From looking at the product sheets, the Straospire 1 and Notch look very similar. What are the main differences? It is hard to tell from the photos. What are advantages and disadvantages of each? Also, why are the trekking poles used up side down? I would think you would want the point of the pole in the ground for more stability, not in the tent top.

The Tarptent models I have (Squall 2, Rainshadow and Squall Classic) have a grommet in the top into which to insert the trekking pole point. When I had a SMD Lunar Solo, it had a similar arrangement. The only ones I've seen that use the trekking pole(s) handle up are the ZPacks tents (although there may be others). With those there's the danger of putting the point through the floor--there's a reinforced patch but it doesn't look very strong to me. I take the rubber caps for my trekking pole points when I use my ZPacks tent.

I believe the Notch has less floor area than the Stratospire 1, which makes the Notch a bit lighter. Look at the specification sheets on their website to be sure. I looked at these and decided no--not enough room for the dog (while he was still around). The Stratospire 2 is heavier than my GG/TT Squall Classic (now discontinued) which still works just fine.

If you're looking at replacing your Moment, have you checked out the new version, the Moment DW, now a double-wall tent with doors/vestibules on both sides?

http://www.tarptent.com/photos/ntss1_dimensions.png

The Notch is longer and narrower; the SS1 is shorter and wider. Get the Notch if you are tall. The SS1 is for shorter people that want more room and possibly squeeze in a second small person.

Thanks for pointing out the differences.

I decided to repair the Moment. Henry sent me new zipper pulls to try and that did not work. Appears that the original zipper coils/teeth are truly broken. I removed the two cheap 24-inch zippers I had sewn in two years ago and bought two new 30-inch "robe" zippers ($3.50 each) and sewed these onto the original zipper tape. The zippers do not have two-sided pulls so I sewed one in that is accessible from the inside and the other from the outside. This way I can completely close the zippers from both inside and outside. I am re-sealing seams and will try to get 1-2 more season out of the tent.