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Seriously consider going for one of the older models with the doorway between main living part and porch.  The new model doesn't have it!  This is the feature that makes the central bit all warm and cosy.  It isn't as snug or warm without that door.  Without the door the central tent is not fully enclosed.  Bugs can crawl in through from the porch way.  It is also a much more drafty tent. A separate porch is far more useful.  We used ours as a kitchen storage area and shoes off area. It helps you keep the main part dry and clean.  You could even have a carpet in there. The reason the new model has no doorway between the porch and main bit is they have taken away the double skin-which again helps to keep it warm.  I think it is now an outer up first.

This is my understanding from local retailer-The lifetime guarantee doesn't cover for normal wear and tear.  A polyester tent has a 16 week(outdoor use) lifespan before the uv breaks down the fabric causing thinning,rips and tears.  So this is the real lengh of the guarantee.  The tent is also not covered for weather damage. Say its been windy and the poles break.  However all manufacturing faults are covered.  It can be difficult to prove its manufacturing problems.  You have to pay for the tent to be returned to Vango.  They assess the damage and decide whether there is a problem due to their manufacturing. If its their fault they will repair or replace and return free of charge.  If it is not their fault you have to cover their costs and pay to have the tent returned to yourself.

The three bedroomed one is a monster and very hard to pitch.  If you want three bedrooms go for a tunnel much easier to pitch.  You've got to get the tension right with a three bed diablo or you get funny shaped bedrooms where the doors won't open and close properly.  Know someone who has one and it can take them upto two hours to pitch properly.

Hope this helps. 

Quote: Originally posted by san321 on 10/4/2008

Seriously consider going for one of the older models with the doorway between main living part and porch. The new model doesn't have it! This is the feature that makes the central bit all warm and cosy. It isn't as snug or warm without that door. Without the door the central tent is not fully enclosed. Bugs can crawl in through from the porch way. It is also a much more drafty tent. A separate porch is far more useful. We used ours as a kitchen storage area and shoes off area. It helps you keep the main part dry and clean. You could even have a carpet in there. The reason the new model has no doorway between the porch and main bit is they have taken away the double skin-which again helps to keep it warm. I think it is now an outer up first.

This is my understanding from local retailer-The lifetime guarantee doesn't cover for normal wear and tear. A polyester tent has a 16 week(outdoor use) lifespan before the uv breaks down the fabric causing thinning,rips and tears. So this is the real lengh of the guarantee. The tent is also not covered for weather damage. Say its been windy and the poles break. However all manufacturing faults are covered. It can be difficult to prove its manufacturing problems. You have to pay for the tent to be returned to Vango. They assess the damage and decide whether there is a problem due to their manufacturing. If its their fault they will repair or replace and return free of charge. If it is not their fault you have to cover their costs and pay to have the tent returned to yourself.

The three bedroomed one is a monster and very hard to pitch. If you want three bedrooms go for a tunnel much easier to pitch. You've got to get the tension right with a three bed diablo or you get funny shaped bedrooms where the doors won't open and close properly. Know someone who has one and it can take them upto two hours to pitch properly.

Hope this helps.

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Post last edited on 10/04/2008 16:33:57

I have no idea why it would take two hours to pitch. We have the 900xp - got it last summer and used it twice. First time took approx 1 hour and the second time took about 50 minutes and it was torential rain. The inner dried in no time once the outer was on - there was no puddles on the sig or anything at all. My husband had never pitch a big tent before and we managed without a problem. He is 6ft 6 tall so we needed a tent that he could stand up in. He is responsible for getting the outer over the top and my job is to get underneath and tie it onto the poles as I am only 5ft 4 so its just a matter of teamwork. On the second trip we had a smaller tent that we could have used but we took the decision to use the diablo as we new it would provide plenty room to sit and shelter from the rain. We had 7 adults, 4 kids and a 4 month old puppy in and everyone was fine and cosy. We do like having the door in between the porch and the main tent though

Alison

my sister has had the same 600 since 2003, uses it for upto four continuous weeks a year, holidays with two kids in it from months old to six years and it is still looking new and wearing well.

we have had three other tents in this period, from various makers, have all slept in theirs (seven in total) when our last tent gave way during the hols, and last year opted to join the diablo club.

obviously sibling competition came into it and we bought the "monster" that is the 900 xp.

pitching isn't all that bad, when you get used to it, but the room and flexability once up make it worth while.

would also look at an earlier model say 2007 ish as the internal dimension is such that without the additional door heat would struggle to build up.

a point from the photo above is that the orange and silver (2007) look a little frighteneing. this is not the case and there is ample windows etc for bags of natural light.

just a side point i do love the fact that vango supply large bags to fit it all in very easily.

i would readilly recommend the diablo.

mat

Quote: Originally posted by princesspickle2 on 10/4/2008

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the diablo 08 model they have taken out the internal door between the porch and the main tent and the xl 08 model has an extra pole in the bedroom other than that no difference

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Can someone say for definate if there is a second zip in the doorway or not. The one that I have seen on display has the second zip and Im sure I was told it was the 08 model

thanks

67lofty

Not sure what you mean about the second zip in the doorway.  Mine has two zips going up vertically on the front panel.  These unzip to make the front entrance.  This doorway can be rolled up or it comes with two poles that can be used to lift this flap out to create a large front canopy to sit under.  Not sure recent models do this.  I think they have a D shaped door that simply rolls back.  Someone will reply to tell you if I'm right or wrong, I'm sure.

Is this what you are asking?

If you are asking if there is a door between main living area and porch in 2008 model.  The one I saw last weekend definately was not separate.  I don't even think 2007 is separate.  Look into this carefully. 2006 and before did have these separate areas.

PS Alison I'm glad you don't have problems putting yours up.  Maybe my friends are doing something wrong.  The space in those things is amazing.  we've just opted for a vermont xl.  We'll see if a tunnel is easier than a dome to put up.  Hope so.

Hot news!

Just heard on here that Vango have already got 2009 samples sorted and Yeomans are going to be displaying them shortly.  Maybe 2009 will be a better design of Diablo.  Worth looking into? Who knows!

 I don't even think 2007 is separate

the 2007 does have the door that seperates the tunnel from the main living area.it also has a side door on the tunnel, hangy up thing for your bits and pieces and a window with vent on the tunnel supposedly to ease condensation when cooking..

mat

i cant imagine for one minute why they would get rid of it, anyway i know it spoils the fun of going out and looking but,

ring vango 09018 140020 or email info at vango.co.uk

looking at the pics on the website to me it looks like it is still there.

mat