Help me out on a cooler-Thanks

[fzsk4p]

First off, do not want this to turn into a 12v vs. ice.

Gonna be an ice but between, Engel, Tropic and Yeti.

Want something in the 50 quart size but here is the best I can do.

Engel 65 $265
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=4430

Yeti 45 $279
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults

Yeti 65 $329
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults

Tropic Down Under 55 $189
http://www.cooler-store.com/downunde..._3343_prd1.htm

Tropic Down Under 66 $212
http://www.cooler-store.com/downunde..._3344_prd1.htm

My first chice would have been the Yeti 45 but for a couple less bucks I can get the Engel 65.

Then the Yeti 65 is another 65 bucks over the 45qt.

The Down Under comes in and blows both of them away price wise.

Gander Mountain has a few of the older Yeti Sherpa 45`s for 200 even.

Based soley on price I`d jump at the DU`s or the Yeti Sherpa. But the best deal seems to be the Engel.

Biggest fear is getting some big heavy monster that will be a real PITA to have and use. Is a 65 getting close here ? Perhaps I should be looking at the DU`s for ease of use.

Yeti and Engel have known, proven track records. How about the Down Unders ?

No interest in the Colemans or Igloo`s.

What to do ??

[buddha]

very interested in this topic. thanks for the links to the coolers. hope someone will be able to chime in with some good advice here...

[cruisertoy]

I own the Engel 65 and it has worked out alright. Paul from Engel told me that they actually had a law suit against Yeti because they had basically copied the Engel. They didn't end up winning, but setting the two side by side there are few differences. I bought mine at the OR show in Salt Lake City and was able to do exatly that, side by side. I like the Yetti latches better than the Engel, but neither is as good as the Galaxy Coolers were (they are out of business now). The only problem I've had with the Engel thus far is the smell from the rubber seal on the lid. It has a strong odor to it and Engel had me scrub it down with soft scrub but it still smells a little. Not a deal breaker though. They siad they had never had any issues with odor from the seal before.

The Tropic down under sounds great though. Really good price, but I did not see what material they are made out of or what the insulation is. IT said something about Rerfridgerator insulation and marine grade fiberglass, but I was unsure exactly where and what they were using.

I wish these guys would get away from the stark white coolers as they look trashed so quickly. Galaxy made theirs in a bunch of colors and their "sandstone" looking one was great.

There are a few pictures of my Engel in my 80 here on the forum.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=24339

[RHINO]

i'm not much help here on these coolers, but thought i'd add. do you have a sportsmans near you? they carry a couple brands. one i dont think you mentioned but i cant remember the name, maybe its worth a look.

[Galaxy Coolers]

HI All, Thank you so much for your kind comments. Galaxy Coolers is still around. We took some hard hits in this economy but are still kicking. Please check us out at http://www.galaxycoolers.blogspot.com

And yes we do have the best latches and insulation and polyethylene skids for sliding that heavy cooler when all your friends are doing their own thing.

I look forward to hearing from you.

GC

[fowldarr]

Hey, galaxy, I didn't see any product pictures on your blogspot, where can I go for more information?

[njtaco]

Looks like the same company?

http://www.galaxycoolers.com/

I think this one used to be Icee-kool brand coolers...maybe not the same company as the Galaxy mentioned above by cruisertoy?

[cruisertoy]

I am excited that Galaxy/Icee is still around. I know you guys got moved and during the whole name change there was confusion at the Outdoor Retailers show and then I heard from a guy in Colorado that you had gone under. I bought my Engel because of the reports of your demise and wish I had one of yours. Maybe the next one. Are you guys going to be at OR in July?

Your latches are definitely the best. I've broken one of mine off the Engel already and need to get it replaced. One of the things I really like about the Galaxy is that they are available molded with a flaked looking colored plastic. May not seem like a big deal, but my Stark white cooler is looking beat up with dirt and marks. My buddy has a granite colored Galaxy that still looks new after several years of use.

[Galaxy Coolers]

Thanks for the kind comments about our coolers. Yes, the granite color is still available. We are currently taking pictures of coolers and hope to have the size chart, colors, prices and pictures posted on the blog in the next couple days. If you have specific questions don't hesitate to call 970-946-4905 or email info@galaxycoolers.com and we will be happy to assist you.

[cnskate]

I bought a Tropical cooler and I'm not very happy with the ice retention, only 3 days in temperate PNW weather. The cooler actually seems cool to the touch, which seems to indicate that the basic insulation isn't very good.