Go to the Alps Mountaineering site, the Taurus 2 is on sale for 45 bucks if you use the code FLASHSALE. I bought a couple for gifts. It's not a BA or a Nemo but it's worth a lot more than 45 bucks.

Stop It - there are so many great deals this year - I don't get to buy another tent.

But, thanks for posting for those that are in the market for one - good deal!

fiberglass poles or aluminum?

quote kanoes: "fiberglass poles or aluminum?"

FEATURES

Free Standing 2 Pole System with Fiberglass Poles
Easy Assembly with Pole Clips that quickly snap over the tent poles
75D 185T Polyester Fly resists UV damage and stays taut
Factory Sealed Fly & Floor Seams give best weather protection
75D 185T Taffeta Floor with 2000mm Coating
Extra Large #8 Zippers on Doors and Vestibules
Easy Entry & Great Ventilation with 2 Doors (both with zippered mesh windows)
2 Vestibules for gear storage and extra weather protection
Weatherproof Fly Buckles on for maximum adjustability and protection
Mesh Roof Vents increase ventilation and improve star gazing

Here's the link:
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/products/tents/camping-tents/taurus

what a sale!

Thanks for the heads up Maxx and happy belated birthday. :) That was a tough milestone for me.

Bill, you gonna put me up when my wife puts me OUT for buying another tent (LOL)? Just couldn't resist this one! Take care, buddy and hope the body's healing?

Just ordered mine! Thanks for sharing :)

Let us know how those fiberglass poles handle the stress. If I bet I would put odds on them breaking at the top after about 25 uses or three years.

I learned from a rep that glass poles deteriorate with time whether or not the poles are used.

quote yellowcanoe: "Let us know how those fiberglass poles handle the stress. If I bet I would put odds on them breaking at the top after about 25 uses or three years.


I learned from a rep that glass poles deteriorate with time whether or not the poles are used."

As does most everything

Deals probably done, but for those referencing the fiberglass poles. Bought a used Camp Trails Cascade 4 from (and thanks), Pineknot a while ago, replaced the glass poles with 8.5mm aluminum from a trashed Cabelas dome.
May 6th, Gov Dodge SP.
Now a very sturdy, aluminum framed geodesic dome, less than $100 total.

butthead

Just bought one too, thanks!

Without a doubt aluminum poles are better. But with a little care, good quality fiberglass poles can do quite well. I have an Alps Chaos with fiberglass poles with many (30-40) trips under its belt and the poles show no sign of stress. This includes some trips in cold and even frigid weather when you are bending those poles at 10-20 degrees. At this price I think the tent would be a great buy and the poles wouldn't worry me a bit.

quote yellowcanoe: "Let us know how those fiberglass poles handle the stress. If I bet I would put odds on them breaking at the top after about 25 uses or three years.
I learned from a rep that glass poles deteriorate with time whether or not the poles are used."

Gosh, Kim, I used to get more years and trips than that out of 'glass. Back in the 70's-80's all my tent poles were glass. I'd prefer aluminum, but for that price, I'll take glass.

BTW, I HAVE seen 'glass poles break on a trip (friend's tents both times). Both times we repaired with willow and duct tape; it does a fine job for tent poles. One friend actually used it for quite awhile afterwards (LOL)!

Oh, and I'm chompin' at the bit for that old Bill Mason video! THANKS AGAIN!

Nothing wrong with fiberglass poles as long as one is careful. They will last as long as a fiberglass canoe. Great deal!

quote AndySG: "
Nothing wrong with fiberglass poles as long as one is careful. They will last as long as a fiberglass canoe. Great deal!"

The glass in the poles is chopped, not a continuous reinforcement, so it's not really comparable.

Mine came yesterday. Nice tent for the money. If you could find poles reasonable, all the better !

Thanks Maxxbph for the heads up !

Jim

You can buy aluminum poles for that tent direct from Alps.

My son has had the Taurus 2 for several years. Shortly after he got it, he broke a couple sections of a pole. They sent us replacement sections (at no cost) but several other sections were weakened broke.

We ordered the AL poles and have almost 10 years use with no problems.

As an interesting aside - when we called the AL poles for the Taurus 2 were out of stock but they said the Lynx 2 poles were the same length so we go them.

Thanks for the heads up. Mine arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas! Thanks Santa!