Clark combined the ultra light and the tropical into one model at $299. Wonder what the differences are
Clark combined the ultra light and the tropical into one model at $299. Wonder what the differences are
I'm familiar with both models, so I understand the description at the web page, where there is no pic, yet.
1. Minimum price is now $70 higher than it used to be (for the old UL)
2. All Clarks now have the two tailored interior pockets at the head end. One tailored for a pistol, the other with velcro closure. The UL lacked both.
3. All Clarks now have two layers of hood at the foot end, sewn so you can stuff the space between them with the bug net (and weathershield, if included)
4. The Tropical II had two pairs of saddlebags with a broad space between them. The new Tropical Ultra loses one pair of saddlebags.
5. All Clarks now include or have as an option the 3 1/2 sided weather shield. The UL did not include that option.
I picked up a UL last Spring. It might be a favorite, qualitatively different from the full featured models with slim size from its just-21 oz of material.
I currently have a tx 150 with w-shield that I'm thinking I would like to replace with this. I dont use the poles anymore as they are a hassle and installed a continuous ridge line instead. Is the actual hammock body of the ultralight different from the nx /tx hammocks other than the add pockets and pole sleeves?
My understanding is that Clark cuts just two body sizes for single-occupancy hammocks. So, the body size will be the same as for the TX150.
New model; so the good folks at Clark will pick up the phone and tell you all about it.
I have the old style Clark Tropical 2. I had a NX-150, but found I tended to break the poles all the time and so replaced it. As best I can tell the new Tropical Ultra has a slightly longer bed length at 102.5 in as opposed to 96.5 for the old Tropical 2 and TX-150. The TX-250, NX-250 and NX-200 have 108.5 in bed lengths and may be more comfortable for taller hangers.
Good catch, Bear Bagger.
Clark just added the pic for the new model today. The pair of saddlebags are at the foot end, if the head end is the same on all the pics.
There is that third, intermediate length bed, used on the Vertex and Flex and also the North American model, according to the chart.
I happened to have an chart in my files from before the Spring 2012 introduction of the Flex180, and the North American was shown then as having the 96" bed length. The same weight though, was shown as the same as in the current chart. So, I would allow for the possibility of editing error somewhere, or at least confirm with Clark the longer bed size if it matters to purchase decision.
Bear Bagger is correct, and my caution about possible editing error in the chart was mistaken.
Just talked with Gary Clark himself. No editing error: The Tropical UL AND the North American now have the 6" longer, 102" bed. Weight increase is less than an ounce, (but shows up in the higher-resolution metric chart.)
The triangle-shaped pad of the insulation system will be longer for these hammocks.
Called Clark, they stated that the extra length helps out on the comfort factor, the pockets remain at the head end, and that the hammock body weight w/o tarp and suspension was 1 pound 14 ounces. I assume this is w/o the weather shield. This does sound significantly heavier than DemostiX's 21 oz ultralight, so I'm wondering if that really is indeed the weight. Anywho, I will probably get one, as my current 3lb out the door setup with my tx-150 and cuben tarp is just a little more than I want to carry, when I can do the same thing with the WBBB DL for 2 pounds. But I like the clark design better and feel safer putting the dog in with me due to the heavier fabric. If anyone wants a modded TX-150 let me know, I'll list it for sale next week when I'm off the road.
My 21 ounces is without suspension.
THIS NEWS REALLY BUMS ME OUT !!!
The Ultralight model has always been my favorite.
And the bad news is I just recently allowed someone to talk me into selling my UL to them.
It was someone new to hanging and looking to get set up with little hassle factor. I thought I was doing a good thing and being helpful, but I planned to replace my hammock with a new one.
"No good deed goes unpunished."
***
Ironically, I also have the Tropical,.......and I don't really like it.
It has always been my "loaner."
I have the NX-150 and it is my least favorite of all. Nice in some ways but I hate the poles!
My newest is the WBBB. I want to like it, but I hate that I can't exit from either side.
That limits direction of view and hanging options.
So,.....I was REALLY planning to replace the UL.
What to do, what to do?
Last edited by Cadenza; 09-25-2012 at 22:21.
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