Here’s the skinny on the NEW Otter Ice Shelters

FYI – One of my first questions to Otter after seeing the new houses was about weight. As in how much weight does the new XT 1200 and XT 650 skins add to the overall weight of the houses versus the previous versions?

The answer was 2 – 5 lbs, depending on the model. The smaller houses saw a 2# bump in weight with the largest houses seeing a #5 bump. Given the large increase in denier and durability that amount of weight seemed very, very minimal to me. I know I didn’t notice it when moving or lifting sleds around by hand.

I really like the looks of the new exterior. Much better than the snow camo! Very interesting that they were able to keep the weight down so well! Thanks for sharing

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I really like the looks of the new exterior. Much better than the snow camo! Very interesting that they were able to keep the weight down so well! Thanks for sharing

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I think people wrongly assume that Otters are heavy for their size in much the same way people assume fiberglass boats are so much heavier than aluminum boats of the same length. The truth is that glass boats weigh almost the same as a comparable aluminum boat.

When you compare similarly sized houses from a number of different manufacturers what you’ll find is that Otter has done a great job of keeping the pounds off, despite their reputation for having the most durable sleds and now the thicker outer shells.

For example… Frabill Predator 160lbs, Clam X2 140lbs, Otter XT1200 Lodge 124lbs.

I’m guessing this newer frabic will provide even greater resistance to condensation as well given the layering, yes?

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I’m guessing this newer frabic will provide even greater resistance to condensation as well given the layering, yes?

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Yes indeed. We used them on LOTW last winter during a cold snap and we couldn’t get condensation to form on the roof at no matter how high we cranked the heaters. I won’t miss the ice water drops going down the back of my neck at all.

how was the ventilation? ever feel stuffy? They do look great!

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how was the ventilation? ever feel stuffy? They do look great!

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Both the XT 1200 and XT 650 have mesh vents on both sides of the house to aid with the ventilation. I definitely felt like I had more than enough control over temperature and air exchange. I will say this, if you’re used to running your heater on high the insulated houses will allow you to turn down the heater or to take off your outer layers when inside the house. Most of the time I ran my heater on low and that provided more than enough heat most days.

Here’s a video on the Otter XT 1200 that was released earlier today for those that might want a closer look both inside and out.

And here’s a video for the Otter XT 650.

Who’s that geek at the end of the video?

The main thing I noticed with people looking to run insulated canvas in the upcoming months is the fact at how well they hold heat. You can turn your heater on or open your windows on the house and sunlight combined with your heater will really warm things up. I have found I am able to run my heater for a shorter time and even shut it off. These houses plain up hold the heat in better than uninsulated canvas. Warm = comfy = longer fishing time = more fish – QB

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Who’s that geek at the end of the video?

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This should be a multiple choice question. I spotted a handful of guys in that video matching the description.

Other than changing colors and adding 300 more denier, did anything else change on the ProXT model? Frame thickness? locking clips? zipper? windows? etc? Any word if Otter will build a dual side entry model like the new Frabill? (That feature could be a game changer)

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Other than changing colors and adding 300 more denier, did anything else change on the ProXT model? Frame thickness? locking clips? zipper? windows? etc? Any word if Otter will build a dual side entry model like the new Frabill? (That feature could be a game changer)

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The changes for this winter are limited to the outer shell as detailed in the press release. I have no word on other changes to be expected in the future.

Are we going to be able to buy just the shell as has been the case before?

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Are we going to be able to buy just the shell as has been the case before?

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My understanding is the XT 1200 and XT 650 skins will NOT be sold separately at this time.

The new portables look great. Are the Otter covers waterproof and heavier material than they were in years past?

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The new portables look great. Are the Otter covers waterproof and heavier material than they were in years past?

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Yes the new covers are waterproof. The covers are much thicker and have a completely different feel to the material than in previous years.

James,
You spoke of “the new two layer canvas”. I wonder if there may be a long term drying out issue, not so much if but when it gets locked in-between the layers. Could there be a mold or musty issue there resulting from the trapping.

I don’t have a very good place to air mine out other than sitting on the drive or deck. That serves it’s oun drying issues with some frost, blowing snow and then new precipitation.

Any long term thoughts there?

Thanks for the reply, that is good news.

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James,
You spoke of “the new two layer canvas”. I wonder if there may be a long term drying out issue, not so much if but when it gets locked in-between the layers. Could there be a mold or musty issue there resulting from the trapping.

I don’t have a very good place to air mine out other than sitting on the drive or deck. That serves it’s oun drying issues with some frost, blowing snow and then new precipitation.

Any long term thoughts there?

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Denny O

No, I really don’t think we’ll see any drying out issues with the insulated houses that we didn’t see with the uninsulated houses. Just like any house you can’t put them up for the season wet. You will get mold. That’s true with any ice house or tent. As for the XT1200 the skin seemed to dry during normal use with no moisture trapping. Throw in a little wind and a little sun and any moisture from previous days took care of itself.

I like you have a smaller garage and yard so space to dry an ice house is limited. I only really take the time to intentionally dry a house once a season and that’s right before I put it away for the year come ice out. I set the house up in the driveway, break out the hose and give it a good cleaning inside and out.

Of course before I put it away I let the breeze and sun take care of the water for me. The neighbors might think it looks odd having an ice house set up in my driveway in April but I don’t worry about it too much. They probably wonder why I’m always starting up and running my augers in the summer as well…

James, we are similar in our pre storage ways other than I try to air dry mine more often. I also know you are out day after day with yours in use than I do with mine. So with that I may be more paranoid to averting the issue.

To quote you,

“They probably wonder why I’m always starting up and running my augers in the summer as well… ”

My neighbors though can almost set their spring calendars with the firing up of my boats motor for her annual spring trip to the south! Willie and Kathy says, “Redding to head south? When do you leave?” I answer the date and say, “Hope I don’t wake you leaving the driveway!”

James, tight lines my friend!

I just wish Otter would come out with a quick flip for us ice trollers!

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I just wish Otter would come out with a quick flip for us ice trollers!

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+100

I spoke with Troy a couple of years ago about that he said they were looking into something but it sounded like there were still extensions that needed to be futzed with.

I’ve investigated making my own with heavy duty materials (equivalent too or better than Otter) and an Otter sled but when the costs started pushing over $1,200 – $1,300 it tempured my thought process a bit. ‘Course I was looking at it from an “ice yacht” perspective and some of my inclusions added to that a bit. The largest expense by far was from the custom industrial sewing needed for the shelter. I still haven’t set this idea totally aside but would need to go after a smaller market (in a small industry) than that even pursued by Otter which would be tough for any meaningful revenue return.

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I just wish Otter would come out with a quick flip for us ice trollers!

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This request has been heard loud and clear. You won’t see one this winter but who knows what’s going to show up down the road.

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I just wish Otter would come out with a quick flip for us ice trollers!

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This request has been heard loud and clear. You won’t see one this winter but who knows what’s going to show up down the road.

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Doing some shelter testing this winter aren’t you James? Very cool!

That would be awesome if they come out with something. Switched brands so I could have a quick flip but, with the heaves we have on Winnebago I’ve went thru a few bases not cool! Sure miss the bulletproof Otter base! Even thought about making a hybrid but, if something is in the works I’ll hang tight!

Well, Otter sold me. I have the XT1200 lodge on its way! Come on ICE!!!!

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I just wish Otter would come out with a quick flip for us ice trollers!

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This request has been heard loud and clear. You won’t see one this winter but who knows what’s going to show up down the road.

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James–One more comment about this “potential” ice-troller/fast attack model in the works…please tell them to ditch the idea about using just their sport tub (trying to keep weight down by the sounds of it). I would much prefer the full on pro series tub. Buyers want hell for stout for a reason.