I have never used one, and I am considering buying one. I seen the earlyer post, so I have a good Idea on brand. My question is roun vs. U tube?

Also would you wear waders during the summer, what benifits do they have?

Sorry for being tube stupid, but I have never been around them.

All help is appreciated
Randy

I can't think of a single advantage a round tube has over a U-Tube, but U-Tubes have several advantages over round ones. I guess the only advantage of a round tube is the availability of a truck tire's tube if the bladder goes flat. U-Tubes are easier to get into, and also easier to get out of if an emergency were to arise. Doubtful you'll ever flip either of them, unless you're on moving water and get pinned against something. Not likely in a pond or lake.

You can wear thin, uninsulated waders during summer if you don't like the feel of grass and small limbs bumping against you. Some people kinda freak when a long stalk of grass suddenly brushes against their leg. But, that's half the fun! Waders are primarily for keeping you warm during cold water months. I wear just a pair of swim shorts in the summer months. Wear a pair of neoprene booties under your kick fins also.

Kelly

Concerning the round v. U-tube design debate, I am probably in the minority, but I prefer the traditional round tube. I really feel more comfortable with the construction and durability of the rubber truck tire innertube over the polyurethane or vinly bladder. I believe that the rubber is also easier to repair if it does get punctured.

I own both types, and from my limited experience, my round tube is more sturdy, stable, and comfortable than my u-tube.
I have never experienced any difficulty getting in/out at the water's edge, but I could see how a less...graceful, agile, nimble (insert adjective here to describe your fat butt) angler might prefer an open front design. By the way, with my flippers on, I look more like a manatee than a swan (6'2" and 230lbs.)

Concerning waders, if you have not already bought them, consider getting waders without the rubber boots. You can wear regular dive fins over the sock foot waders. Most would agree that the strap over the boot fins are inferior to regular dive fins. I wear my waders in the summer if I am going to get in stagnant water that might have leeches, or if I am float tubing in the Amazon river basin...thanks to a story that Fishbrain told me.

See:
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/piranha038/candiru.html

Terry

Terry,

What's the matter--scared of a little ole catfish?

Catfish,

I'm with Kelly on this one, and I have owned both. If I were going with a round tube, I'd ask Terry about his--it is the mother of all round tubes! He told me it is rated for 350 pounds, and I believe it could handle more. I currently use a V-shaped tube, the Togiak. It sits up very high and handles easier than any other tube I have owned. It also has a TON of storage, which is important to me. They are easier to get in and out of, no question about it. I also like the fact that I have an area in the front where I can land fish without worrying about hooks or fins puncturing the bladder.

I would suggest trying to hook up with someone from the forum who has a tube that you can borrow before you buy. Try both and decide for yourself. With a name like Randy, there is no doubt you are an intelligent fellow who is quite capable of making a wise decision.

Thanks for the compliment. Now for the BIG Question????? What about the snakes. I have read about the snake storys here, and mind you I hate snake. I have had them come in the boat with me, and don't know if I could handle them that close (tubing). Now remeber dont scare me, but should I worry?

The only problem you'll likely have with snakes is that everytime someone sees you in a tube, they feel this uncontrollable urge to tell you every snake story they've ever heard!

Kelly

Great nothing like listening to some Kansas while getting a parasite cut out of your weiner.

I've heard the candiru are only in parts of the Amazon and can be easily avoided by wearing underwear.
I would love to go fish for peacock bass sometime but I don't think I will test that theory.

Well thanks for all the advice. I forsee me getting one of them before the summer is over...

I prefer the U-boat. They are easier to get in and out of more so than the round tube. I have had both and there really isn't alot of difference but the U-boat I think is slightly better.

As far as waders, I wear them when the water is too cold but prefer not to wear them if at all possible. I don't worry about snakes at all but I'm sure it's possible to get a snake bite. The farther away from shore the less snakes you'll have trouble with. I've never had any trouble as snakes generally will try to avoid people. They do like stringers of fish, however.