I am new to the camping game , and have finally been persuaded by my better half to get put my hand in my pocket and fork out for a family outfit (2 adults ,2 kids under 3yr and a big hairy dog) . Just spend most of the day in "Go outdoors" perusing the vast array of hardware and accessories which you can buy - Plates, stoves , sleeping bags, screwy into the ground thing to tie the dog to - we got everything but the kitchen sink (No..actually we got one of those as well) - Everything except 1 thing - A Tent...
And this is where I need your help.. Given the kids and the dog the live expectancy of the tent can be considered "limited" at best so we are not looking to spend a fortune. We have read the reviews and done the homework, and it looks like we have narrowed it down to 2 tents. Option 1 - The Vango 600XP (2008) model or Option 2 -The Coleman Modulus X7 (2008) - Last year models appear to be a bit cheaper and I am sure they are both good tents. Does anyone have experience of either of these tents or could you make any alternative recommendations.
Many thanks in advance
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Nice to see you have done some research ,and come up with two different suggestions . Both are fine tents and will serve you well , so in that respect there is no need to worry about making a poor choice.The answer is dependant on sleeping arrangements . The Modulus X7 has two large bedrooms that would accomodate all of you in , depending if you all want to sleep together for now , leaving you free not to put the bedroom inner up creating more living space. Also you could omit the detacheable bedroom completely to make a smaller weekender .The Diablo has slightly smaller bedrooms , so it would be difficult to have all of you in one area . But it has more living space. My solution would be to combine the best aspects of both and consider a Coleman Matrix X9 at £200 . Flexible bedroom space, and good living space,plus great headroom and ventililation .IMO best buy under £200 (by a penny). Have a look , and tell us what you think. This a tent for the next 5-7 years, so for £30 a year , you can have your own home from home!
Thanks for responding so quickly - I am look to spend sub £250 if at all possible - Both the Matrix X9 (Best price I could find numbersix was £250)and the Oregon 800 would fit into this budget. What I am finding is that you can go mad if you are not careful - So I am trying to balance quality with cost which is always the difficult part -
Vango.s appear to all have a SIG - but the Coleman's are not just quite as clear in their description of the ground sheet (Rather I don't know what the jargon means) - "Living Area Groundsheet: PE140g/m2 - welded, fully attached to flysheet (110g/m2 in inner rooms)" To cut to the chase in the words of my wife "would it let in the bugs" ?
I will have a look further at the suggestions - Many thanks again
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Matrix 9 was available for £ 199 here last week , but maybe sold out , they still have the matrix 6 for £175. Yes the coleman tents have SIG (fully attached to flysheet )
the outdoor revolution ia another tent with SIG may suit you as it has one huge bedroom divided with a curtain under £250 here
Thanks for all the help - In only a few minutes we have managed to reach agreement (something we have not been able to do for the last 3 days) - There are a few places selling the Matrix X9 for £199 - so we are going to opt for one of them (got to dip your toe in the water sometime). It seems like a very flexible product (from a configuration perspective) - Really liked the pictures - It makes such a big difference when choosing a tent to actually see "Real user pictures" -
Will be a regular on this forum no doubt as I get to terms with the great outdoors , however really good to see such a responsive and helpful group of people - On-line and willing to help -
And now you can get on to the important things, like where to go,what furniture and sleeping arrangements. Tis but the first step of a very slippery slope!
Well done on making your choice .which stores have the matrix 9 in stock for £200 ? Just in case someone wants to tell you a horror story of a shop to avoid, or recommend a really good one .
For those interested , it is available here at £199
Over the last few days , the price of these has gone up in a number of outlets. A similar thing to what happened to the Evolva ,so if you are thinking about -snooze and lose.
------------- Be seeing you!!
Numbersix
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Yes - Of course : Best Buys same as numbersix's post) - Norwich Camping are doing it for £250 but do a price match (using best-buys) if you would rather use them.
A number of Ebay listings - including this one X9 which seems like its worth a punt if you live down Bristol way (Its a brand new tent). It does look like there were a lot more offers out there that have been snapped up (Out of stock / offer ended etc)
Just wanted to follow up on this - Best Buys are all out of the Matrix X9 (They updated their website this morning). They only had six and they will not be getting any more at this price.(£199 + £17p&p)
I took the £250 option from Norwich Camping (couldn't do the price match because they are not "in-stock at best-buys) .Free postage so actually only £34 more expensive (No chineese takeaway this weekend and were all square)
Still below budget , and still not a bad price , however for the mean time at least the £199 Matrix X9 apears to be as rare as hens teeth.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Advice please for a camping novice..
