Avalon large Hybrid Insert

[GSXR600]

Hey everyone I just bought my first house and im looking at getting a fireplace insert to help with heating cost this year I have decided on this insert http://www.avalonfirestyles.com/product-detail.aspx?model=350 but before I spend $3,500 id like to get some input on this particular model. so anyone with any experiance with this insert please chime in and give me advice on weather this is a good investment or not.
Thanks Matt.

 

[stayfitz]

Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer . However, that specific model has my interest (hybrid insert, low particulate output, large firebox, etc). Travis is a good company! The model is new, so probably not much feedback yet. Keep us posted

 

[begreen]

Yes, we have very little info to go on at this point. I think the only one we have seen here so far is an installation of it's sibling, the FPX Hybrid-Fyre

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/finally-got-my-new-hybrid-fyre-insert-installed.121981/

 

[webby3650]

Personally I would steer clear of hybrids from Travis industries. They just don't have the technology down yet, and they offer 0 protection for the catalyst. It's just sitting right out in the flames, on the front and the back. It's the same baffle design that is being used in the Cape Cod Hybrid that has been a very weak point. Mine sure didn't last well, nor did a few others on this site. Some have not experienced trouble, yet. Its sure not worth the gamble to me!

 

[GSXR600]

Ok well im going to my local hearth store today and will probably order this insert. My question is now should I have them install it or is it something I can do myself and save some money. I will try to upload pictures of what im working with so you guys can give me tips and advise on install thanks again everyone!!

 

[GSXR600]

more pictures

 

[GSXR600]

pictures

 

[prezes13]

I have a cape cod its a non cat with a smaller fire box insert. I installed it my self with help of my three buddies. The hardest part was getting that bad boy into the house. I live in a raised ranch so my living room is on a top floor. Insert weights over 500 lbs I took the door off and all the bricks out and it was still heavy. You will have to take the dumper apart and knockoff the tab in your fireplace. You most likely will have to reshape your liner a bit. Like I said we did it in a bout 3 or so hours not bad. My dealer wanted $600 for a basic install. I didn't insulate my liner nor I put a block off plate. I am planing on doing it this year. Good luck.

 

[prezes13]

Looking at the pic of your fire place I think it's screaming for a free standing stove. A brown enamel Ashford from BK would look great in there.

 

[webby3650]

So it sounds like you had already made your mind up before asking for input.
Good luck...

 

[GSXR600]

I didnt make it in time yesterday but i was going to ask alot of questions before i did order. and my parents have had a cat stove for 20+ years and only replaced the cat once and it is right out in the middle of the firebox alot more vulnerable than the one im looking to buy. Thanks for your input, how loud were the blowers on the one you had? Thats what im hearing most is the blowers are kinda noisy.

 

[webby3650]

I didnt make it in time yesterday but i was going to ask alot of questions before i did order. and my parents have had a cat stove for 20+ years and only replaced the cat once and it is right out in the middle of the firebox alot more vulnerable than the one im looking to buy. Thanks for your input, how loud were the blowers on the one you had? Thats what im hearing most is the blowers are kinda noisy.

Just because the cat was intact, doesn't mean it was working. If it was in the fire and 20 years old it wasn't active anymore. With good protection, 10 years has been about the lifespan of a cat.
I love cat stoves, but they are not all created equal!

 

[jrm1504]

I have the fireplace x large hybrid... the GMC as opposed to the Chevy.

It claims a 10-12hr burn time, but I can't get it. I burn apple, which is pretty dense. After seven hours, I may have enough big coals left to fire up quickly. The firebox is fair sized, but it isn't 3 ft^3. Dimensions are:
Front width 25.5"back width 19.5"
Depth 13.5"
Height 14"
Calculated volume 2.46 ft^3

The glass door I huge for great viewing. That is nice. HOWEVER, if you have it anything but wide open, it gets black fast and you can't see the fire. It doesn't come standard with a cat probe. I need to get one added.

When you do run it open, it does put out the heat. It can cook us in a hurry.

 

[GSXR600]

Ok guys so I ordered the fireplacextrorddinaire large insert now im confused at what liner I need they were gonna sell me a foreverflex for 1000$ but I thought that was kinda high so i told them I would wait on that. Is that a good price?? if not where can I order the right liner for cheaper? my chimney is 27 feet from the top to the ground so i think a 25 foot liner would be fine.
Thanks, Matt

 

[bholler]

did that include all of the components and insulation kit? and what size liner is it?

 

[begreen]

Is that the installed price? A good quality 6" liner kit will be half that, but an insulation kit will add to the price as will other parts.
www.chimneylinerdepot.com
http://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/
http://www.woodstovepro.com/

 

[bholler]

If it included everything for forever flex or similar quality i think it is a little high if it was just the liner it is really high

 

[GSXR600]

Its a 6 inch liner not sure about the insulation but they wanted another 800$ to install.