Circle tube compared to U-tube

Posted By: grandpa75672

Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 05:33 AM

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both styles?
What is the average weight of float tubes?
Do you mainly fly fish for bass, crappie, and or bream?
What about gar and buffalo?

I am studying the offerings of Bass Pro, Cablas, and Academy.
The more I read the more interested I become.
I do not have any tube experience except a patched up truck tire
inner tube when I was a kid. I did have a couple of used inflatable pontoons
but found them awkward in the water, victims of winds, and more involved in knock down for transporting than I could handle.
If some of my questions seem dumb it is from lack of experience rather than stupidity.

Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 05:43 AM

If you were 35 years old you might be able to use a round tube, but at 68 you need a u-shaped tube, they are much easier to use as well as much more comfortable. especially for someone with back problems.

Posted By: grandpa75672

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 06:07 AM

Well I just hope the healt h problems get better. I am not technically handicapped but impaired enough to make life difficult.

Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 01:17 PM

At 68 we're not as agile as we used to be, that's simply a fact of life. Also, probably 90-95% of the tubes sols today are u-shaped. They are much, much easier to use than the round ones - easier to get into, easier to get out of. You can pee while sitting in the u-shaped tubes, but not in the round ones - at our age that is important.

Posted By: texguppy

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 04:04 PM

Originally Posted By: grandpa75672

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both styles? Ease of entry/exit. Also, the V type is like a recliner with the cushion. The round ones feel like sitting in a giant diaper, lol!
What is the average weight of float tubes? From 10 pounds and up.
Do you mainly fly fish for bass, crappie, and or bream? Never fly fished from one, just regular tackle (shorter rods).
What about gar and buffalo? No but I may have kicked a few, lol!

Try looking online for some models. I used to have the ODC 420. Great craft and you can get it much lower than the Manufacturers website. The Fish Cat has some good reviews too.

Posted By: porta

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/10/14 05:01 PM

You can get used "V" tubes for almost free if you look around on the web or classified ads. The CC ultra is $139 right now on the website new which is a good price. If you are a big guy you might want to try one out at someplace that has return privledges like walmart mail order. You get a lot more safety and floatation/comfort from a "V" tube than a circle and getting in/out is the easiest of ANY boating craft that exists!

Some comments in bold below.

Porta

Originally Posted By: grandpa75672

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both styles?
What is the average weight of float tubes? CC and Trinity at 8# are the lightest, maybe go to 15# fully loaded with equipment.
Do you mainly fly fish for bass, crappie, and or bream? Spin fish with lures for whatever, catch & release. Whites/striper running now and rainbow trout are fun and pretty.
What about gar and buffalo? Only by accident, don't target

I am studying the offerings of Bass Pro, Cablas, and Academy.
The more I read the more interested I become.
I do not have any tube experience except a patched up truck tire
inner tube when I was a kid. I did have a couple of used inflatable pontoons
but found them awkward in the water, victims of winds, and more involved in knock down for transporting than I could handle. Main awkwardness for most is because they propel backwards and turning head to see, and that is same for float tubes. A head strap with a bike or scullers mirror can be used if you have trouble turning your head. I rigged a rear view on the tube itself.

Unless you are talking about the pedaling with fins which takes a short while to learn?

Shallows in protected areas are the safest with high winds and you get good shade/no wakes/no heavy boat traffic as well on calm river sections where I go. Why tear down/set up tubes/toon each time? I just keep mine inflated/packed and strap to my fishin car roof with ratchet straps in about 10 minutes maximum.
If some of my questions seem dumb it is from lack of experience rather than stupidity.

Posted By: CB327

Re: Circle tube compared to U-tube - 02/19/14 02:49 AM

I fished in a circle tube for years until I watched a friend nearly drown when he stumbled in knee to waist deep water and turned over in his tube. He was unable to right himself wearing a life jacket and heavy clothes. Water also filled his waders. A friend and I had to hurry to him and turn him over. He was panicking and near exhuastion. Be careful and do not fish alone in a circle tube. Since then, my buddies I have only purchased the u-shaped tubes, much easier to get out of if they turn over. Just my experience.