[Mike Barrio]

We have a fair old variety of float tubes between us, I know cause I've seen most of them on the loch  

But ....... they all have good points and bad points, little niggles if you like  

Tell us about your float tube here ....... which make and model have you got? Are you pleased with it? What do you like and dislike about your float tube?

This is bound to be useful information for somebody that is looking to buy one  

Best wishes
Mike Barrio

PS: I will have photos of some of you in your tubes, so I'll try to add these to your posts if I can.

[andrewp]

I bought a Caddis Nevada tube, a great little boat, and feel more than safe. The only downside that i have come across is the tendancy to slide forwards due to the neoprene waders sliding on the seat, feel it would be adventageous if it had a crotch strap from the seat to the stabaliser bar, although i have been told i can sew rubber on to the seat that will give me more grip.
Looking forward to the better weather so i can get afloat :  :  :

Andrew Palmer

[Gordy66m]

Got my Sparton float tube last year based on a recommendation from Mike. Its been over to the west coast and up a hill or two and has always proved itself. I guess if your remote hill loch fishing being able to fully inflate in less that 15 mins is what your after. OK its pricy but in my view more than worth it.

Gordon

[Dave Olley]

Hi
I have 2 tubes.
My original was the Caddis navigator 11

http://www.fkpfishing.net/FeaturedReviews/review.NAVII.htm

Good fishing tube and I had a lot of fun with it. My only gripe is the "mickey mouse" valves. More suitable for use on a Lilo  :
I had a valve failure fishing Haddo and just made it back to the ramp  :



My new tube is an Outcast Fat Cat and TBH I have only used it once so hard to offer much of an opinion.

http://www.riverwire.com/outcasttubereview2.htm

Things I like are

Urethane bladders instead of PVC
Excellent valve system
High and dry seating position
Warmer
Very comfortable seat (once the back rest is adjusted properly   )
Easy to propel
1000 denier PVC bottoms on the tube
Massive amounts of storage space compared to the Caddis
Easy to get in and out of for the "not so mobile"

Things that may be a problem
Wind seems to catch from certain angles.
Fins are not as deep in the water and don't seem to purchase as well for maneuverability.
Wet neoprene waders rubbing on wet PVC make a very annoying squeak

I think I need to fish from it a few more times to really get a feel, so if this weather ever clears up I will see you there.
You'll find it hard to miss me   :  :

[Sandy Nelson]

My lean mean black fishing machine is Coooool!

The original stealth boat, made for me by Mr Parton. Blown up by mouth - no pumps! comfy, safe with 4 bladders and better made than anything else on the market. I love it, worth every penny.

Daniel has the shakepeare version, also very good, same design just not quite such a high quality.Bladders are poorer too but they still work
Second best?, perhaps but still better than a lot i've tried.

Tubes really do suit different people though, so try a few first if possible.

My only critiscism, for the way i fish it has far too many pockets, 2 would be fine.

Sandy

[the water buoys]

Hi me and Andrew have the ron thompson tubes,we have had them for 2 year and never had any trouble with them. I have the v boat Andrew has the u boat.We have allways felt safe in them, we fish a lot of big waters, and Highland lochs .
We are going to invest in the shakespeare expedition ,For the bigger waters not that the ron thompson is not good enough. There is a lot more safety features to the shakespear for the same money. also got a caddis naveda good for small shallow waters as i dont like the valvue system. The valvue never seems to line up right where it comes through the hole in the tube, so would not trust it in a bigish water
Henry Andrew the waterbuoys       :  :  

[Stuart Smith]

i have a ron thompson which is a good tube.is got huge pockets and loads of D's for tying stuff off.the only thing i dont like about it is that the BLADDERS ARE S**T!
they are very thin.ive had loads of leeks.they never split just pin holes.

ive started having a little pump in the pocket to sort the slow punctures.

ive got other bladders but they do the same.

i dont know if it becouse im fishing alot of hill locks and there colder
ive tryed not blowing it up as hard but still the same

dont know if anyone whit the same tube is having the same problems as me

stuart

[the water buoys]

Hi stuart
                 Sorry to here you are having problems with youre tube.
             me and Andrew have never had problems ,and we fish a lot of hill lochs.Take out your bladder and check for anything sharp ,maybe a sharp bit on the stiching inside as you said you have other bladders and they do the same,as ive said we have never had bother with ours.
 Hope you find the cause .Or blow bladder up out side the tube see what happens,cold tempture can have an effect your tube,while in cold water.
                    Henry From the waterbuoys :

[Peter McCallum]

i have a ron thompson which is a good tube.is got huge pockets and loads of D's for tying stuff off.the only thing i dont like about it is that the BLADDERS ARE S**T!
they are very thin.ive had loads of leeks.they never split just pin holes.

ive started having a little pump in the pocket to sort the slow punctures.

ive got other bladders but they do the same.

i dont know if it becouse im fishing alot of hill locks and there colder
ive tryed not blowing it up as hard but still the same

dont know if anyone whit the same tube is having the same problems as me

stuart

You mean you HAD a Ron Thompson Stuart, didn't I tell you about rental in my loft space????

looking forward to your return. When are you back & are you going via Tazzie & NZ or are you too much of a surfer dude now??? :

Bibo reveals all you see, my spys are at work.

[Rod Mackay]

Hi All,

I've went for the Sparton at the tail end of last year after trying Mike's one several times.  Had my maiden voyage in it a couple of weeks ago and so far so good.   : Can't say the same about the neoprenes though - leaking after a couple of outings. :
 
Good Points
Lots of pockets and D-rings
Love the valves on it, really easy to inflate.  
Built like a brick sh*t house

Not So Good
A little pricey!

Oh and Steve Parton the guy who makes them is a real character :

Rod

[Stuart Smith]

hi Henry

tryed all that.it never seems to burs in the same place.

i know a guy that can make other bladers for me.ive tryed other tubes but the tube is brill apart from the bladder problem

peter u rented it from me rember

stuart

[Peter McCallum]

hi Henry

tryed all that.it never seems to burs in the same place.

i know a guy that can make other bladers for me.ive tryed other tubes but the tube is brill apart from the bladder problem

peter u rented it from me rember

stuart

One days rental of tube vs eight months loft space.........

No contest, I win!! :  :

Anyhoo posession is nine tenths of the law isn't it??? :  :  :

[Stuart Smith]

rember peter u asked me for it so your paying me

i win

stuart

[Peter McCallum]

Anyhoo posession is nine tenths of the law isn't it??? :  :  :

Please note my lawyers reaction.


p.s. Kev reckons your just not savvy enough to pick up his replys

[Stevie j]

Just got the caddis navigator 11 , only been out twice and it does exactly what it says on the tin , built for the bigger chap( thats me )
when paired with the diving fins its very easy manouvered . Like earl post says the back valves are not top notch so hopefully i will have no problem with them .  Apart from that very comfy with plenty room for the accesories . Is there any tubes made in the uk with the same kind of spec..