Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 vs. Tarptent StratoSpire 2

Bumping this up once. Does anyone have any advice for me?

This is my SS2 :

this is how I set it up :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyQT9JHloQM

and this is the SS2 mesh inner by itself :

franco@tarptent

Franco, thanks for the reply but I'm still trying to figure out what I should do. Just to give you a little more information (I hope this is OK) I piked up the UL3 brand new for a total of $357 (after shipping and tax). So, as far as price is concerned the SS2 and the BA CS UL3 are a wash. In fact, at this point it will actually cost me another $10 to send the UL3 back). So anyway, that leaves me to try to figure out what will be better for me in terms of space, portability, usability, durability, weather resistance, etc.

I'm know I'm asking for a comparison of two very different shelters… but I really don't have much experience and I'm hoping for some more suggestions. I've been reading reviews of both tents but am more confused than ever. For example, I've read that the UL3 is a bad cold weather tent and should be considered more of a 2.5 season tent but I've also read that the UL3 does very well in cold weather. Which should I believe? If I send back the UL3, do I need to get the SS2 with the solid inner or the mesh inner? What temp difference can I really expect between the two options? On the high end? On the low end? There may be no right answer here and I understand that. I guess I'm hoping that someone who has used both tents will chime in… here's to hoping!

I'll try to help based on my experience with slightly different tent models. I have the Copper Spur UL1 and a Tarptent Scarp 2 with both mesh and solid inners. I replaced my old model single wall Moment with the CS. Stretching things a bit, the Scarp 2 design is a bit like the SS2 except with an arch pole rather than trekking pole support. Ignoring the obvious differences in weight and space between the two tents of mine due to 1 vs 2 person capactiy, here's what I like about each:

Scarp 2
-vertical walls (the SS2 probably has more vertical walls than the CS anyway)
-Can choose between inners–I take the one which matches conditions the best. I don't think I'd want to use the solid inner in temps above 55-60F.
-inner/outer pitches together–stays dry while pitching in a downpour
-more durable fabric
-no worries about polyurethane coating rotting if I can't dry it out thoroughly

Copper Spur UL1
-tent floor less slippery on slopes due to polyurethane coating
-freestanding-ish… this is nice on snow so that I can setup the shelter right away and get in while waiting for vestibule stake snow to set after compacting.
-easy to clean: just pick up the inner and shake it out
-worked fine for me in a snowstorm in the UP of Michigan with temps down to about 9F the last night (see avatar)

If I had to choose a 2 person tent today, I'd probably choose the SS2. That's somewhat based on the pole weight savings. I often don't use trekking poles, but I wouldn't mind having the help along if it was my shelter support. It's not an easy decision, and you may not be totally happy until you try both! I'd recommend that you plan on doing that if possible.

I've owned both. I sold the CS3 to a friend who used it for two adults whereas I was using it for me and a dog. The CS3 was very breezy in shoulder seasons, and it's high profile meant I had to find sheltered locations to keep it out of the strongest winds in the Colorado high country. I certainly wouldn't have used it in winter. It was a piece of cake to pitch, though I would hate to see it turn into a kite if not secured properly. The inverted U door bugged me, as it always got trodden on. Oh, and my biggest gripe – you have to pitch the inner first unless you go the fast fly option only.

The SS2's footprint isn't much different, but it is a lot more wind-worthy when pitched appropriately. The inner tent is generously sized for two, but three can fit in a pinch. The dual vestibules are massive and provide excellent cross ventilation. The offset poles provide much more usable headroom, as do the raised ends. You can choose between all mesh and semi-solid inner – the latter is great when it's colder. And the fly pitches first or with the inner attached, great in adverse conditions. The downsides – the inner is offset, so you have to figure out how to pitch it (easily learned, requires a few practice runs); it requires trekking poles, which you said you don't like, so factor them into the weight if you're going to carry them a lot, and it has to be seam sealed (or get Henry to do it for a nominal upcharge).

I am a huge fan of my SS2. But I had to go through a learning curve with other shelters to appreciate it fully.

I just changed my ss1 for an ss2.

I have used the Ss1 extensively over the last 18 months with both a full mesh inner and semi solid one and loved it, I plan to use the ss2 with the stock inner during the summer with my wife and then use the Ss2 with the ss1 semi solid inner the rest of the year.

My reasoning behind using the Ss1 semi solid inner with the Ss2 outer is I gain massive amounts of porch space for crappy weather for a slight weight increase.

I'd try learning to use the poles first. I like them. Many people don't.

Andy/Stuart/Stephen/Scree,

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I think you've convinced me to return the CS3 and pick up a SS2. Now I'll just need to decide if I want a solid or mesh inner.