Super Fat Cat vs. Fish Cat 4

[zonker]

Earlier this year when I first found this site I purchased a FishCat 4 and retired my Caddis Nav II. I have enjoyed the FC4 very much. It is adequate for my flyfishing needs. I'm now looking to purchase another tube because my oldest grandson is outgrowing the Caddis donut that he had when he was younger and smaller and his little brother is coming on. I'm considering giving the older boy the FC4, passing the donut on to the little guy, and buying another tube for me. I've looked long and hard at the Super Fat Cats. I'm also looking at one made by Venure Outdoors called the Echo that was recommended to me by one of the members on this site. I was going through previous posts and I came upon a statement made by Tubedude in April of 2004 that read: "I have an Outcast Super Fat Cat. It was $369. I would never buy another one. I would probably buy one of the Fish Cat 4's, which is about the same design, but $200 cheaper."

Guess I need to ask you, TD, if you still feel that way, and if your perspective has changed any since then. I'm not rich but I do have the money to buy whichever one I want. I wouldn't mind saving $200, of course. As I understand it the SFC's are an inch wider and about 10 inches longer with an max weight capacity of 300, compared to 250 for the FC4. I'm not a big guy. Right now I weigh in at about 175 and am 5'8". If I stay on my current diet of nuts and twigs I will probably remain at that weight or maybe even lose a few more pounds. I know also that the SFC has bigger pockets, a heavier construction, and better valves. But I've never actually driven one.

I'd appreciate any thoughts some of you SFC owners (or former owners) might have on this.

Thanks.

zonker
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