A useful hack is to drill a hole vertically through the end of each arm and then use a tent pole in each one to firm everything up. Works a treat in windy weather. Although we have one of these, our go to is still the pop up style.
Perfect Timing for this review, considering getting one since I have given up on the pop-up variety of shower tents. (Cheers to your other video too). A reminder that the kings also has an optional fold out floor that is 1.05 x 1.05m. Its a very close battle between them. I think I'm leaning to the kings and adding the floor options with some extra zipper to give myself that little portal to the side of vehicle where I mount it.
Great insight Alex. Glad to see you back. 💪🏽 I still remember when you left years ago. Thanks for providing this content for us all. 🙌🏽 Whatever you buy, if you’re after a cleaner look you can use Acetone to remove the logos off the bags, I’ve been doing it for years, just make sure you use some soapy water once removed to clean the residual acetone off to neutralise it. That way it won’t affect the cover.
Love Ep and shower awnings chat, We would buy either depending on the deals at the time of purchase as we own both Kings and Kickass gear, had both for years both been great, its a lot to do how you look after your gear to,
We've had a Kickass awning tent for a couple years, not had any issues with it. Paid $99 on sale at the time, was $149 RRP. Might be a slightly different design since then. We use one of those foam squares that link together for the floor, has holes so water drains quickly, plus raises your feet off the ground bt about 1cm. Pretty sure ours was from Kmart in a set of 4.
Alex you are the man! So to the point, easy to listen too and clear with everything you talk about and explain. Would be interested to know if you have any ideas about reviewing part brands, IE spot lights, seat covers, UHFs for a few. Great work man 👌🏼
nice to actually see the details with these. saw you getting a bit of heat for the kings swag review on facebook. i really appreciate the review especially because i could never work out why i had so much water in my swag, turns out the seams were definitely the issue. really helpful detailed reviews
Thanks mate. Yeah there was a bit of anger about that review! The internet is a wild place 😅 I'd say exactly the same for any brand if they had the same build quality issues
I have been using the Kickass for a few years (a present to save my modesty...or they were sick of watching me wash in the open). Has done the job and is easy to setup and pack away. I think they can also be bought with a roof (a bit pointless). I have used Kings awnings for years and for around $100 delivered on special if I get 2yrs I'm very happy...the current one now 3yrs. I have stayed with them because of the size (3mx2m) and ease of setup and pack away by 1 person. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the review, got a kickass a few months ago but was in the same boat comparing kickass and kings. Chose kickass as it was on special plus bonus base for free, managed to snag free shipping, which was my deciding factor.
Thanks for the comparison. I bought the Kings for about $150 when it was first released a few years ago, at that time Kickass did not have one on the market yet otherwise I would have purchased the Kickass one. Having said that I have used the Kings a few times, mainly for changing clothes and it has not faulted so far.
Would love a review of either of these against a joolca shower awning to get your opinion on the worth of the extra spend. Another great video as usual!
Good comparison. Both very cheap so the Kickass one seems like a no brainer. But if every dollar counts then the Kings one is probably still a good option if not using that often. Love to see some of the more primo ones reviewed in future, perhaps the new Kickass one that swings out so it doesn’t have to be used hard up against the side of the vehicle.
We looked at various versions of these pop down ensuites but were never really excited about the way they dont have metal across the front from side arm to side arm.. We ended up buying a second hand drifta one and use it up the beach etc as an ensuite and to shower when we camp. I feel its alot more sturdy as it has a metal hinged bar from side arm to side arm and it has nice thick shower wall material.
I bought the kings when on special and paid $70. I then went and bought a rattle can of black pvc paint and sprayed over the KINGS logo. Done over 10k kms on outback roads and it fell off side of car. But it failed only because I used rhino T-bolts (the ones that fit the platform) which snapped - overall pretty happy with it.
Just 1 thing, the Kickass one (and XTM used to and looking at this they identical with different badges) go on sale for $99. It's this price currently (04/01/25). Honestly useless you really need just wait and get one over the Kings. Use quite a bit of Kings gear over the years so not crapping on them, but has my XTM parked next to my mates Kings and it will definitely last longer.
Are these systems quick to mount and unmount from cross bars for when you go into low carparks (or garage is my main worry since the driveway slopes down into it)... I'm guessing there are L brackets and 4 bolts to undo? I've noticed people tend to leave their awnings on all the time and I don't want to
They look to be made of the same material, the kickass one is a bit nicer in that it's a tub floor with a drain hole and hose, so it'll catch most of your shower water and you can direct it away from your vehicle/camp.
@Camping_reviews Ah rightio. When I bought the kings shower tent a few years ago it didn't have a floor at all. They've since come out with a standalone floor which I bought. It's the tub type floor with drain hose too which seems to be exactly the same as the kickass one
@Infuri96 huh! Right you are! I missed that shower floor on their website entirely. It's a real shame a video can't be edited once its uploaded or else I'd add a note about that...
@@Camper_Guide Maybe just add a disclaimer in the description. To be honest, with the amount of advertising that kings does, if someone looks up the tent, they'll probably get blasted with combo deals with the floor anyway haha
I have had the Kings version of the shower tent since 2022, when I did a 6.5 week Simpson Desert adventure. I also used it regularly up until July 2024, even just as a change tent.m I am now due to replace it because the arms have sagged and the locking bars are almost impossible to lock open or to disengage again to pack it away. It's to the point where I have to just peg it out without the arms in the fully locked position.
@adelaidesawyer1388 the kickass awning in this video was mounted to the cross bars actually, as long as the space between the bars isn't more than the length of the awning it'll work 🙂
2 things to also consider, the king's has shower rose Velcro strap that holds a shower head well, can't comment on the kickarse. Also the bottom weights/tensioners. The king's feels like a thin pole and aids in packing up and regidity, again don't own or use a kickarse so can't comment. I am NOT a fan of King's, but credit due where it's due, it's a good budget shower tent
Yea, the weights definitely make it easier to pack up when there is a bit of a breeze, and obviously helps hold it square when in use. My Kickass one has what feels like steel rods as the weight on each side. Keeps tent square with a slight breeze, anything more, will want to peg it in.
Don’t go anywhere near kings gear anymore, had a bad experience with a double swag and have sworn off their substandard shite, except for the canvas bags with the clear tops they are useful, if I ever get a shower tent it won’t be kings
Kings stitching zips ect are rubbish. Almost Every thing I have from kings has broken or doesn’t work correctly. However they do honour their warranty very well, so far anyway, as do Kickass.
would go kickass purely on stitching. Also as a bit of a camping snob i wouldn’t put anything kings on my truck nor in with my gear. Kings represent cheap and nasty and would advise anyone to stay away from it. buy once cry once👍
I'd never buy any Kickass products.....far from a prude but the brand name just comes across as very childish....like to little kids swearing for the first time saying ass.
If I were to trade My Motorcycle loaded with less than 25kg of camping gear including food and clothes in for a for something that gets stuck in traffic and uses 10X the fuel and has more to break... The fact that the Kickass doesn't have a floor doesn't really matter as there is plenty of room and weight carrying ability to throw in some rubber mats. that could be used for other purposes too (just like the air pumps that are also lamps) or the tarp that is not just a ground sheet, but a bike cover, awning, and a shower cubicle or dunny. I'm sorry, I find the expensive & specialised equipment 4WDers get amusing. all Dollars and no sense! but the crossover camping gear can be useful, as long as someone Hiking could also benefit from the compact, lightweight & versatile gear. If you need to take your entire house, you might as well just stay home
I disagree. There's plenty of premium product reviews on here too. I've reviewed some of the most expensive chairs, awning, and top notch Australian made drawers on here too. There's something to suit any budget.
Your reviews are getting better presented and more polished each week, keep going!
A useful hack is to drill a hole vertically through the end of each arm and then use a tent pole in each one to firm everything up. Works a treat in windy weather. Although we have one of these, our go to is still the pop up style.
@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen that's a good one as always!
Exactly what I did
Perfect Timing for this review, considering getting one since I have given up on the pop-up variety of shower tents. (Cheers to your other video too).
A reminder that the kings also has an optional fold out floor that is 1.05 x 1.05m.
Its a very close battle between them.
I think I'm leaning to the kings and adding the floor options with some extra zipper to give myself that little portal to the side of vehicle where I mount it.
Great insight Alex. Glad to see you back. 💪🏽
I still remember when you left years ago.
Thanks for providing this content for us all. 🙌🏽
Whatever you buy, if you’re after a cleaner look you can use Acetone to remove the logos off the bags, I’ve been doing it for years, just make sure you use some soapy water once removed to clean the residual acetone off to neutralise it. That way it won’t affect the cover.
Love Ep and shower awnings chat, We would buy either depending on the deals at the time of purchase as we own both Kings and Kickass gear, had both for years both been great, its a lot to do how you look after your gear to,
Great review Alex. Was in the market for one and these two brands were top of the list
I have a Kickass one and it Kicks Ass all day long 👍👍👍👍
From the first word you said I knew you were going to pick Kings 😂😂😂😂😂
We've had a Kickass awning tent for a couple years, not had any issues with it.
Paid $99 on sale at the time, was $149 RRP. Might be a slightly different design since then.
We use one of those foam squares that link together for the floor, has holes so water drains quickly, plus raises your feet off the ground bt about 1cm. Pretty sure ours was from Kmart in a set of 4.
Alex you are the man! So to the point, easy to listen too and clear with everything you talk about and explain.
Would be interested to know if you have any ideas about reviewing part brands, IE spot lights, seat covers, UHFs for a few. Great work man 👌🏼
nice to actually see the details with these. saw you getting a bit of heat for the kings swag review on facebook. i really appreciate the review especially because i could never work out why i had so much water in my swag, turns out the seams were definitely the issue. really helpful detailed reviews
Thanks mate. Yeah there was a bit of anger about that review! The internet is a wild place 😅 I'd say exactly the same for any brand if they had the same build quality issues
@@Camper_Guidecrazy cause you think people would just want to know the truth!
I have been using the Kickass for a few years (a present to save my modesty...or they were sick of watching me wash in the open). Has done the job and is easy to setup and pack away. I think they can also be bought with a roof (a bit pointless). I have used Kings awnings for years and for around $100 delivered on special if I get 2yrs I'm very happy...the current one now 3yrs. I have stayed with them because of the size (3mx2m) and ease of setup and pack away by 1 person. Thanks for the review.
Fantastic review as usual, nice to see the side by side comparison
Thanks for the review, got a kickass a few months ago but was in the same boat comparing kickass and kings. Chose kickass as it was on special plus bonus base for free, managed to snag free shipping, which was my deciding factor.
Thanks for the comparison. I bought the Kings for about $150 when it was first released a few years ago, at that time Kickass did not have one on the market yet otherwise I would have purchased the Kickass one. Having said that I have used the Kings a few times, mainly for changing clothes and it has not faulted so far.
Great review mate! Also welcome back to RUclips 😁😁
Great review will definitely help me in future
I'm always looking forward to my low-cost camping critic.
Thanks Alex.
Stu
Would love a review of either of these against a joolca shower awning to get your opinion on the worth of the extra spend.
Another great video as usual!
Had the Kickass for 4 years, very easy to use and quality is holding very well. Very easy to pack up as well.
Regardless of which you choose throw a sewing aul inti your kit for repairs of any straps or fabrics
Does that model of the Kickass shower tent not have the shower mount at the top for hanging the shower rose?
Good review
Good comparison. Both very cheap so the Kickass one seems like a no brainer. But if every dollar counts then the Kings one is probably still a good option if not using that often.
Love to see some of the more primo ones reviewed in future, perhaps the new Kickass one that swings out so it doesn’t have to be used hard up against the side of the vehicle.
I was gunna get the kickarse but kings came out cheaper, haven’t used it yet, both cheap though, great review buddy
We looked at various versions of these pop down ensuites but were never really excited about the way they dont have metal across the front from side arm to side arm..
We ended up buying a second hand drifta one and use it up the beach etc as an ensuite and to shower when we camp. I feel its alot more sturdy as it has a metal hinged bar from side arm to side arm and it has nice thick shower wall material.
You've solved a dilemma for me. Kings for the cheap beach/camping change tent. Kickass for the better made shower tent. Horses for courses. Thanks.
I bought the kings when on special and paid $70. I then went and bought a rattle can of black pvc paint and sprayed over the KINGS logo. Done over 10k kms on outback roads and it fell off side of car. But it failed only because I used rhino T-bolts (the ones that fit the platform) which snapped - overall pretty happy with it.
Just 1 thing, the Kickass one (and XTM used to and looking at this they identical with different badges) go on sale for $99. It's this price currently (04/01/25).
Honestly useless you really need just wait and get one over the Kings.
Use quite a bit of Kings gear over the years so not crapping on them, but has my XTM parked next to my mates Kings and it will definitely last longer.
HOW MANY BLOKES??
Big daddy air swag next 😎
Got the xtm one for 100$ and has a zipper at the back like the kickass one.
Are these systems quick to mount and unmount from cross bars for when you go into low carparks (or garage is my main worry since the driveway slopes down into it)... I'm guessing there are L brackets and 4 bolts to undo? I've noticed people tend to leave their awnings on all the time and I don't want to
@Alex-zs4vb2lt5c yeah it's 2 bolts per bar holding it on. You can also get awning quick release brackets which would probably work
Quick release -- that sounds like the go... thanks!
The additional shower floor for the kings and kickass both look identical. What is premium about the kickass one?
They look to be made of the same material, the kickass one is a bit nicer in that it's a tub floor with a drain hole and hose, so it'll catch most of your shower water and you can direct it away from your vehicle/camp.
@Camping_reviews Ah rightio. When I bought the kings shower tent a few years ago it didn't have a floor at all. They've since come out with a standalone floor which I bought. It's the tub type floor with drain hose too which seems to be exactly the same as the kickass one
@Infuri96 huh! Right you are! I missed that shower floor on their website entirely. It's a real shame a video can't be edited once its uploaded or else I'd add a note about that...
@@Camper_Guide Maybe just add a disclaimer in the description. To be honest, with the amount of advertising that kings does, if someone looks up the tent, they'll probably get blasted with combo deals with the floor anyway haha
I have had the Kings version of the shower tent since 2022, when I did a 6.5 week Simpson Desert adventure. I also used it regularly up until July 2024, even just as a change tent.m
I am now due to replace it because the arms have sagged and the locking bars are almost impossible to lock open or to disengage again to pack it away. It's to the point where I have to just peg it out without the arms in the fully locked position.
You need to do the comparison on your Kickass and my Kickass 🤨
is there anyway to mount a shower awning to cross bars?
@adelaidesawyer1388 the kickass awning in this video was mounted to the cross bars actually, as long as the space between the bars isn't more than the length of the awning it'll work 🙂
sweet thanks!
Kick ass all day long iv had both long term and kings is OK fir cheap but it's cheap kickass is cheap but quality
2 things to also consider, the king's has shower rose Velcro strap that holds a shower head well, can't comment on the kickarse.
Also the bottom weights/tensioners. The king's feels like a thin pole and aids in packing up and regidity, again don't own or use a kickarse so can't comment. I am NOT a fan of King's, but credit due where it's due, it's a good budget shower tent
Yea, the weights definitely make it easier to pack up when there is a bit of a breeze, and obviously helps hold it square when in use.
My Kickass one has what feels like steel rods as the weight on each side. Keeps tent square with a slight breeze, anything more, will want to peg it in.
The Kickass one also has a hook for a shower
I have the ARB ensuite , it’s pretty good but a bit more coin .
What about ease of setup & packup? Are they both identical?
Yep, exactly the same! In hindsight I probably should have just sped up the wide view so everyone could see at a glance the entire setup of each
They all do the same job, just depends on the little things you rate higher.
got the kings for $89
What a steal!
Kings and kickass both import from china. Take your pick and if you’re lucky it will last longer than the one you didn’t pick.
Don’t go anywhere near kings gear anymore, had a bad experience with a double swag and have sworn off their substandard shite, except for the canvas bags with the clear tops they are useful, if I ever get a shower tent it won’t be kings
Kings stitching zips ect are rubbish. Almost Every thing I have from kings has broken or doesn’t work correctly. However they do honour their warranty very well, so far anyway, as do Kickass.
would go kickass purely on stitching. Also as a bit of a camping snob i wouldn’t put anything kings on my truck nor in with my gear. Kings represent cheap and nasty and would advise anyone to stay away from it. buy once cry once👍
I'd never buy any Kickass products.....far from a prude but the brand name just comes across as very childish....like to little kids swearing for the first time saying ass.
It is arse in Australia 😊
If I were to trade My Motorcycle loaded with less than 25kg of camping gear including food and clothes in for a for something that gets stuck in traffic and uses 10X the fuel and has more to break... The fact that the Kickass doesn't have a floor doesn't really matter as there is plenty of room and weight carrying ability to throw in some rubber mats. that could be used for other purposes too (just like the air pumps that are also lamps) or the tarp that is not just a ground sheet, but a bike cover, awning, and a shower cubicle or dunny.
I'm sorry, I find the expensive & specialised equipment 4WDers get amusing. all Dollars and no sense!
but the crossover camping gear can be useful, as long as someone Hiking could also benefit from the compact, lightweight & versatile gear.
If you need to take your entire house, you might as well just stay home
You just review rubbish. No one cares.
I disagree. There's plenty of premium product reviews on here too. I've reviewed some of the most expensive chairs, awning, and top notch Australian made drawers on here too. There's something to suit any budget.
It's all about options mate, don't be so dismissive.
I think the views reflect otherwise.