Tubing, by type

[wtstapel]

New to the forum, apologies if this has been answered or if I'm in the wrong place.

I'm looking to buy a new tube for pulling people behind the boat. I rarely pull kids, as I'm 27 wo/children. We mostly pull adults between 130 to 250 lbs. We go pretty aggressively when traffic allows on our current tube - triangular outside with a center hole for sitting in. My question is how the different types of tubes, like deck or cockpit, perform when compared to the more standard tube that I have. I'd like to be able to bounce up higher off the wake and do some of the barrel roll type tricks. We also love whipping around the fast turns. Any suggestions?

Also, I am more familiar with slalom ski brands (Connelly vs Obrien...). I prefer Connelly skis, any reason why I would go with one tubing brand over another?

TIA

I did call West Marine and others with this question - it seemed as though I was talking with people who had never even swam.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Tubing, by type

I like the standard round tubes for catching air and tricks. My kids love this one cuz they can ride together and play king of the tube...http://www.radarskis.com/#!-/tubes/-/Liftoff It really scoots around the turns. When my 8 yr old is on it by himself and hits a wake he really flies. haha

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Tubing, by type

If you want something that won't dive and really flys off the wake - take a look at the AirHead Slash. Horseshoe shaped tube. We've got an older version and it'll really jump and skip

http://watertubes.factoryoutletstore.com/details/25188-40167/airhead-ahsl32.html

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Tubing, by type

I prefer the delta shaped tubes that are flat topped. I have the Connelly Cruzer and it works well. The delta shaped tubes with backrests also work great if you like the sit-in style.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Tubing, by type

I like the flat, round tubes. The bigger the better. I recently purchased a connelly "ultra" screamer, 80" in diameter. It will safely hole 3 riders, more if needed. They are great for flinging riders around. I also like that you can use it to lounge on when not moving.

The ones with the hole in them middle and the "sofa" types are a bit too tame, the ones with the steerable wings are too easy to fall of and I spend too much time picking up swimmers. For a group, get two flat tubes and either do tube wars or jump from tube to tube.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Tubing, by type

Have you tried that bungee tow rope? I've heard it helps increase your tuber-flinging distance.

http://www.iboats.com/50-Tube-Tow-R...1102428--session_id.243682396--view_id.979088

 

[sstone]

Re: Tubing, by type

I'm a big fan of the SportStuff Super Mable, as I usually pull multiple kids on all day lake trips. For the parties, I pull two. It's a perfect mix of flat tube, as the riders sit on top, and cradled tube, as there's a back to lean against and sides to hold you in. Yet it still flings around the turns when you give it a little gas, and I've gotten one loaded with three people to get some crazy, almost scary, air. With two, I've gotten to where I can jump one tube over the other, always gets a good laugh. Kind of expensive though, but they hold up well.

 

[shaun77]

Re: Tubing, by type

+1 for Super Mable (with bungee rope). best tube I've used and it's reversible. The Sumo is also a fun tube for one. If you want the fear factor, the Gyro is the most terifying tube I've used!

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Tubing, by type

I have the Big Mable tube, it's the 2 person model unlike the super mable, (3 person) I love it.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Tubing, by type

The ones with the hole in them middle and the "sofa" types are a bit too tame, the ones with the steerable wings are too easy to fall of and I spend too much time picking up swimmers. For a group, get two flat tubes and either do tube wars or jump from tube to tube.

I'll have to disagree slightly on "sofa" types. One the most fun/challenging tubes I have ever been on was a delta-style tube with 2 places to sit with your feet out in front of you and a small backrest to keep you planted. With all of the body weight from the riders near the back of the tube, you get a HUGE pendulum effect and it is darn near impossible to flip over unless you have two riders with large weight disparities. My forearms have never burned so much in my life then after playing "king of the tube" while trying to hold on to that thing while seated. You will absolutely fly off of the wakes.