falconut
Member
Most of the times I like to really research something before buying it. Sometimes a little too much, ha ha. I wasn't able to find much recent information other than they are okay, except for a nice older review of them on this site. But they've updated some of their features/design since then. I decided to go with the DIYcage and got it from their ebay listing, I felt better with the ebay buyer protection. I figured I'd post another detailed review with photos of the 2014 model being sold. Hopefully this may be helpful to others trying to make a decision on a cage.
Here it is in the box before opening:
All the cage pieces taped together. Seemed well packed, even had a folded piece of cardboard around the screen to protect it during shipping.
Partially assembled, just needs the doors on the front.
Oh no, I grabbed the bottom door panel and the plastic pin (hinge) is missing. Looks like it broke completely off. It's supposed to be where the white mark is, the other side is fine. I've sent the seller an email asking for another bottom door panel with both pins, we'll see how he responds.
I went ahead and finished the assembly, really an easy project. Instructions were more like a part list. But, they have a nice slide show for the instructions on their website. The bottom door is just held by the clip for now.
Now they use spline again, so if the screen gets ripped, it can be replaced. Here's a close-up of one of the corners.
Close up of the metal latch (these are for the upper door). This is the upper lock, but both look the same. It's a light duty metal latch, it clicks every 1/4 turn, it needs to be clicked over twice to clear the door. Care should be taken with it, because if it's only clicked once it catches the upper part of the door which may break it if forced. So just be careful to click it twice.
They have a nice feeling aluminum handle.
Here's a close-up of the right side of the lower door. You can see the plastic latch to keep it shut.
Here's the close-up left side of the lower door. You can see how the door is shut, but the upper corner isn't flush because of the broken pin.
So, overall my opinion is it's a nice well built cage. I was surprised just how thick the plastic bottom was, I was expected a real thin one. The screws all lined up and the door opens easily. The screen was tight enough and looked good. Hopefully, the bottom door panel gets resolved. Good thing is it will be awhile before I get a Chameleon, so I have the time.
Here it is in the box before opening:
All the cage pieces taped together. Seemed well packed, even had a folded piece of cardboard around the screen to protect it during shipping.
Partially assembled, just needs the doors on the front.
Oh no, I grabbed the bottom door panel and the plastic pin (hinge) is missing. Looks like it broke completely off. It's supposed to be where the white mark is, the other side is fine. I've sent the seller an email asking for another bottom door panel with both pins, we'll see how he responds.
I went ahead and finished the assembly, really an easy project. Instructions were more like a part list. But, they have a nice slide show for the instructions on their website. The bottom door is just held by the clip for now.
Now they use spline again, so if the screen gets ripped, it can be replaced. Here's a close-up of one of the corners.
Close up of the metal latch (these are for the upper door). This is the upper lock, but both look the same. It's a light duty metal latch, it clicks every 1/4 turn, it needs to be clicked over twice to clear the door. Care should be taken with it, because if it's only clicked once it catches the upper part of the door which may break it if forced. So just be careful to click it twice.
They have a nice feeling aluminum handle.
Here's a close-up of the right side of the lower door. You can see the plastic latch to keep it shut.
Here's the close-up left side of the lower door. You can see how the door is shut, but the upper corner isn't flush because of the broken pin.
So, overall my opinion is it's a nice well built cage. I was surprised just how thick the plastic bottom was, I was expected a real thin one. The screws all lined up and the door opens easily. The screen was tight enough and looked good. Hopefully, the bottom door panel gets resolved. Good thing is it will be awhile before I get a Chameleon, so I have the time.
