Maggiolina vs Columbus Variant

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cstamm81

cstamm81

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Nov 28, 2006
Threads
101
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594
Location
Leesport, PA
So I think I've narrowed down my RTT choices. It will be going on my 94 80 series. I've decided against any of the "soft" varieties (Eezi awn, Overland) etc. I don't like the added set up and take down time of these, or the fact that they seem about as werodynamic as a brick. I do like the fact that they are bigger inside though.
That said, what are the opinions on the Maggs vs the Columbus? Any users have direct experience with both? It seems like the Columbus has less moving parts and would be more aerodynamic. It seems like the Maggs are more proven. Also, I need to decide on a size for my 80 series. It will definitely be medium or large, not sure if the large will look too big and hang out over the roof.
I've read a ton about RTT's, but just wanted to get a direct comparison if I could.
 
I have a large Columbus and think it fits nice. I really like the set up and the aerodynamics. I like how you can point the columbus in the wind.
 
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That large size does look nice, not too big like I thought it would. I posted the same question on the expedition portal as well. Everyone there seems to like both, but recommends the magg overall. One reason cited was that the Columbus isn't breathable? I thought they both were. Any more pics on 80's would be great too.
 
cstamm81 said:
That large size does look nice, not too big like I thought it would. I posted the same question on the expedition portal as well. Everyone there seems to like both, but recommends the magg overall. One reason cited was that the Columbus isn't breathable? I thought they both were. Any more pics on 80's would be great too.
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I have experience with both (I have a medium Columbus, and a good friend has a Maggiolina). I posted this in another thread:

they are both great. Columbus sets up faster, and closes faster, and does not require a crank. It' also a little cheaper and definitely more storm resistant, if you park the shell-side in the wind.
Maggiolina has more space all around, but the columbus has more headroom.

The medium columbus sleeps 2 adults easily, with room to spare. Both are as breathable and as water resistant. The medium Maggiolina also easily sleeps 2 adults.

In the end it comes down to preference, since they are both great. I favor the columbus for the headroom, the speed of setup, there is no crank to lose or forget at home, the increased wind resistance (and I have been in serious storms with this in Baja), and finally because there are less moving parts, so less to break.

hth
J
 
Main reasons I went with the Columbus over the Mag was the view (windows) and head room.
 
I have the maggiolina airland med. Closed it looks just as aerodynamic as the columbus since it's got the slimmer profile compared to standard maggs. The Magg seems more storm proof to me with a lower overall profile when open (sure you can point the columbus but what if the wind changes in the middle of the night? :D). The lower roof means more heat retention in cold, but it also means it can feel a little more claustrophobic in there, even with the extra room around your feet. It's not a problem for me in warm weather but once I started using it in cold weather where I was really bundling up in there I started to get that tight space freaked out feeling. :eek:

One thing that I think is a huge plus in favor of the columbus is that you could install a rack ladder on the back hatch and dump the supplied ladder.

Either way, you'll love it!
 
cstamm81, i want to hear a full report once you get it and have a chance to sleep in it and drive around with it. I'm thinking down the same lines as you. For some reason i just like the airland better.

To me it seems that having a level ceiling is more desirable then having a wedge where you have no room near your feet but plenty near your head.

I'm also having a hard time spending that kind of money....but hey, i just dropped almost $2g's on a rear bumper.............ouch.
 
cstamm81 said:
I just bit the bullet on a Magg Airland Med from Mike S. I'm super excited, but man did it hurt spending that kind of money.
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Each time you use it will bring a smile to your face...I really enjoy mine and I had just as hard a time parting with the coin.
 
I will do a writeup when I get it on. I SHOULD get it by next Friday. The plan is to use it in VT between Xmas and New Year's, so it will get tested in the cold and snow. Can't wait to bet it mounted and tested out.
 
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the Variant two man. Like the easy setup and the fact that I can add a rack on top for my surfboard. The two man is light weight as well. Real tired of expensive hotel rooms at the shore during the Jersey summers. Don't really want to spend the money but looking forward to a great summer with it.
 
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