1Man Flip Overs – Otter or Clam?

Looking to get a 1-man flipover this year for the days when I go out alone (Frabill Trekker DLX @ 95lbs is getting a bit much). I’ve seen the Clam Kenai Pro Thermal in person, seems like a great set up for $350 (then add the runner kit and cover). I have also read time and time again that Otter makes the best around. Looking at the Otter line up, the XT hideout is the 1 man flipover for $499 (the add the runner kit and cover). I see that the Otter gives 1sq more ice coverage for fishing (might make a 2nd hole easier) and weighs 10lb more, but there seems to be a big difference in price. I have not seen the Otter in person, has anyone done a side by side comparison?

Thanks

All I know is usually you go to a one man to get away from the weight and neither one is that lite. Either would be very good outfits in my opinion it just depends what you want to accomplish and fits your needs. My cheap Frabill one man weighs 50 lbs. then probably with equipment twice that. That I can pull.

For what it’s worth, unless you are constantly pulling it with a machine or across pavement, you could skip the hyfax kit and save #’s and $’s.

Thanks for the responses. The Clam Kenai Pro Thermal seems like a very solid flipover. It is 10lb lighter and $150 cheaper. Both are insulated, so I’m wondering if anyone has compared each and seen a noticeable difference in how they are manufactured. If the Otter is much more solid and higher quality, I could justify the cost difference if it would last longer

In my opinion the square tube pole design is stronger and easier to slide than the old conduit style Clam poles. The weight should be considered if hand pulling but believe the weight is because the Otter’s sled is heavier and tougher which may not be needed if not pulling behind sled or ATV.

If you’ve sat in last years Otter sleds, you can expect the same thing as far as the square tubed aluminum, and roto molded sled, with an upgraded shell. The Hideout is 600 denier but still has the Thermal Tec. If you thought that the Otter was better, nothing will change between the one mans. Otter IMO is the best house on the market. Best quality frame, shell, and sled. Point is, you could get a very good comparison if you have been in previous Otter and Clam houses. Good luck, it won’t be long b4 you see them in stores if they haven’t already stared displaying them, that way you can get a first hand experience.

Otter is my choice, I think the quality is better and can’t beat their sled. If you really want light weight check out the hub shelters!

I think you need to look at a few more shacks. The new otter would probably be more comparable to the Clam Legend XL Thermal, Frabill Sentinel 1350, Eskimo Wide 1 Inferno.

the clam legend xl is more like the otter cottage

Tonka wrote:

the clam legend xl is more like the otter cottage

the cottage is 20lbs heavier though

Thanks for the responses. I’ll check some out at the Milwaukee show next month (probably wont have ice in southern WI by then anyway)

I have the Clam Nanook Thermal and like it for a oversize 1 man shack. It also allows me the option to have someone fish with me if needed. I did take one of the factory seats out and will bring a folding camp chair if someone fishes with me.

Tonka wrote:

the clam legend xl is more like the otter cottage

My bad, I thought the canvas/frame was mounted on the back of the sled not the side on that one.

For hole hopping, poles that you don’t have to extend are preferred.

I have a clam kenai but n older one with plain canvas, i find it on the small size, but light, i like my ottter cabin better.