Springbar VS Kodiak

[tracker12]

I am looking for a new tent. I have pretty much settled on one of these two. It will be for winter hunts that can bring wind, snow ans rain. I want to sleep 2 with some room for gear. Looking for owners of these two that can give me some pros and cons on each. If you have recommendions on a model please pass it on. I have not been able to view either one in person so comments are important.

 

[Dikndirt]

Tracker, I own a couple of both brands. My favorite is the kodiak 10x10...plenty of room for two plus your gear. I used this tent last year in So. Dakota in a variety of weather including a howling blizzard. No issues whatsoever. The springbars I have are also good and you really cant go wrong either way you go. I got a good buy on the kodiak at recreation outlet in Am. Fork, sometimes they will discount them like 10% Look on ksl classifieds too. pm me if you want to talk.

 

[Deerlove]

I used a springbar a couple of weeks ago in snow, and the only downside was it has to be staked, to work the best.

 

[richardjb]

I picked up a Kodiak last year. Go with the 10 by 14 if you want room. Setting up cots takes useable room away. I put a second cot in mine to use as a bench for some of my gear. 10 by 14 also allows me to put a card table in there for lantern and handy stuff.

 

[arrowone4me]

+1 on the Kodiak. Our group now has four with no complaints.

 

[HNTBIGBULLS]

I have not been around a Kodiak, but
I do have a 10x14 Springbar and love
it, I spent 5 days in pouring rain
in CO last september in it and it was
flawless, If you take care of them they
will last a life time, Also if you
buy one make sure and get the heavy
ground cover, it is worth the money!

 

[hunting1]

Love my Kodiak 10x10! There is a dealer on ebay that has the best price I could find. I would love to have bought the USA made Springbar, but could not justify the $400+ difference. Like said I spent heavy rain days in Colorado last year, no issues. 10x14 would be better with gear and such, but worked for 2-with cots and gear.

 

[utahheadgear]

I've never used a Kodiak, but I have been running the Springbar modular tents for close to a decade now with great results. They are tough, and do very well in bad weather. The only problem I have had with them is that the zipper slides go bad. You can have them replaced pretty inexpensively though, so it hasn't been a big issue.

I would recommend them to anyone.

 

[troutsniffer]

I own a Kodiak 10x10. I think it is plenty big for 2 peeople plus gear. If you will ever want more people than that in it, I would get the 10x14. I bought 2 of the 10x14 for my scout troop a few years ago. We camp 10 months of the year here in Utah with the scouts. We have spent some cold, snowy, windy, miserable nights in those tents and they have performed very well.
It is a pain that they have to be staked in. We made a frame out of 2x4's that you can use if the ground is too frozen, rocky, snowy, etc. to get stakes in the ground.
I'm sure Springbar would be great too, but they are a lot more money for the same thing in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[tracker12]

From what I can see the Springbar 10 x 10 is about $100 more than the Kodiak. $450 vice $569. That does not seem to be that much more. It seems that neither tent has any unhappy customers. Does the Kodiak give you any more options that give it a better value.

 

[hunting1]

http://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=kodiak canvas&All=True

Look again! $349 for a 10 x 10. They were great when I bought mine.

Home sweet home Colorado!

 

[Forepaw]

I don't see a problem with that logic, however, I have been looking at both also, and tried to get the Cabela's answer lady to tell me where the Kodiak is made. She could not find that info at the time, however, I suspect it is a chi-com copy of the springbar, which means I won't have it even if it is cheaper. But that's just me. I understand either can be set up by yourself, and don't really see an issue with having to stake the corners. Have had to do that with most of my tents.

forepaw

 

[hunting1]

Yes they are made in China, but cheap no! Springbar is great and if you want to spend the extra, I use Kifaru packs, so I am with you on buy America where you can, but the quality is great! When I bought mine at $350 I did not have $700 to spend. Here is what they say.


"Kodiak Canvas tents have a very similar design to Springbar tents but Kodiak Canvas tents were not made to be a cheap imitation of a Springbar tent rather an improved evolution. Kodiak Canvas tents are made with top of the line materials and components including YKK zippers. In a head to head comparison you will get comparable canvas, and frame. However Kodiak Canvas gives you features you do not get in Springbar, such as Double Doors, Vents, Strap-and-Cinch Storage Bag, 16 oz vinyl floor (Springbar has 9 oz), heavy duty 12 inch steel rod stakes, etc& You get a great value at an affordable price with Kodiak Canvas camping tents."

 

[tracker12]

I have yet to find an owner of either brand that disliked there tent. Sure makes it tuff when that happens. Thanks for the web site.

 

[prn]

My family had a spring bar that we used for 20+ years with no problem. A few years ago I purchased a Kodiak mainly because of the price. The first year I used it the if it rained I would get a puddle in the midddle of the floor but couldn't figure out where it was leaking. I never had that problem with the spring bar.

In my opinion the Kodiak is still a great tent but I would spend the extra for the spring bar.