Kodiak flex-bow buyer questions

[NDHUNTER24]

Hey guys I'm planning on buying a 10'X14' flexbow this year and had a few questions to the guys that have them. I see they have 3 different models. Is it worth getting the VX vs deluxe or basic? I can only find the VX has windows for better ventilation when its hot. Also, what add ons or extras do you recommend? I was planning on getting the floor liner and ground tarp for sure.

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[eddielasvegas]

I have the 10x14 Deluxe (SKU 6014). It is a great tent that will hold up in dang near any weather it is in.

Here's my 2 cents:

The extra ventilation would be nice with the VX (SKU 6043) would be nice if most of your camping will be in warmer weather, but there is a draw back IMHO for cold weather camping. The VX tent does not have the small zipped vents on each side at the top. I leave these open and I use a Buddy Heater (with a thermal fan) and have never had a problem with CO build up or condensation. The VX can solve this problem but maybe not as easily.

I use a single layer of moving pads I had as an interior floor layer. It works but the floor does get nippy in cold weather. There might be a better option, but I'm too lazy to look.

I used a 10x14 HF tarp for the ground and then lay the tent on that. That has worked well over the years.

I have no need for the Cover Top or Wing Vestibule, but I almost always am solo and the need for these items is low. I certainly could see some value with the latter but I also seldom use the awning as it's a PITA because it collects snow and rain and is a magnet for my head. If my use was with 3 or 4 people, I could see value in some of the flex-bow accessories, but I have no experience with them.

Good luck,

Eddie

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Reg version with there ground cloth.
Get a canvas patch kit just to have.
Go to Lowe’s and have a thin peice of carpet cut for inside and get an entry rug.
Make some lag screws with fender washers instead of stakes.
I dont run a cover or tarp over tent.
Kind of defeats the purpose of a canvas tent to me.

 

[MuleyFever]

On the VX you can just open the top of the side windows to vent if needed.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I didn’t get the vx because I’m just worried about zippers on the side slope and water sitting on them.
Also in case I wanted to put a stove pipe jack in the end.

I had a basic and then a deluxe.

Definitely get a deluxe or vx

The basic only has 2 windows and the basic has 4
The basic was typically to hot during a sunny Sept day to nap.

 

[Wheels]

I have the VX and like all the windows for when it’s warm. Also have the Springbar Stormfly, it’s worth the price. Definitely get lag bolts to replace the stakes.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I have the VX but I think the deluxe would be the ticket if majority of use is mountainous in hunting seasons, VX is great for warmer camping though. I have the Kodiak roof as well as the Springbar fly, both work well to keep the roof dry so the tent can breathe in rain or snow. Canvas can't breathe if it's wet. Both roof options also allow you to open the VX side windows about halfway and still remain rainproof. My VX has had some good sideways driving rain, never leaked at the windows but had some water come in a corner seam or corner where the canvas was heavily stretched from the wind, couple TBSPs or so probably during a couple hours hard driving rain with 30ish sustained winds.

Accessories:
I like some sort of roof as mentioned for breathability.
I like the ground tarp to keep the floor in good condition.
I like the 12" galvanized lag screws and washers for stakes.
I like a diesel heater for winter.

 

[eamyrick]

I have the plain 10x14. 30 nights with hail, rain, and snow. Not a drop. I also don’t use a ground cloth or any type of cover. As far as heat, I don’t camp when it’s above 70.

 

[BLJ]

I have the VX but I think the deluxe would be the ticket if majority of use is mountainous in hunting seasons, VX is great for warmer camping though. I have the Kodiak roof as well as the Springbar fly, both work well to keep the roof dry so the tent can breathe in rain or snow. Canvas can't breathe if it's wet. Both roof options also allow you to open the VX side windows about halfway and still remain rainproof. My VX has had some good sideways driving rain, never leaked at the windows but had some water come in a corner seam or corner where the canvas was heavily stretched from the wind, couple TBSPs or so probably during a couple hours hard driving rain with 30ish sustained winds.

Accessories:
I like some sort of roof as mentioned for breathability.
I like the ground tarp to keep the floor in good condition.
I like the 12" galvanized lag screws and washers for stakes.
I like a diesel heater for winter.

What’s your diesel heater setup?

 

[HairyScandinavian]

What’s your diesel heater setup?

I have a few posts in here we're just talking about it, link is to the first post so scroll down in that thread. I get a lot of questions and a couple PMs so maybe I should make a thread but I didn't get a lot of pictures or anything. There's a big diesel heater thread here also but I can't seem to search it up.

Post in thread 'Kodiak Tent Choice - Flex Bow 10x14 vs. 8p Cabin Lodge'

Thursday at 2:46 PM

Flexbow 10x14. Solo, mid Oct hunt. 15 mins setup. Tarp overtop takes just as long to setup. I run the tarp to avoid drying it out back at home.

Very comfortable for two and gear.

You guys have an exhaust stack for your buddy heaters/diesel heaters?

View attachment 981478

You looked at the Springbar fly for it? I got one for my Kodiak and it fits perfectly and lets the tent breath when it's wet or snowed on. Doesn't take but a few minutes to stake it out.

Diesel heater lives outside so nothing to exhaust, just the hot air blower zipped into the door. It was a game changer, smooth...

• HairyScandinavian

• 

 

[BLJ]

@HairyScandinavian

Found it. That’s where I’ve been for the last 15 minutes.

Thanks.

 

[idcuda]

VX for the ventilation options.

I've had snow piled up on mine and never an issue with water. I use a buddy heater and it heats up in a couple minutes. I do put down the ground cloth (tarp) that came with it - it's light, quick, and easier to clean when packing up. Agree with the other suggestions too, especially the lag bolts/washers coupled with an impact driver.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

Thanks everyone, that helped me make my decision pretty easy.

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[bnsafe]

I have the deluxe 10x10. I def use the tarp on the ground to keep crap off my tent. Only issue I have with mine is a buddy heater will shut off at nite. Gets very cold in the morning.

 

[willfrye027]

I have the VX. It’s great for warmer weather camping, the tent gets pretty warm in the sun. Nice to be able to open all the vents and take an afternoon nap or put the kids down for a nap and not have it be 100 degrees inside. If you were not camping much in the summer the extra windows are probably not needed.

Did not have any issues this year with water/leaks and the extra zippers. Rained 3-4 inches in a couple days with periods of complete downpour and I had zero leaks.

Do get the groundsheet from them. Big buddy will get the 10x14 nice and warm, but I don’t run it all night. Lag bolt stakes would be my next upgrade.

It’s one of my favorite gear purchases. Super easy to set up even solo. Makes a week or two in the woods incredibly comfortable.

 

[cwitt]

Going up to the VX is your call but absolutely Deluxe over Basic. The storage bag is a huge upgrade alone, and the extra windows along with the rest of the accessories they send make it well worth the price difference.

Fantastic tents. I have a basic that I use 80-100 days a year and bought a deluxe to have in case I need a second tent for clients to use. I have since upgraded all the accessories on my basic to match what comes with the deluxe.