Looking to get my first tube and got some questions.

Is there a huge difference between at $120 tube and a $350 tube?

Do you wear waders when tubing or just get wet?

yes there is a difference. Weight capacity, durability, comfort. With some you might pay a little more for the name. Waders in the winter, shorts in the summer. I have a Togiak and absolutely love it. I'm a big guy at 6'7 245 and it is great for me. It's comfortable and has plenty of storage for all your things. It's the only way I fish now

I only tube in the summer and wear an old pair of Levis. If you go without waders, just be warned that even in the summertime it often takes time to get used to the water temperature.

i don't understand

I get by with a low cost, self customized, pack in ODC 420, but am small enough (170#) to float completely above the water in it. Higher capacity and durability will cost more unless you go with a raft.

Never use waders year round because I have a foot bar which keeps me completely out of the water once I launch. You can avoid getting wet with booties when launching, but will need to use oars or a motor for propulsion in the Winter.

Porta

Here's some guidelines from a previous post for a new tuber, you can find other responses in the archives:

I agree with the above posters that it is personal preference, because everyone's needs and expectations are different. Some random questions off the top of my head anyone might ask and answer to themselves:
-Am I big guy as the limits are about 350# for a float tube, maybe go to a pontoon/raft beyond that?
-What kind of physical shape, to tell if you need motor power accessory with a toon/raft?
-How long will I be out, will it always be the same few places, how many times per year, and do if have the work schedule flexibility to select the weather when I go- tells comfort factors, quality/ruggedness needed?
-Do I have space to leave the tube set up and loaded or will I have to go thru inflation protocol and loading each time- tells amount on actual fishing time on the water?
-How will tube be transported and what is the most distance place I would go regularly- tells actual fishing time on the water?
-How much can I spend, how soon do I need it, and do I have a 100% satisfaction return policy where I buy?

If possible, go with someone that has experience and an extra tube to loan you to try out the concept. There are some details like adjusting pressure before/after in altitude or cold water, fin propulsion, traveling backwards, etc. which are best observed with someone experienced. If that is not possible, you can go alone and try a high rated tube shipped/returned from your nearby Wall Mart like: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Classic-Accessories-Cumberland-Float-Tube/16637566 Wear a separate life vest and don't go farther than you can swim from shore.

Hope this helps.

Porta

where are you located?I have a good starter tube you can try out if you want.

When that cold water hits your private parts, you'll understand.

I've never had this problem in the summertime

http://www.oklahomabassfishing.com/outdoorpride.html

this tube will out live you