Anaconda Family tents??

[Moondog55]

Got the flyer in the letter box this AM
They have a big Geodome tent the same size as I am working on for $279- and they take layby
While I normally avoid Anaconda stuff and their inhouse Spinifex brand the illustrations look to be the same tent [ almost exactly the same] as the one at Rays I have had my eye on for a while
Has anybody looked at the current sale catalogue yet or bought the particular tent

http://catalogues.anaconda.com.au/campi ... p/90028949

The main reason I would contemplate the purchase is the use of wrapped fibreglass and not the simple extruded ones used by Rays to keep the cost down
I'd drive over and have a look but I just called them and the stock is only just in and not yet on display
$279- is about the cost of replacing all the current poles with wrapped replacements at normal retail

[Lord Backcountry]

Dear Moondog -

We recently upgraded from a Coleman 4 person to a Outdoor Connection Brampton (12 person).

The Brampton will be likely too big for you, but they make smaller versions that might be suitable. Maybe the Bedarra.

I was really surprised by the high quality of the OC tent compared to the Coleman, its waterproofing and ease of putting up.

Best tent we have ever owned, could not recommend Outdoor Connection enough.

http://outdoorconnection.com.au/product-category/tents/

Good luck and thanks for your regular posting, I enjoy them.

cheers LBC

[GregR]

Moondog,

I have had the Rays Tent Geo*8 for over 10 years and the fly is still just useable but ripped and unrepairable. The main weakness however was always the cheap poles. The 1st time I had it out on Boxing Day 2004 some heavy duty wind gusts shattered some of the front poles and I replaced them with the what you called wrapped fibreglass ones. It is now a patchwork of poles but only ever have trouble with the crappy old type. Another one shattered at Tidal River last time out in Nov. I have an Anaconda about a Km away- might drop in to check it out as well as I really need to bin the old one. That's not a blanket criticism of the old one- its just spent far longer in the sun over 11 years than the fly is designed for and the poles Ok for light use only. I did notice that since mine was made they all now put a metal Bend joiner on the corners for additional structural support on the front vestibule poles. Major improvement.

Once I check out the new one later today I'll let you know what I think.

Cheers.
Greg

[Moondog55]

Thanx Greg
I also cannot complain as I only paid $100- for this tent S/H and I have used it 3 times already for group camping.
Looking forward to your comments on the wands
If I could afford it I'd buy the new version of the Rays Geo + like a shot except for the cheap dodgy poles that is

[GregR]

MD

Had a quick sqiz yesterday in the Frankston store. they only had the smaller model on display - the Cape Otway version. Small diameter poles and not the fibreglass matrix type either. Didn't have the other in to rip open the bag and look.

[Moondog55]

Cheers Greg
I have a feeling they didn't sell very many over the pre X-Mas period but they have a few here in Geelong; I'll try and get them to open one up on Monday
I have a gut feeling the inner is going to be too much mesh for a winter tent

[andrewa]

Bought one today, but haven't had a good look yet. Not sure that I really want to put it up until I need to, but I'll have a rummage in the bag, and let people know.

A

[Moondog55]

Andrew one of the things I am interested in is whether or not the wands are wrapped and the diameter of the wand section
Winter wands needing to be as big as possible naturally
Even so they look like good value if you need a big family tent