Otter Hub

Hey guys with the otter hubs just looking to get a little insight. I am deciding between last years and this years models of either the lodge or resort. I can get them both at pretty good prices from a retailer. But everywhere I look the vendor is out of this years model but can give me a good deal on last years model. Is this years model the “real deal” or are there just not enough made so far and with the ice fishing tests and expos and what not? The new ones do look really nice but are the new features really really worth it?

Thanks for the help!!!

The additional lower windows and storage attached to the canvas is pretty sweet! But for the right deal you are getting the same type of canvas and poles.

I have not fished out of last years hub, but i purchased and have used this years model of the resort hub. Like sand-burr said the basic material/canvas is exactly the same and i believe the fishable area is the same as well. New for this year are the things sand-burr pointed out, they changed some of the windows to a more up/down position, added a couple additional tool/rod pouches on the inside & two storage nets on the ceiling. The biggest difference imo is the additional anchor straps lower down on the sides of the house (arrow pointing to them in the picture). I was on Red Lake two weeks ago in 20+ winds and with out any snow to bank the hub down those additional straps helped big time to keep the hub tight to the ice.

I will also add while my hub came in with no visible issues i would definitely look them over good if you decide to purchase one. From a couple other sites i’ve read some have been missing anchors and or some of the stitching was not done very well (lots of loose threads etc…) The resort is either not offered or on back order through alot of retailers so my guess is Otter is rushing them a bit to get caught up.

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nu98walleye,

How were the zippers. That was the one downfall I had read in the previous year models. Sounds like some had defective zipper columns and were misaligned. Any trouble with that part of the hub so far?

I’ve had my Otter hub for 3 years. No issues with the zippers.

I have a 2017 lodge w zipper issues. There are 3 kinks where the zipper skips a tooth on one door. The other side works perfect

I have had my Otter Lodge for two years with no issues. With that said I would make sure and get the new model. Bigger skirt, storage, anchor straps, lp hose hole. Lots of nice improvements. IMHO

I didn’t have any issues with my zippers first weekend out with the resort. While it was very windy the temps never got much below 30 degrees. True test of the zippers will be when the temps are low teens or below. I most likely will spray some type of silicone spray on them.

I’ve seen first hand zipper issues on both clam & Eskimo hub style houses also. Seems while some brands are possibly better than others zipper issues are just more common on hub style houses than flip overs.

Does anyone know if manufacturers use the same zippers on flip over houses as they do on their hub style houses?

Eyehunter, what material are you talking about that is thicker? I believe Eskimo only offers a 300 denier fabric while otter is at 600 denier plus thermal tec outer layer, clam offers a 900 denier and should be the thickest of the bunch.

I will be getting an otter xth pro resort for the family! My friends all have otters. They dont have problems with the zippers. Or it getting cold. Otters are nice

The Resort has been purchased. Will be here in a week. I have 3 boys to try and fit inside this beast and a 5 month old girl that at some point I’m hoping will enjoy ice fishing. From the dimensions its sure looks likes that shouldn’t be a problem. Will keep you all posted on the Pros and Cons once it arrives.