Every year we get asked what the best tube is out there.  Well not to cop out but it really depends upon your personal preferences and needs.  No one tube is going to fit any one person or families needs and wants. There are several things to consider and hopefully the following will answer your questions.

" Donut Tubes"

Once the most popular tubes on the water these are your basic, just got to get out on the water tubes. They seam to work great for younger kids and some young adults.  If they have an inflatable floor, younger kids can actually get down inside the tube and feel more secure.  Sitting in the tube is good for a wild ride, but be careful laying across the tube because this can actually compress your back in the wrong direction.  Many younger people still ride these tubes this way, but for Adults it can give you that aching back.  Still one of the more popular tube styles we sell.

Flat or Deck Style Tubes

These seem to be the most popular style of tubes for teens and young adults.  Depending on the boat driver you can get as wild or as calm a ride as you could want.  These tubes will fly across the water and give you the ride of your life.  The flat design is a lot more back friendly since you are laying flat on the tube.  The O'Brien Screamer Series has long been one of our most popular sellers, but with the advent of many new designs, a lot of other deck style tubes are gaining popularity fast.  Always look for neoprene pads on the top of the tube to help prevent rash burns from the nylon covers.  HO Sports has just recently come out with a new Softshell Technolgy which also helps protect from rash burns.  The HO Sunset and Maverick series along with many of their other new tubes have these unique top covers on their tubes.  You also want to consider the handle placement on the tubes to make sure there is enough room for all of the riders you plan to whip around the lake.

Sit Down Tubes

This is another popular segment in the boating market which is gaining ground (or water) every year.  The Connelly Fun Series, O'Brien Relax, HO 2G & 3G, & Radar Chase Series, all have their own particular following.  These tubes can get wild on the lake, but tend to be a more comfortable and easy ride unless the boat driver is just pushing on it.  Each of these tubes has there own set of benefits so check for the following:

Where are the Handles Placed, will by riders be able to reach them easily?

Can the tube be towed in more than one direction?

Is the Seat Back Comfortable?

Is there Neoprene in the appropriate places to prevent rash burn?

Can I use this Tube just to float at the Sandbar in comfort?

Again you need to check the needs of your family and the riders you pull.  These tend to be fun rides for a wide variety of riders and also fit a wide range for your boating needs!

Sit Down In Tubes

These tubes actually have a recessed area for each rider to sit down in separately.  This keeps the riders from banging into each other and makes them feel more secure.  Your younger riders tend to gravitate towards these tubes because they feel safer down in the tube.  There are a lot of these stye tubes out there.  The O'Brien Wake Warriors, HO Formula Series, Connelly Dually Deluxe are just a few.  It seems like every company has some type of tubes like these.  Again check to make sure the bottom is inflatable, the handle placement is correct for your riders, and the general room in the cockpit area for the people you have riding this style of tube.

Remember if you purchase a 2-Person Sit Down towable you will need to keep the weight fairly balanced between the 2 riders to keep the tube from dipping to one side.  Many of the 3-Person tubes that are available accomodate 1, 2, or 3 riders depending on the placement and makes them more versatile than a 2-rider sit down tube.

Every towable tube sold at RIDE THE WAVE comes with a 1-Year Manufacturers Warranty against defects.  We will not sell towables that do not have a 1-Year Warranty.  Any Problems at all just contact us at 1-866-490-7433 and we will do our best to get you back on the water as fast as possible.

Bottom Line no one can tell you what the "Best" tube is for you and your family.  Every tube has it's own individual benefits and fits someone's needs.  Just make sure you consider thing like handle placement, and rash protection, so that you can get was is appropriate for you.  Also remember that cheaper tubes are cheaper for a reason and many of them have no warranties or only a 90 day warranty, approach these tubes with caution because their may be a reason they don't have longer warranties.  

Hopefully this helps with your decision making process.  The best thing to do is just decide on the towable tube for you, get out and RIDE THE WAVE.

Thanks for reading

Scott

RIDE THE WAVE