Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

- When does Big Sky charge my credit card for my order?

- Which is better - pole sleeves or pole clips?

- Which is better - aluminum poles or carbon fiber poles?
- Which is better - Evolution or Convertible series?

- What is the difference between Winter and Summer Shells?

- Why can't I use the 3rd HD pole with the Convertible's Summer Shell?

- What is the difference between Winter and Summer Interiors?

- How should I store my shelter?

- Why is there a charge for $0.01 on my credit card statement?

When does Big Sky charge my credit card for my order?

> Big Sky will charge the credit card just before shipping.

Which is better - pole sleeves or pole clips?

> It is mostly personal preference... pole clips are lighter and less expensive, while pole sleeves add some structural strength... but if a pole breaks, e.g. carbon fiber pole, it will probably tear a hole in the pole sleeve... we have not noticed that one will last longer or wear out sooner than the other one... also there is not much difference in setup time between sleeves or clips, both are quick.

Which is better - aluminum poles or carbon fiber poles?

> Aluminum poles are less expensive and will take more abuse, while carbon fiber poles are lighter... aluminum poles usually bend before breaking, while carbon fiber will give no warning before failure (breakage)... it recommended that those using carbon fiber poles carry duct tape and a pole splice for field repair (The pole splice is an aluminum tube slipped over the pole break and held in place with duct tape.)... the first sign of failure in carbon fiber poles will be a hairline crack, usually where the pole join, once this happens it just be a matter of time before the pole fails (breaks)… so we recommend inspecting carbon fiber poles occasionally to try to prevent failure at an inopportune time.

Which is better - Evolution or Convertible series?

> It is mostly personal preference... they both have the same interior dimensions...

   - pick the Evolution if you want to remove the outer fly and only use the mesh netting body and poles; the poles attach to the inner body and the outer fly covers the body and poles...

   - pick the Convertible if you want to remove the inner body to create a very storm worthy single wall shelter since the poles attach to the outer shell....

Some Convertibles have options not available on the Evolution, such as winter interiors and outer shells with sod/snow flaps, and since the poles attach to the outer shell on the Convertible the structure is stronger and more storm worthy... and on some Convertible models there is an optional 3rd pole for even more storm worthiness.... also, the interior of a Convertible can be left attached so it can quickly and easily be set up or taken down as a one piece shelter, which is especially nice when it is raining since rain will not get into the interior...

What is the difference between Winter and Summer Shells?

> The dimensions are the same
- Winter Shell has pole sleeves while the Summer Shell has pole clips
- Summer Shell as a window while the Winter Shell does not
- Winter Shell has roll up sod/snow flaps while the Summer Shell does not

- Winter Shell has the option to add a 3rd pole for more storm worthiness

- Winter Shell has a "cap" to help snow slide over 3 poles and off shell

Why can't I use the 3rd HD pole with the Convertible's Summer Shell?
> The 3rd pole is for additional storm worthiness, such as winter conditions but the Summer Shell uses pole clips that are not as storm worthy as pole sleeves… so that would have required more pole clips and they may needed to be re-enforced more, adding weight and cost… if we added an option for third pole, then we probably should also add the “cap” to keep snow from building up on poles, which would add even more weight and cost to the Summer Shell… we think people wanting a Summer Shell would rather save weight and cost, then have an option to use a 3rd pole so we made the decision that the Summer Shell not have the option to use the 3rd pole.

What is the difference between Winter and Summer Interiors?

> The dimensions are the same, they both have waterproof tubs
- Winter Shell has breathable fabric above the tub
- Summer Shell has mesh netting fabric about the tub

How should I store my shelter?

> We recommend that it be stored clean (wet sponge/rag), dry (to prevent mold/rot), and un-compressed (prevent “hard” folds/creases).

Why is there a charge for $0.01 on my credit card statement?

> Big Sky's merchant account (processor for credit cards) at one time erased a transaction if no activity has not taken place within 30 days so we charged $0.01, the balance will be charged when we ship the order. Sorry for any confusion this has caused... our merchant account now retains the records so this practice is no longer done.

For more information contact:
info@BigSkyInternational.com