Gazelle T-Hex experience?

[dutch_henry]

Hi RSers,

Does anyone have field experience with Gazelle's T-Hex Hub Tent? Would love to hear from you on it--especially as it relates to performance in wind and rain. There's just not a lot of info out there.

We're looking for something that my wife can set up solo, with a toddler in tow. There are a lot of reviews out there on Gazelle's T4s and T3s, but none on this model. For our use, the T-Hex looks appealing because of the non-trip doors (toddler and elderly dog). It also seems like it might be slightly better in the wind vs the T4 plus, but that's just conjecture on my part.

T-Hex Hub Tent Overland Edition

A UNIQUE 6-SIDED HUB TENT THAT SLEEPS UP TO SEVEN PEOPLE AND FEATURES UPGRADES FOR OVERLANDING PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS A unique 6-sided design allows for space to sleep seven people with plenty of room for additional gear Features 15 oversized windows allowing you to take in the amazing views...

gazelletents.com

 

[dutch_henry]

Update: I ended up buying one on discount. Since then I've since ended up spending roughly 20 nights in it. Not my best purchase, but not my worst.

Pros

• Like all hub tents, it sets up really fast. You can have this things erected, fly on, and staked out in 5 minutes. That's a huge win versus most big dome tents.
• Ridiculous amount of space and headroom. Over 120 sq feet and over 7 feet of headroom. My wife and I are both 6+ footers and we can stand anywhere in the tent.
• Tons of ventilation. Lots of windows and mesh, and you can easily remove the fly to expose the mesh ceiling. It's one of the more comfortable tents I've owned for hot weather.
• It fits straight on into my tundra bed (6.5') but just barely. Do not buy this unless you have a pickup or are one of those overlandy guys who likes a ton of crap on your roof.
• It's been rock solid in the winds it's seen to date (up to 15mph sustained, 25mph gusts)

Cons

• Heavier than advertised. I wouldn't be surprised if the full package is over 75 pounds vs the advertised 62. Bummer for my wife.
• Tons of seams and they are not waterproof. Budget yourself 3-4 bottles of Gear Aid seam grip to touch up all the seams. Then bust out your caulk of choice to cover each of the hubs. Then coat any fabric lower than the fly with Star Brite.
• All those zippers and mesh mean it can be drafty in raw, windy weather.
• As it comes from the factory, the fabric beads through and then soaks through after a few hours of rain. Sorry, but the coated fabric just doesn't hold up to sustained rains. This tent will shrug off thunderstorms and showers, no problem. But a day of rain? Or a long night or rain? You will wake up to wet walls and minor pools.

At the end of the day I guess I wish I went with a kodiak flex bow. That said I do love the space and convenience of this one. And I'll probably make some mods, toss in a stove jack, and be fine with it.

 

[Devildogg]

I bought an insulated hub fish house for my hunting tent. Works great. But I’d say the negatives match yours exactly. Except if it does get wet all the way through it weighs a ton.