Am thinking about a new tube. Have any of you used a Cabella's tube? Would like to stay under $200' but am somewhat flexible on that. (Am trying to decide between a tube and a kayak, am up in age and don't plan to make long distance runs, so tube will be fine that way.)
Any replies on Cabela's tubes will be appreciated.

I'd have to go with the Caddis Premier at $199

Me and my wife have the Togiak, plenty of storage and comfortable. We got ours in sale a while back but they go for 180

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the caddis Premier. Sounds good and is in my price range. Tobias, I'll also look at the Togiak, appreciate knowing what others are happy with.

Depends on what size you are, what type of fishing you do, where you fish, how often, and how long you will be out.
Generally the most comfortable tubes have an adjustable inflatable seat where you can sit above water level for many hours- instead of foam. I am 68 yrs, got the Creek Company ultralight 8#! on sale for under $200 a few years back, weigh 175#, use spinning rod- no apron, fish remote locations where I travel by air or Guad locally, at least every 2 weeks locally, 2-6 hours.

PC

My weight is 200 lb. fish primarily for bass, but also panfish. All fishing is in lakes. Use casting and spinning, depending on species I'm targeting and type of lures/bait I'm using. Thanks for the replies.

I have the Creek Company Ultralight also! It`s GREAT and very easy to handle and I`m 200+.Great TUBE!

Some of the tubes are relatively heavy, for example 16 or 18 lbs. Light tubes are around 8 lbs. Will a heavy tube be harder and slower to move in the water? Or is it just a minor difference?

Another question: Does a stabilizer bar on a tube present any problems? Better to buy a tube that doesn't have a bar, or not a problem?

You should check out www.CreekCompany.com . The have the ODC 420 Lightweight Combo @ 8lbs. & the ODC 420 @ 11 lbs. Both have a max capacity of 300 lbs. & the ODC 420 is on sale for$149.00. The reg price is $249.00.

I don`t have any experience on heavier Tubes,but the one I have,the ODC 420 Lightweight Combo, is very easy to carry and maneuver!!

Fishbonz, I'd like to hold the cost down to $200 or less. That's a great discount and price on the ODC unit, but I'd like to see a float tube and buy from a local store rather than order one. Carrying weight is not an issue with me, I won't be packing into remote lakes, will drive right up the the launch site.

Then you should check out the reg ODC 420 for $149.00. They have everything you need @ www.CreekCompany.com & www.Floattubefanatics.com will have what you need when you get a fish finder for your Tube! FTF.com is a really Kool site with great video`s!

May order one, but want to look at some tubes in Cabella's and Academy first. Both stores are close to me.

Heavy tubes have a coating on the underside of the bladder cover, which makes them more resistant to wear and dragging issues- but they retain more water which will drain if you have them inside your vehicle. No difference in speed on the water- but fully packed weight will be much more noticeable especially for seniors with bad backs like me. I keep mine fully inflated and completely set up leaning inside a garage wall, so it is ready to go on a moment's notice- no canceled trips due to surprise leaks, parts you forget, etc. It fits while completely set up in the back of my Prius when the bottom seat is deflated, and also fits most other small SUVs. Pros of a stabilizer bar is that they allow you to stand up in up to thigh deep water without having to hold your tube from drifting and that they can sometimes serve as a foot rest depending on design. The cons are that you have to step over the stabilizer to mount your tube instead of just sliding in. If you have never been in one, you will need to practice a little before getting on an open water lake, the winds can be tricky over 10mph. Some places have satisfaction guarantees that allow returns.

PC

The ODC 420 that is on sale for $149 is the heavier model, and comes with a foam seat and back which is not as comfortable or firm as bladders are. You can upgrade by ordering the inflatable seat $49 or spare foam seat $35 from parts. You can firm up the bottom and increase load capacity by fitting one more foam seat bottom cushion in the seat bottom compartment so that there are 3 blocks instead of just 2 (2 stacked + 1 on edge). http://creekcompany.com/home.php?cat=251



I believe Wallmart online, Cabellas, and Bass Pro still have satisfaction guarantees, you might want to ask about that.

PC