Trying to decide between the new Vango Samara 600 & the Skandika Milano 6. I have read all of the reviews on here regarding the Milano 6 and they are all extremely positive but i really like the look of the new Vango Samara 600 and cant decide which way to go. I really want to make the right choice here as i will be spending a fair bit of money on whichever i choose and hope that it will last my family and i for the next few years. Ideally i would buy the Montana 6 but at GBP 500.00 thats pushing things a bit far.
Any input or maybe even alternative suggestions would be much appreciated to help me make my mind up.
------------- Chloesdad
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I'd endorse Gary's comments. The online only/eBay brands have attracted much derision on here, as they may look similar, but when examining them in detail - they don't match up for quality or have the same quality of poles, guying arrangements etc. You can if you hunt find very affordable, quality assured options - e.g.
How about Vango's Premium Family tent version of the Montana - the 2009 Vango Columbia 600 - 5000HH, steel poles, enclosed side entrance, plus TBSII system, low level vents, full or part opening front, 2/3 bedroom option. Will cost you about £280 (RRP in 2009 was £450) - an absolute bargain as its similar in spec to the Montana and has excellent reviews!
Still a few new ones out there with the retailers probably because they are using a pre-production photo with fibreglass poles. You can still get the sage coloured Vango "WIDE" canopy off a retailer on eBay £70 and probably find a footprint groundsheet (the Sungari 600's footprint will fit). You will need to be a bit cunning to find a carpet to fit as they re now as rare as hen's teeth, but you could cut down one from another tent or combine 2 smaller ones. No smoke (blue) canopies out there any longer.
We actually have 2 of these tents (1 is in storage for when the first eventually dies) and prefer it to the Montana which we found far too fussy and less flexible for us.
Tongue in cheek ~ the Montana 600 is getting more like our Columbia each year. Last year the Montana copied the shape of the porch. This year it has removed the opening windows and added zipped curtains like the Columbia. What it hasn't copied yet is the flexible front and extra low level vent system which means that the Columbia has potentially more ventilation than the Montana for 2011.
Helen
------------- Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!
No contest go for the VANGO its a decent brand, sometimes reviews can be deceiving if the reviewer has nothing to compare it with ie its their first tent and the weather has been good. I had a Skandika tent got it cheap and it was ok wouldnt pay good money for one though and you wont get any accessories for it ie footprint, carpet, canopy etc
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
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Speedcamp how very dare you even suggest that Outwell would copy anyone elses ideas
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 29/3/2011
think 3madboyz call them skanky tents
"Skankydicks" Bob LOL
Trust me, go for the Vango, I only just managed the "ride" that was sitting in a Skandika tent during a rainstorm along with a few other members on here!!...... 2 words.... OH and DEAR!
Morning all, well after much deliberating i have taken the plunge and taken Helen's (speedcamp's) advise and purchased the Vango Columbia 600 It really does seem to have everything i want, and more
Cant wait till it arrives now along with some warmer weather so we can actually go away for the weekend and put it up! Thanks for the input all.
Vango Columbia is a super buy, well done! Would have defo kept mine if I had not fallen for all things Dutch! You'll have some great camping trips in it and feel very secure and safe
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Topic: Cant decide on my new tent - HELP!!
. You can still get the sage coloured Vango "WIDE" canopy off a retailer on eBay £70 and probably find a footprint groundsheet (the Sungari 600's footprint will fit). You will need to be a bit cunning to find a carpet to fit as they re now as rare as hen's teeth, but you could cut down one from another tent or combine 2 smaller ones. No smoke (blue) canopies out there any longer.
What it hasn't copied yet is the flexible front and extra low level vent system which means that the Columbia has potentially more ventilation than the Montana for 2011.
It really does seem to have everything i want, and more 
