MSR Hubba Hubba vs. Tarptent Rainshadow

[Bob Baker]

Currently I am faced with a tough decision, the MSR Hubba Hubba or the Tarptent Rainshadow. The tent will primarily be used by me and a friend who is a pretty big guy throughout the summer and into the fall. I like the rainshadow because its lighter, bigger, and simpler. I like the versatility of being able to set up with out the fly, the ventilation, and the price of the Hubba Hubba. (I work at a retailer that sells MSR so I can get the Hubba Hubba for around 150$.) Overall, I think like the Rainshadow more, mostly because of the greater size and lighter weight. I would like to know anyones experiences with one or the other. I guess my main question is: is the saved weight and size worth the extra hundred or more dollars for the rainshadow?

Secondly, with these tents do you find a ground sheet necessary? Also, can the Hubba Hubba be pitched with just the fly or is the ground sheet required to pitch the tent without the inner part.

Thanks