Review of three towable tubes

[Ronnie]

I purchased and used three new tubes this season, from a tow boat driver and a tube rider perspective.

Tube 1: SportsStuff Super Mable, 3 person capacity, $268 on Amazon including shipping.
My rating 9/10 because it has two towing positions so riders can either sit or kneel, I’d give it a 10/10 if it came with a quick connect on both ends, but it didn’t so the second quick connect cost another $15.
My son’s rating, 10 of 10 mostly because it ca be towed like a chariot which is a new thing for him.

Tube 2: SportsStuff Poparazzi, 3 person capacity, $360 on Amazon including shipping.
My rating 6/10 because the arch is flimsy (collapses when the slightest weight is put on it, it also causes a lot of drag when it flips over.
My son’s rating 7/10 b cause it offers riders a variety of riding positions and the arch can be used as a big handle, as a shield from spray and for shade on or off the water.

Tube 3: Airhead Mega Rock Star, 6 person capacity, $303 on Amazon including shipping.
My rating 8/10 because of the capacity to seat up to 6 in several different positions.
My son’s rating 10/10 when loaded with riders, especially girls (I think because it’s like playing twister on the water in swim suits), 6/10 when it’s only half full because the ride is “boring”.

FYI: I used to be a big fan of tubes from Costco because of their generous return policy but if you buy off of Amazon you have the option of purchasing an extended replacement policy for $30 to $50 more. However, many of the tubes from Costco come in kits that include a heavy duty tow rope and electric pump.

 

[Julian]

Our kids favorite is the Bandwagon 2+2. Its like a small boat so getting it to proper pressure is key. Anyone try any of the "steerable" tubes?

Smaller 2 person tubes will get much more air:

 

[mdchachi]

Thanks for the post. My Super Mabel seems to be on its last legs so I’m looking for a replacement. Preferably something not so massive.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

Now that my kids are getting older they like the Airhead Slash II. It is steerable but only 2 person. I like it because I don't have to drive like a maniac to entertain them. Their only complain is their knees get "rug burned" after a while. I also like it because it doesn't take up 1/2 the boat when they aren't riding it. When I do want to try to sling them out they really have to work and lean it to stay on it. Becomes a me vs them game.

 

[Ronnie]

Great pics @Julian . As for the steerable tubes, I’ve only been on one years ago, it was shaped like a taco, held two people and really was steerable. If I saw it again I’d buy it immediately. Most of the other steerable tubes I see for sale now only have a capacity for one rider so I don’t even look twice them. I like tubing because it allows me to pull several people around at once, unlike other wake sports.

 

[bolivas]

We have had very good luck with The Aquaglide Syncro. It says up to 3 riders, but find 2 is better unless the riders are smaller. We have definitely put this tube through its paces. It has held up great with some very aggressive maneuvers with older teenagers/young men. I need to grab some stills from the GoPro. We have launched the tube and riders about 10' in the air on a "few" occasions. There may have also been a "few" times the tube damn near passed the boat on the whip.... This is all I could round up from my phone.

 

[mdchachi]

Our kids favorite is the Bandwagon 2+2. Its like a small boat so getting it to proper pressure is key. Anyone try any of the "steerable" tubes?

How are you getting all these action pictures? Shouldn't you be driving the boat?

 

[Julian]

How are you getting all these action pictures? Shouldn't you be driving the boat?

I try and remember to take the digital SLR with me. I turn on high speed mode and hand it to a passenger and say....try and fill the card up!

 

[rkim808]

Aloha @Ronnie My keiki(kids) love there Super Mable, for those exact same reasons.
My Ohana(family) definitely gives it a thumbs up.

 

[mdchachi]

Today we tried out the OBrien Challenger that I picked up for $75 end of season. Kids gave it a thumbs up. It has a curved bottom that makes it easier to skid them across the wake than the Super Mabel but it’s still quite stable.

 

[Ronnie]

I got three be towable recently and thought I would review them now that I have had a chance to use/tow them.

First is the whacky whopper, $250 online. 9’x6’, single bladder. Big, takes a lot of throttle to get it on plane and a lot of wheel movement to steer it. It’s a keeper because although it says three riders, I’m sure it could handle 6 easy.

Second is the torpedo, $250 online, three bladders, light weight. Quick to plane, steerable by lifting the side wings. Lots of fun, very fast in turns / doesn’t lose speed quickly. Listed as three users max but two / one on each side seems best.

finally the sumo, $50 used. This is version 1, version 2 includes a splash guard (mini tube with integrated tow line and handles). Single rider , best from a cost for laughs perspective, at least from an observers perspective.

Our first roll in the sumo tube

youtube.com

 

[HangOutdoors]

The sumo just looks wrong and painful..

 

[Chatt_Jetsetter]

As for the steerable tubes, I’ve only been on one years ago, it was shaped like a taco, held two people and really was steerable. If I saw it again I’d buy it immediately.

Ronnie, is it the Airhead Griffin you were thinking of?

Griffin 3

Take flight on our newest winged tube! The griffin is a legendary creature with the body of an agile lion and the head and wings of a soaring eagle. It’s no surprise that this aerodynamic creation can maneuver with agility and speed. Swing and swoop about the seas on the Griffin’s wings! Riders...

www.airhead.com

 

[Ronnie]

That’s not the one I’m thinking of, which is a two rider model with a steep U/V.