Hub vs. Flip-over Ice Fishing Shelter

Fishermen spend a lot of time on the water, and it’s important to consider how they will be protected from the elements.

The fact is that most fishermen have their shelter for when they need to take a break or escape bad weather conditions. If you’re not sure which type of shelter is best for you, read on!

This article will look at two types of shelters: flip-over ice fishing shelters and hubs.

There are many options out there depending on your needs, so this article aims to help you choose what’s right for you by breaking down these options in detail.

We’ll also talk about what sets them apart from one another as well as their pros and cons. Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll know which type of shelter is best suited for your needs.

What are Ice Fishing Flip-Over Shelters?

Flip-over shelters are a good choice for those looking for something to protect them from the wind at an affordable price.

They are shaped like an A and can be made with various materials, including nylon and plastic. They are called flip-over shelters because they open up to provide access to the inside where you can sit down and fish.

This is where the name comes from-its like opening a flip flop upside down to expose its base.

These shelters typically measure around 4 feet by 5 feet and can be set up easily with just one person.

Once you get it set up, there are two ways to heat your shelter: placing an electric heater or using a sterno stove.

Although they don’t last as long as other methods, it’s fairly easy to get your shelter heated so you can stay warm.

There are many types of flip-over shelters on the market that offer different features, such as a stove jack and bench.

It should be noted that if you’re looking for something with a stove jack or heaters built-in, these features will add additional weight to your shelter.

It is also important to consider where you’ll be using your shelter before purchasing one.

If you’re looking for something that you can carry from place to place, choose a flip-over model that comes with carrying cases.

You may also want to look into models designed specifically for ice fishing-some are made of lightweight materials which makes them easier to carry.

Flip-over shelters can be towed by a car or truck via an attached trailer or installed onto a vehicle’s hitch.

The installation process is simple, but you’ll have trouble transporting your shelter if it cannot be removed from its current location.

Many people find that buying their tow package provides an easy way to transport their shelter.

What are Ice Fishing Hub Shelters?

Hub shelters, on the other hand, are a bit more complex.

They’re also known as fish houses and usually come equipped with shelves and storage facilities. Much like flip-over shelters, they can be heated by sterno or through a stove installed inside of them.

They typically measure around 7 feet by 8 feet and have an insulated floor plan which makes them larger than flip-over shelters.

These models should be made of high-quality materials such as aluminum to protect you from the wind and rain while ensuring durability.

Breaking it Down

When to use flip-over shelters vs hub shelters?

As discussed above, flip-over shelters are perfect for protecting one person from the wind while providing enough room for 1-2 people to sit inside and fish comfortably.

Hub shelters, on the other hand, maybe too large for one person but provide plenty of space for at least 4 people to fish comfortably. In addition, there are usually built-in heaters and a stove inside of the shelter, which can be more comfortable on cold days.

For many families, buying one large hub shelter will provide enough room for everyone to fish comfortably without the need for individual flip-over shelters.

Keep in mind that hub shelters tend to be heavier than other ice fishing options making them difficult to transport around.

In short, if you’re looking for a basic shelter that will protect one person from the wind, then go with a flip-over shelter.

Hub shelters provide more space, convenience, and amenities making them better for people who like to entertain!

If you’ve got lots of friends and family coming out with you, then a hub shelter is the best choice.

This is due to their aluminum frame and insulated floor plan, which provides a more comfortable space for you to be with family and friends while out in the cold.

Also, many hub shelters come packaged with heaters that can be built-in or sterno canisters; this means that your shelter will be heated within minutes after arriving at your destination!

How do Flip-Over Shelters and Hubs work?

Flip-over shelters are designed so that the shelter’s frame flips up, creating a large area for you to sit. They weigh about 55 pounds and are designed to make it easier for you to maneuver around the ice and cast out into the water.

While it may vary depending on the manufacturer, most flip-over shelters include zippered windows and doors for creating an airtight seal against the elements, along with a large table, so you have enough room to set up your equipment.

Hub shelters are a bit more complex, but they work in essentially the same way as flip-over shelters do. They weigh about 160 pounds and open with hinges on one end, allowing you to open up the shelter fully, providing protection from wind and rain.

Hub shelters have similar features, such as zippered windows and doors, but they often have more storage options.

For instance, some models come with built-in cup holders, which is a great feature for people who are tired of climbing out of their shelter to get another drink (or run back home for one!). Others may include benches or a cooking stove that folds up when not in use.

Although flip-over shelters are considered easier to assemble, they’re often smaller than hub models affecting your ability to navigate them when fishing. If this is important to you, choose a hub model instead of a flip over one.

Hub shelters also have 4 legs which makes them higher than the typical shelter and this is important to consider if you’ll be fishing in harsh weather conditions regularly.

The height of the roof will help keep bad weather out (it should protect you from snow) but it will make it harder for you to get inside when necessary.

Are Flip-Over Shelters and Hubs Affordable?

If you’re looking for a shelter that is affordable and will protect you from the wind, flip-over shelters are a good choice.

You’ll find that they offer the same protection as hub shelters at half the cost.

However, if you want more amenities such as an additional heater or built-in stove, hub shelters are your best choice.

This option may be more costly than flip-over shelters but is significantly cheaper than purchasing separate hub shelters for each family member or friend fishing with you.

For many ice fishers, owning two flip-over shelters is the more affordable option which provides enough room for everyone to fish comfortably without blasting your budget.

Hubs tend to be expensive compared to flip-overs; however, there is plenty of additional storage space (depending on the model). Some even have bathroom facilities such as a toilet. Some come with built-in bench seating.

They are a bit more complex to set up compared to flip-overs, but they are also larger and can be towed via an attached trailer when necessary.

In terms of price, you should expect to pay around $800-$900 on average for a top-quality hub shelter; this usually includes the cost of installation and needs no additional equipment to operate.

Flip-over shelters are more expensive and can cost anywhere from $1,100-$2,000 on average.

There are many different types of hubs on the market, so you should determine your needs before one; however, there are three main types to consider:

Traditional fish house – This is the most common type of hub and usually comes equipped with a bench, toilet, storage units, and shelves. It’s designed for long-term use.

Built-in floor plan – These hubs have insulated ceilings, benches, and shelves; however, they do not include toilets or cooking facilities. They are best suited for ice fishing enthusiasts who enjoy staying overnight on the ice rather than only for a day trip.

Portable houses – If you like to move from place to place when ice fishing, these models may be your best choice as they can be taken apart quickly and easily. There are many different options available so you must know what size model will work best for your needs before purchasing one.

This is a great shelter for ice fishing, but you’ll need to know what your specific needs are before buying one; however, they aren’t as convenient and easy to carry around as flip-over shelters.

You can purchase transport kits that make it so the shelter can be put onto a truck or trailer, but this will drastically increase the cost of your unit.

It’s also important that you have plenty of space available in your garage.

Flip over shelters are more practical when it comes to transportation and affordability, but many people prefer hubs because they allow them to stay overnight on the ice (if necessary) rather than only for short periods.

Hubs provide additional protection from the wind and some even come with built-in benches and toilet facilities perfect for long-term ice fishing.

Traditional fish houses are a bit more expensive than flip-over shelters, but they also include additional features such as toilets and storage space that make them well worth the cost.

What are alternatives to flip-over shelters and hubs?

You might be thinking that there’s no way you can afford a hub or flip-over shelter right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on ice fishing.

Here are a few alternative shelters that may help provide some extra protection from the wind and cold:

Axe shack – This is created by chopping out an area of the lake’s frozen surface with an axe; however, it won’t offer as much protection as a traditional fish house would.

Snow camping tents – These aren’t exactly permanent shelters, but they can provide additional warmth while keeping your gear secure-perfect for overnight trips when used in conjunction with other methods.

In conclusion, both types of shelters will protect you from the wind and cold which is one of their main purposes; however, hub shelters are usually much roomier and come equipped with features such as toilets which is the main benefit of choosing them over flip-over shelters.

Both options will keep you comfortable while out in below-freezing temperatures but choose which is right for your unique situation.

If you’re going ice fishing solo or want to protect yourself from the wind while playing games with the kids then a flip-over shelter may be what you need.

On the other hand, if you’ve got lots of friends and family coming out with you then a hub shelter is the best choice!

So remember-shelter comes first when ice fishing, so be prepared for anything with either of these options.