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Frabill SideStep Entry systems
Fishing Tackle Reviews, Ice Fishing Tackle Reviews theangler PM
Everything seemed normal. Anglers embarked with Frabill portable shelters in tow. (Nothing abnormal there.) Holes were drilled, shanties erected and a good representation of the Frabill Nation was sitting comfortably inside their dwellings. (Another ordinary day so far.)
But that’s when the ‘normalness’ ended.
A tip-up tripped, and in what seemed like a practiced-procedure, effortlessly, an alpha angler deftly pounced on the flag. The fish was iced but something was missing… Gone was the screech and slosh of rubber-toed boots kicking over a minnow bucket and the ensuing cuss words. Missing was the anonymous angler struggling to regain footing after tumbling out the front door, snapping rods and tripping over freshly drilled holes.
Instead, the only sound heard was the unzipping of a large, heavy-duty door on the side of a Frabill shelter. Yes… the side; the opening’s seemingly odd location confirmed firsthand as light poured from the lantern-lit interior.
It must be, it had to be, one of those much-talked-about Frabill SideStep Entry systems.
The epiphany for fabricating this exclusive door system came when the engineers at Frabill discussed design improvements with their Ice Belt pro staff. The team’s conclusion? There indeed was a better, safer way to get in and out of a portable shelter. The end result was simple, yet radical: Move the door to the side to eliminate the stumbling and bumbling associated with exiting out a front door. Better yet, add another SideStep door on the opposite side so your buddy doesn’t have to stop catching just because you need to exit stage left.
Last season, Frabill introduced the Fishouflage wrapped Ambush, Ambush DLX and Thermal Ambush DLX SideStep models. And demand was so great, five more SideStep Entry models have been added to the lineup for this winter.
New for the 2014-15 ice-fishing season are the 2- to 3-man Predator SideStep, Thermal Predator SideStep, Guardian SideStep and Thermal Guardian SideStep, as well the 3-man Excursion SideStep.
“The ease of getting in and out with SideStep Entry is obvious,” says Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Frabill pro staffer Scott Glorvigan. “But what I soon realized was the location of the doors also allowed me to be more efficient when it came to hole hopping and trying to find that ‘spot on the spot’. I’m not interfering with my buddy when getting out to fish other holes.
“And the high front wall makes setting the hook with longer rods and fighting big fish a breeze.”
Predator SideStep models yield a massive 27-plus feet of fishable space, while the Guardian models boasts over 25 feet and the Excursion more than 24. Like oversized shoes, there’s room to grow.
Besides the hookset and fight, the positioning of the two full-size, zip-up SideStep doors deliver more headroom. This means even your burliest of buddies can sit up straight, even stand. And all SideStep Entry models come standard with four removable windows for keeping an eye out for tripped tip-ups, as well as MaxVent Air Exchange Systems to keep fresh air coming in and carbon monoxide flowing out.
And like everything Frabill puts its name on, these new shelters are built to last.
Simply put, Frabill’s easy-in, easy-out SideStep Entry system is the biggest (and roomiest) improvement portable shelters have seen in years.
PREDATOR and THERMAL PREDATOR SIDESTEP
• Fishes 2-3 anglers plus gear
• Over 27 Sq. Ft. of fishable space
• 2 large SideStep doors with heavy duty zippers
• 2 deluxe padded swivel boat seats with built-in tackle pockets
• Patented MSS (Modular Seating System)
• Extra-tough, roto-molded base
• 1.25” Heavy-duty aluminum frame
• Self-lubricating pole system ensures smooth operation in extreme cold
• 4 clear view, removable window
• MaxVent system adjusts for optimal venting
• Extra-tough, roto-molded base
• Eight 2” X 2” safety reflectors
• 900 Denier tent fabric
• Thermal Predator SideStep features premium 3-ply quilted fabric for extreme heat retention, noise and wind whip reduction and elimination of condensation.
• SET-UP: 95” (L) X 75” (W) 75” (H)
• FOLDED: 95” (L) X 75” (W) 75” (H)
Predator SideStep: 137.5 lbs.
MSRP $799.99
Thermal Predator SideStep: 157 lbs.
MSRP $899.99
GUARDIAN and THERMAL GUARDIAN SIDESTEP
• Fishes 2-3 anglers plus gear
• Over 25 Sq. Ft. of fishable space
• 2 Deluxe padded swivel boat seats with built-in tackle pockets
• 2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
• Quick-release pole system
• MaxVent Air Exchange System
• Thermo-formed base
• 7/8” Heavy-duty aluminum frame
• 600 Denier Tent
• Thermal Guardian SideStep features premium 3-ply quilted fabric for extreme heat retention, noise and wind whip reduction and elimination of condensation.
• SETUP: 96” (L) x 66” (W) x 75” (H)
• FOLDED: 66” (L) x 40” (W) x 21” (H)
Guardian SideStep: 110 lbs.
MSRP $649.99
Thermal Guardian SideStep: 121 lbs.
MSRP $749.99
EXCURSION SIDESTEP
• Fishes 3 Anglers plus gear
• Deluxe padded bench seat
• Over 24 Sq. Ft. of fishable space
• 2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
• Quick-release pole system
• MaxVent Air Exchange System
• Thermo-formed base
• 7/8” Heavy-duty aluminum frame
• 600 Denier Tent
• SETUP: 85” (L) x 70” (W) x 67” (H)
• FOLDED 70” (L) x 33” (W) x 23” (H)
110 lbs.
MSRP $599.99