We've got the 2006 Diablo 900, which is basically the same as the 600 with an extra pod - the dog does like his privacy when sleeping. There have been a few problems raised with the bedroom pods being "saggy" but this hasn't ever been a major problem. Apart from this it is an excellent tent which stood up to some pretty bad weather last year. It is very well equipped inside even to fitting little Velcro tabs up one of the seams to hold a mains cable to an electric light in the centre of the dome. A few words of warning, though. DO make sure the poles across the dome are straight, not 'S' shaped or you will have major problems zipping up the doors. Also, take some time to work out the correct fitting of the groundsheet in the porch area. We had ours eight ways round at different times and still don't know which was right. Also, it's worth considering getting a footprint groundsheet which you lay down first. This not only helps you position the tent before you are fighting with acres of nylon, but also keeps the mud off the SIG which makes packing up much pleasanter if it is wet.
We have the diablo 900 - best tent we have ever had - not suitable as I have found out for putting up on your own for a quick w/e, so have invested in a smaller one. Fantastic for longer hols, loads of space - not bothered about saggy bedrooms. Invested in foot print - yet to try out, but I'm sure it will be a bonus.
Hi Mzzy. It's a separate groundsheet which goes under the sewn-in one on the tent. If you have something like the Diablo, which you pitch inner first it lies directly on the ground. The problem then is that if it gets muddy underneath, that will transfer onto the canvas (or nylon) of your inner tent. With the footprint, you can leave that on the ground while you fight to get the tent into its apparently far too small bag. Then you just roll it up and dump it in a bin bag . When you get home you can than hose it off and dry it out.
Thanks wondered what it was....Think I know what you mean! so is it a pain putting the inner up first? I have a smaller vango venture 500 which is brill to pitch but could do with another bedroom really and like vango as had other tents in the past and not as good quality (in my opinion)
Mzy
We don't find it much more of a problem pitching the inner first. When it was raining, the inside fabric got a bit wet, but soon dried out. We chose the Vango because we like the look of the quality and the thought that had gone into the design with all the extra little bits you find. We specially liked the Diablo because it seemed light and airy inside - despite having a double skin all over which helps to keep out the heat from the sun and the chill at night. The basic rule for me when it comes to tent ercting is to take your time. Pull up on site, have a good look at your pitch and then crack open a drop of whatever you fancy. Be aware that if it's windy you'll at some stage be handling a vast sail which is quite capable of dragging you off so make sure you're well prepared to get that job done as quickly as possible and get it pegged out. Then take a well-earned break befor emoving onto the next stage, whatever that may be.
If you are using a separate groundsheet under the SIG make sure it doesn't stick out under the SIG so that water collects between the separate groundsheet and the SIG.
We have one - used extensively last year - if you have as saggy bedroom it'll be down to not pitching it quite as it should be. Highly recommend spending £25 or so on a footprint - saves loads of time figuring out if it points the right way - or if it'll fit on the pitch (it's big)!
Faults so far - none! The pegs are very weedy though - upgrade with Delta's at the first opportunity
Takes about 45 minutes to whack it up once you ge the hang of it
we had a diablo 600...and had some great holidays in it (our bedroom pods were alway a tad saggy) anyway we sold it and decided to 'upgrade' to an Outwell BBBIIIGGG mistake!!!!!
Enjoy your holidays in your 600...you wont be disapointed
we bought a diablo 600 last year to start our camping life and it was the best thing we have done we had a great year of camping couldn't fault the tent (once you got used to putting it up)we got the ground sheet too it is worth getting as it not only protects the tent it also gives you a good idea of where the tent is placed
we have used it about 4 times, now ready for the big one, we are looking to book 2 weeks away in France in August, we may even aim for the Ardeche 1000 miles!!!