskimo insulated tents over Clam as the Eskimo does not let the light in like the blue Clam models and the Eskimo insulated models fabric seems beefier than the Clam fabric.

My 949i I used a tie down strap to cinch the tent up snug when going to put it away at the end of the day and had zero issues getting it back in the bag.

Do not think you can wrong with either tent though.

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by bwackwabbit

I would say Eskimo. I've owned 3 now and all excellent quality. I've had to deal w/Ardisam (the parent company) on several accessory orders. Let me tell you they go out of their way to demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction.

I've not had reason to seek warranty service. However I personally know several guys who have and the experience has been the same.

Buy with confidence.

Cheers,

Scott.

I'm going to second Eskimo's excellent customer service. I have owned a Quickfish 2 tent for years with no complaints, and last year I wanted to upgrade to a bigger tent. I bought a 949I tent, which I loved, but the fabric seemed just a little to tight for the tent to "pop" out like they are supposed to. A couple of people told me that the fabric would eventually stretch out, but it didn't after a season of use.

A couple of weeks ago I emailed Eskimo about this problem, with the idea that buying new poles might resolve my problem. Eskimo asked me to email them some pictures of the problem, which I did. I got a reply the next day stating that the seams had been stitched improperly, and even though my tent was past the warranty period, that they would be replacing it with a new tent. A few days later UPS delivered a brand new tent to me. I don't know how many companies would replace a defective problem AFTER the warranty expired, but Eskimo did for me.

[gmathers2]

I can't say anything about customer service, but my clam has been great after two seasons. Nothing has failed yet, and the tie downs it comes with are a much better system as fas as I'm concerned.

[HuyFishin]

i would get an insulated tent from Eskimo, the fabrics thick and feels very durable because of the layers. my non insulated just ripped and tore over time too easily.

[Stubb]

I've owned an Otter and most recently an Eskimo. The Otter flip I have had for about 8 years and never have had an issue. The Eskimo I bought this year and 3rd time out two of the hubs broke while setting it up. It may have been partially my fault by setting it up wrong idk, it's not really rocket science. Eskimo replaced the hubs no questions asked which was nice but would've been better if they didn't break... I've heard great things about all 3 manufacturers but went with the Eskimo due to the replaceable windows which I don't think Clam offers. Otter pop ups also have replaceable windows I believe and it was going to be my second choice. I'm sure you'll be happy with any one of them.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by linger

the only bad thing with these is they won.t spare about an extra foot of material on the carrying bag hard to get the tent in after a day of fishing.tents are good though.

My Quickfish 3i has plenty of bag. I've heard this complaint about Eskimo tents pretty often, but its just not true with the insulated version.

[sureshot]

After dealing with Eskimo today I will never purchase another one of their products. Sent an email in regards to my poles being to long, and was told that because I couldn't find my receipt they will not help me. Even though they know it's and on going problem with their product.

[Stubb]

Originally Posted by sureshot

After dealing with Eskimo today I will never purchase another one of their products. Sent an email in regards to my poles being to long, and was told that because I couldn't find my receipt they will not help me. Even though they know it's and on going problem with their product.

I had to call three times before I could get someone to talk to when my hubs broke a few weeks ago. I suggest phoning them, you may have to wait on hold for 15 minutes but it's a lot easier to tell someone "no" over email than over the phone. The guy that I ended up getting was really good and shipped them out to me right away. may be worth a try anyway.

[sureshot]

Originally Posted by Stubb

I had to call three times before I could get someone to talk to when my hubs broke a few weeks ago. I suggest phoning them, you may have to wait on hold for 15 minutes but it's a lot easier to tell someone "no" over email than over the phone. The guy that I ended up getting was really good and shipped them out to me right away. may be worth a try anyway.

I did phone 4 times no one would answer. Left messages no call backs. For me it's more of the principle of it. They know there is a problem but wont address it. I will be buying Clam next year.

[Scott N]

Originally Posted by sureshot

After dealing with Eskimo today I will never purchase another one of their products. Sent an email in regards to my poles being to long, and was told that because I couldn't find my receipt they will not help me. Even though they know it's and on going problem with their product.

When did you buy your tent? I can understand why you're upset, but the majority of retailers is going to need some sort of proof of purchase to replace something.

[Argo lover]

I have only used an Eskimo and no experience with the other brand. I bought a new 6120 insulated this year and love it. have used about 8 times now and no problems. Nice and dark inside with the windows closed. Easy and quick to set up and take down. Lots of room. Have used it at -25 and a howling wind and it worked great. Mr heater big buddy on high would roast us out. had to turn it down to medium. The only downfall I might say is the size of the door is a little small. once you get used to it and figured out how to use it it aint to bad. Me and family do enjoy the tent. I would recommend an eskimo.

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by sureshot

After dealing with Eskimo today I will never purchase another one of their products. Sent an email in regards to my poles being to long, and was told that because I couldn't find my receipt they will not help me. Even though they know it's and on going problem with their product.

They asked me for a receipt as well but said even a credit card statement showing it would work.


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[EZM]

I have both. The Eskimo is a far better tent overall with better/thicker and stronger fabric with a coarser thread, far superior anchors, way better zippers, vents and windows etc,,,

I do use the Clam more often, because it's larger, but there really is no comparison.

The Eskimo is better in the overwhelming majority of the things that seem to count.

My next tent will be a large Eskimo .....

[morinj]

Thanks for all the info! Leaning towards the Eskimo!

[sureshot]

Originally Posted by Scott N

When did you buy your tent? I can understand why you're upset, but the majority of retailers is going to need some sort of proof of purchase to replace something.

I understand what you're saying, but my issue is they know this is an on going problem with their product and they should stand behind their product. I could see if it was a one off kind of problem, but it's not. I bought the tent a few years back.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by sureshot

I understand what you're saying, but my issue is they know this is an on going problem with their product and they should stand behind their product. I could see if it was a one off kind of problem, but it's not. I bought the tent a few years back.

You didn't keep your receipt and are well past warranty what do you expect them to do about it. No manufacturer is going to help you out in such a situation, obviously the tent isn't that bad if you used it for a few years already...

Take the poles out and shorten them if you think it needs to be done.

[chucklesthe3rd]

Insulated eskimo sled bottom tent.

[pikehunter1989]

Originally Posted by sureshot

After dealing with Eskimo today I will never purchase another one of their products. Sent an email in regards to my poles being to long, and was told that because I couldn't find my receipt they will not help me. Even though they know it's and on going problem with their product.

What Eskimo tent is this on?

[sureshot]

949

[pikehunter1989]

When did you pick that up? Thought you had gotten a flip over? I'm going on 3 years on mine and it's been used a lot and I love it. It's still in very good condition other than a small rip from my auger which was my own fault.

[sureshot]

Originally Posted by RavYak

You didn't keep your receipt and are well past warranty what do you expect them to do about it. No manufacturer is going to help you out in such a situation, obviously the tent isn't that bad if you used it for a few years already...

Take the poles out and shorten them if you think it needs to be done.

My point is that they know their is an ongoing issue with this why not just stand behind their product. If it was any other issue yeah I would understand. I know if it was my company I would replace them, keep the customer happy so they buy more products. But now instead of buy the 9 man insulated for next season as I had planned I will be looking at otter or clam.

[sureshot]

Originally Posted by pikehunter1989

When did you pick that up? Thought you had gotten a flip over? I'm going on 3 years on mine and it's been used a lot and I love it. It's still in very good condition other than a small rip from my auger which was my own fault.

Got rid of the flip over just wasn't enough room for the way I like to set up. Also was tired of breaking my back loading and unloading it.

[pikehunter1989]

Originally Posted by sureshot

My point is that they know their is an ongoing issue with this why not just stand behind their product. If it was any other issue yeah I would understand. I know if it was my company I would replace them, keep the customer happy so they buy more products. But now instead of buy the 9 man insulated for next season as I had planned I will be looking at otter or clam.

Oh ok Makes sense... those flip overs are heavy and made for run and gun fishing and to be towed around with a quad or sled. Did you pick up the 949 new or used? I Would think that with a receipt or some kind of proof of when it was purchased they would warranty it. Without that I can understand them not being able to do anything about it.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by sureshot

My point is that they know their is an ongoing issue with this why not just stand behind their product. If it was any other issue yeah I would understand. I know if it was my company I would replace them, keep the customer happy so they buy more products. But now instead of buy the 9 man insulated for next season as I had planned I will be looking at otter or clam.

You really think Otter or Clam would help you on unreasonable requests like this one? None of these companies are going to replace old tents that have worked fine well past their warranty periods(aka your tent has already met their expectations for being trouble free...). If you bought the tent earlier this season and the poles were ripping through the hubs then yes I would say your poles are definitely too long and they should warranty it but not given your circumstances. Have your poles even ripped through the hub yet or you just think they are too long?

Go ahead and move on but this time keep your receipt and return it if you notice known defects...

[sureshot]

Originally Posted by RavYak

You really think Otter or Clam would help you on unreasonable requests like this one? None of these companies are going to replace old tents that have worked fine well past their warranty periods(aka your tent has already met their expectations for being trouble free...). If you bought the tent earlier this season and the poles were ripping through the hubs then yes I would say your poles are definitely too long and they should warranty it but not given your circumstances. Have your poles even ripped through the hub yet or you just think they are too long?

Go ahead and move on but this time keep your receipt and return it if you notice known defects...

You are missing what I'm saying. I am not asking for the tent to be replaced just a couple of poles to replace the ones that are to long.

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by jeffrey929

Clam all the way!! Have had mine for nearly 5 seasons and it's bulletproof

Yup, no need for customer service when they are built right.

No issues with my clam either.