Plano, IL – War historians trace the origin of the term “bunker” to World War I, when first used by German forces to describe bomb-proof shelters above and below ground. By the beginning of World War II in 1939, ‘bunker’ had entered the military lexicon of both Allied and Axis powers to describe various command and control centers and weapons storage facilities.
Later, given the nuclear threat, bunker construction extended through the Cold War, which contrary to public opinion, never really ended … (Cue X-Files theme music.)
Just ask the foot soldiers of today’s ice brigade: men, women and youth who chase predators and panfish through harsh sub-zero conditions, come hell or hardwater.
As this army grows larger and stronger each winter, anglers have begged for bigger and better portable shelters. No more wind-whippy tents with crummy R-value. Today’s anglers want easy-to-set-up hardwater bunkers to protect them from the cold, while yielding maximum fishable space and lots of room for gear and troops – not to mention something that will last longer than a season… (Most “value hubs” on the market are one-and-done; fish it this winter, and turn it over to waste management in the spring.)
Enter Frabill’s new Bunker Series of over-sized hubs, the closest thing to MIL-SPEC ice fishing shelters on the planet. So, if you’re serious about maximum space, protection, and warmth, meet the new standard-issue hub.
Building on the success of earlier hub models, Frabill’s four new Bunker Series designs feature 30% more fishable space compared to traditional cube-shaped hubs with the same roof dimensions. This translates to more room for anglers, gear, hook-setting with longer rods … and a lot more fun!
Each model in the Bunker Series features lightweight insulation with serious R-value to maintain the heat. The Bunker Series also offers more rigidity in heavy winds thanks to a redesigned pole system that is easily staked with included smart ice anchors with large vinyl-dipped handles and guy-lines. Plus, each Bunker folds up easily into a tough, duffle bag for easy transport in the back of the truck, sled or ATV rack. Tough and comfortable shoulder straps make for easy portages when hoofing it.
“The new bags were designed to be larger at the opening to make it easier to get the hub into the bag on the ice. This makes for easier set up, tear down and storage for a long life of on-ice use,” says Tim Makos, Design Engineer, Frabill Hard Goods.
Short of a permanent shack (and all of their challenges), Frabill’s new shelters can’t be beat for providing quick on-ice barracks. The Bunker 450 seamlessly fishes 6 infantry-sized anglers and gear! Use it as a base location for scouting new areas of a lake or sit right down on a community hole for serious rod-bending from square one. It also makes a great mess tent or warm-up shack for tingly toes and fingers.
“The Bunker Series’ new hub design was taken in part from parent company Plano Synergy’s sister brand Ameristep, a company known for resilient hunting ground blinds. Their design has proven to be more durable than competitors’ products, so it was a natural fit for making our Frabill ice hubs even better, stronger and more spacious” closed Makos, knowing the design team really nailed it with the Bunker Series.
BUNKER 450
Fishes 6 anglers plus gear
89 sq. ft. of fishable space
2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
Re-designed pole system
MaxVent Air Exchange System
Large hexagonal windows for maximum viewing space
FABRIC – Top: 600 Denier, Bottom: 600 Denier, Skirt: 600 Denier
Insulation: FULL
SETUP: 160″ (L) x 80″ (W) x 80″ (H)
FOLDED 62″ (L) x 13″ (W) x 13″ (H)
59 lbs.
ITEM #641500
MSRP $439.99
BUNKER 310
Fishes 3-4 anglers plus gear
64 sq. ft. of fishable space
2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
Re-designed pole system
MaxVent Air Exchange System
Large hexagonal windows for maximum viewing space
INSULATION: Top
FABRIC – Top: 300 Denier, Bottom: 1,500 Ripstop, Skirt: 600 Denier
SETUP: 96″ (L) x 96″ (W) x 80″ (H)
FOLDED 67″ (L) x 13″ (W) x 13″ (H)
37 lbs.
ITEM #641400
MSRP $299.99
BUNKER 250
Fishes 2- 3 Anglers plus gear
44.5 sq. ft. of fishable space
2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
Re-designed pole system
MaxVent Air Exchange System
Large hexagonal windows for maximum viewing space
INSULATION: Full
FABRIC – Top: 600 Denier, Bottom: 600 Denier, Skirt: 600 Denier
SETUP: 80″ (L) x 80″ (W) x 80″ (H)
FOLDED 55.75″ (L) x 10″ (W) x 10″ (H)
37 lbs.
ITEM #641310
MSRP $299.99
BUNKER 210
Fishes 2- 3 Anglers plus gear
44.5 sq. ft. of fishable space
2 large side doors with heavy duty zipper
Re-designed pole system
MaxVent Air Exchange System
Large hexagonal windows for maximum viewing space
INSULATION: Top
FABRIC – Top: 300 Denier, Bottom: 1,500 Ripstop, Skirt: 300 Denier
SETUP: 80″ (L) x 80″ (W) x 80″ (H)
FOLDED 55.75″ (L) x 9.5″ (W) x 9.5″ (H)
30 lbs.
ITEM #641300
MSRP $249.99
