Frabill side step shanties

This is for those that have a side step shantie. Any feedback on them, would you go back to front entry? Any issues?
Look at next year already, nuts.
I went to a one man which I won’t ever get rid of, great for being mobile but, not much room. When fishing Bago and the bay I tend to need more gear and more room.
Thanks

I’ve got the Citadel 3255 (swivel seats and insulated) and I absolutely love it. The set-up and take-down is a little different than a normal front entry shelter, but one you do it 4-5 times you’ll get the hang of it. I can set mine up in about the same amount of time now that it takes my buddies with “standard” configuration shelters. The sled definitely isn’t an otter, but I’ve got the hyfax kit and haven’t had a single issue. Having the vertical front wall in conjunction with the side doors give you SO much usable space. Overall, I love the sidestep design and won’t be going back any time soon.

Been fishing out of a Frabil Bro Sidestep flipover for 2 winters now.
Pros
1) Nice to have two doors so each person can exit if needed.
2) Nice to to able to not step over holes to exit the shack but still need to move rods so they don’t get stepped on.
3) Extra room in the front side helps to place the heater and depth finder away from the traffic area.
4) Plenty warm
5) Lots of room for two guys and their gear
6) Really roomy for 1 guy.
7) Quality has been great no issues with anything
8) Sled has held up well. Put on hyfax and a hitch to pull with a snowmobile.

Cons
1) Not a true flip over in my mind. You can not set it up to use as a wind break.
2) Need to install and remove support poles every time you set it up.

If I was replacing it I would look at both front door and side door models and see what fits my needs.

I agree with muskie-tim. The Bro is very roomy and warm. The side doors are great, and perfect for not stepping over all your gear. I’ll add the seats are very comfortable, and easy to remove to reduce weight. I’m 5’7″ and about 150lbs, and can fairly easily load the shack into the back of my Mitsubishi Outlander.

Only a few cons for me as well. It does take a few minutes to set up with the extra support poles. I usually just add 2 down the middle. Will need to use them all if it’s a windy day. It’s definitely not a run and gun flip over. The sled quality is alright. I’d definitely put hyfax, or skis on to reduce wear if dragging over rough ice or sand.

I also purchased the Bro Sidestep about a month ago on an end of the season sale. I’d have to agree with what everyone else has said so far. Roomy, warm, and one can manage to take it out on the ice and load/unload themselves with it being pretty light. Biggest thing like everyone else said is it does take time to get the hang of how to set it up. I was a bit frustrated at first but after a few times got the hang of it. Vertical wall makes it feel much bigger and allows you to fish longer poles a little more effectively. Overall, I’m happy with the purchase and love the side doors. One last piece of advice is take the removable windows out in really cold weather or they will crack! Good luck on your decision.

x2 on what’s been said about the Bro Sidestep. If you’ve already got a one man then you’ve got the true flip style covered for serious running and gunning. It seems like most sleds bigger than a one man require some support poles so I wouldn’t let that keep you away from a sidestep. I fished in a friend’s Otter Cabin last weekend and its a really nice shack, Otter quality is top of the line, but I wouldn’t trade my sidestep for it. The side doors are too convenient and the vertical front wall gives you a lot more usable space. I hang jackets and some small tackle boxes on the front wall and neither interferes with a big buddy heater. I also turned the back support pole into a 6 place rod holder which keeps an assortment of presentations in easy reach and out of the sled when I’m set up. A new shack is always a big decision, but I haven’t looked back after getting my sidestep. Just watch out for those windows, it took a couple years, but I had my first one crack last weekend. Damn it.

Thanks for the replies. I have another question. Do you think you can run wires inside the poles for adding LED light strips?

Thanks

Great to hear such good reviews. I’ve been seriously looking to upgrade my Trekker DLX thermal with a sidestep house. I’ve got 6 hard years on my Trekker and other than some poles beginning to stick, it’s as good as new, just getting the itch for a new house.

I’ll +1 how comfortable the seats are, they are the same ones I have in my house. I have fished in the Otters, Clams and Eskimo houses and their seats are nowhere near as comfy. Makes an all day panfish sit very enjoyable.

x3 on the windows also. I took mine out about 3 years ago after 1 cracked and have not put them back in since. The thermal does such a good job of holding heat in and the canvas lets enough ambient light in that I have not had the need to open the windows much until right before sunset. Once that time comes, I just turn my light on or crack a window cover slightly.

In terms of running wires inside the poles, I’m sure it could be done with the proper grommets or shielding to keep the poles from digging into the wire casing at the bottom when extending. I originally planned to run my LED wires inside the poles but scrapped the idea and just ran them alongside the poles and have not had any issues.

I also have the 3255 and it is an absolute treat. Echoing Waldo, the setup is just an adjustment to which I’m sure you’ll adapt quickly. I won’t rehash any of the few cons already listed, they are valid. The rod holders also mount in a goofy spot in my opinion: When you put a rod in them, the rod itself blocks the doorway, and 90% of the time when I’m putting my rod in the holder it’s to step outside! I’ll probably drill separate holes on the edge of the tub inside the seats to work around that small annoyance, because I do enjoy having them. I had one window crack and asked Frabill if they sold them separately – They said no, but mailed me a whole set at no cost. The Citadel is huge for two and works for three if that’s important. Even with that size, it’s doable to load for one guy.

Just got a new frabill Citadel and was wondering about the setup/takedown. I didn’t realize you needed to assembly/disassemble those 5 support poles every time you setup and takedown. Is there some trick to doing this that I am missing, because it seems very difficult. Do they loosen up over time or do you just have to muscle thru it?

While I can’t speak to the side entry models specifically. In my opinion Frabill has the worst quality and engineering out of the bigger names. I have owned Otter, Clam, Eskimo and Frabill shelters, the last being Frabill. Their customer service did seem pretty good though.

Ditto on most of above. I bought a citadel as well. Few minor quality things, but for the price I paid I’ll live with it.
I was going to modify my clam and the side entry became available. I fish much longer ice rods. Most are 42 to 47” and the front flat panel makes for so much room. It’s so nice not to have to step over everything to get in/out. No more stepping on stuff tripping, and kicking stuff down the holes. I will never own a front entry ever again

Randy, What is your opinion of the steup/takedown procedure. Specifically the 5 support rods that snap into place. Mine fit so tight it is a serious challenge getting them on and off. I am actually thinking of modifying them with a grinder to make them fit easier. Would like to hear your thoughts

A few outings and it gets easier. I have mine attached to the atv most of the time. I also made some other mods. 1 I got a dry box that I partitioned and has a 12 amp hour battery and switches, plugs, lights….also serves as a table.
2 binge cords are my friend. I leave it assembled for short moves. I just bunge up the front to elevate and support and I’m moving. Long hauls between spots I partially disassemble, bungee and go

I bought one of the first models to come out, 5-6 years ago now. I think it is the Predator. Overall its been a good house.
As far as side step doors, I won’t buy another house without that option. The front vertical wall and being able to exit either side without stepping over things front or back is awesome. So much more room as well, really nice fishing for walleyes on Winnipeg or Lakers with longer rods. Setup and take down is easy.

As far as Frabill. I don’t think I will be buying another house from Frabill. The quality is below all the others. And the customer service is terrible. They don’t have parts readily available and IF (big if) you happen to get a hold of somebody in customer service, they will most likely send you the wrong part. They also quit making the travel covers for my model. And none of their current covers will fit.

I have resorted to using clam parts. Covers don’t fit perfect, but better than nothing. Clam spreader poles work good.