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 Topic: Kampa Frinton 4 Classic
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09/5/2016 at 9:16pm
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings
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Joined: 01/7/2012 Diamond Member 
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I can't compare to a frame tent, canvas or otherwise, but as you know, I can compare it to my Karsten. I doubt it will surprise you to hear the Karsten wins, hands down.
However, I doubt anyone could realistically get better value for money than the Frinton 4 Classic.
If and when I get my finger out, I plan to repair the window of my Filey 6 classic (100% my own stupid clumsiness!) and then sell it. Great tent in it's own right, but for us, (knowing what we know now) I'd now consider it a tad too big, and a tad too much effort to pitch.
But I have absolutely no plans to sell the Frinton, despite us now having the Karsten, and all that it's modular design and 100% cotton brings with it.
Never felt the Frinton's (much thicker than yer average) fibreglass pole sections were a problem... I certainly wouldn't fancy trying to snap one across my knee!
I'd have absolutely no qualms about camping in the Frinton again, even though we haven't used it since Easter of last year... and didn't regret it, or feel as if it was "a step backwards", despite already having used our Karsten a few times by then.
I guess, ultimately, my current feeling is that I can't see me selling the Frinton, because it is simply too good to sell, and £ for £, it would simply be hard to beat!
Best £399 I've ever spent!
 
PS:
Geoff, it seems you know me so well!  
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Campervan:
Give us chance!
Tent:
July 2012-Dec 2024: 456 nights.
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11/5/2016 at 9:27am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
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Quote: Originally posted by johnwils on 09/5/2016
Thanks for replying Katedow,
I actually bought this tent on a bit of a whim a couple of years ago, not used it properly yet. It's the polycotton bit and fibre glass roof poles that I'm not quite sure about as we only use all cotton canvas frame tents.
We are hoping to buy a Karsten at some point but it's such a lot of money, we need to save a bit more as I don't want to get into debt at the moment.
Helen
You've been spoiled!
We too have always had Cabanon tents, of every description. We too bought a Frinton Classic (when they were being discontinued and available at a bargain price). I hoped it would provide a lightweight alternative with SIG and the price was too good to miss.
When it arrived, we too deliberated and compared extensively, as it seems you are doing now. At least you kept yours, after having a feel of the canvas and poles etc I decided against and sent it back without pitching (so the whole exercise ended up as an expense rather than a bargain!).
I reckon that, since you're used to Cabanon standards you'll probably find this a bit of a lightweight alternative (not just the poles but the canvas, pole sleeves (which aren't canvas), groundsheet and zips as well). The traditional ring and pin pitching style will also potentially be a bit challenging after likes of the Pacific etc.
No offence meant to anyone who's got one, I suspect it's a decent little tent in its own right but I reckon a Cabanon enthusiast will find it a little under par. UNLESS you can get your head round the fact that it's NOT to be compared to the Cabanon quality and that it's a darn sight better than most polyester offerings out there. In which case, you'll probably be delighted with it.
I think that, whether or not you'll be happy with it depends on your expectations of a tent. It sounds like that's what your husband is struggling with? Holiday time is precious, so you need to feel confident about your tent. But, once you pitched it in the garden you'll have lost that 'new, unused' selling edge. Buy a vestibule and there's more to recoup if you decide to sell. Decisions, decisions...
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11/5/2016 at 7:16pm
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings
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Joined: 01/7/2012 Diamond Member
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No offence taken from this direction, Lidds.
I remember our chat on your disappointment with, and ultimate return of, your Frinton.
What you say makes perfect sense, in my opinion. Almost a matter of "breeding", for want of a better phrase!
I spent almost 50 years without a tent, then a couple of months with a polyester tent, before finding the glory that was polycotton, so with that sort of "upbringing", these Kampa classics were the bees knees to me!
Even after later discovering that my Kampa polycotton only included 35% cotton, whereas all the Vango's and Outwells etc seemed to include 65%, I felt neither rueful nor let down.
Of course, whether I would have remained so positive re Kampa's Classic tent's had I previously spent a good number of years in and around good quality 100% cotton canvas tents (be that Cabanon, Karsten, or a. n. other), is anyone's guess!
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Campervan:
Give us chance!
Tent:
July 2012-Dec 2024: 456 nights.
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