ODC 420, foam seat or inflatable?

[bamboofisher]

Hello,

Been browsing this forum the last couple days as I'm looking to get the ODC 420 float tube from Creek Company and have found plenty of info/reviews on the tube here. Haven't seen any real negative reviews on it so that is a definite plus [].

What I'm wondering about is which version of the tube to get? Looks like there are two versions of this tube out there now. The one with the inflatable seat (it's on sale for $149.99 from the Creek Company website) and the one with the foam seat (available on ebay for 129.99, and several other sites as well.

Just wondering what are the pluses and minuses of each model in terms of the seats? The inflatable seat does sound nice due to it being adjustable but I worry about the possibility of pinhole leaks developing eventually?

Obviously that would not be an issue with the foam seat model but it would not be as adjustable.

Anyone own one of the models with the inflatable seat?

Thanks,

Brian
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The 420 has previously had only the foam seats, and they work fine. I have not had a chance to look at the inflatable seats so I cannot pass judgment on them. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have had experience with both foam and inflatable on Fat Cats. The main thing going for the inflatable is the adjustability, for comfort. It also makes them easier to pack up and store in a smaller space, for travel or storage. As you guessed, there is the potential for leaks in an inflatable. I have had those. Not good when it happens early in the day on a serious fishing trip. There goes the comfort. Have also had seam failure.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My bad experiences with inflatables have been with Outcast and NFO products...normally considered top of the line suppliers. Unless Creek Company has an inflatable seat that is substantially better and more durable than the material in their air bladders I would have reservations about getting them.[/#0000ff]
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[pontoonman]

I missed the inflatble seat model, got a web address? It would be nice to have the best of both worlds, If they had an inflatable bag to replace the removable bulky foam, that would help with portability. Maybe someone on the list has made this mod?

Pon

[quote bamboofisher]Hello,

Been browsing this forum the last couple days as I'm looking to get the ODC 420 float tube from Creek Company and have found plenty of info/reviews on the tube here. Haven't seen any real negative reviews on it so that is a definite plus [].

What I'm wondering about is which version of the tube to get? Looks like there are two versions of this tube out there now. The one with the inflatable seat (it's on sale for $149.99 from the Creek Company website) and the one with the foam seat (available on ebay for 129.99, and several other sites as well.

Just wondering what are the pluses and minuses of each model in terms of the seats? The inflatable seat does sound nice due to it being adjustable but I worry about the possibility of pinhole leaks developing eventually?

Obviously that would not be an issue with the foam seat model but it would not be as adjustable.

Anyone own one of the models with the inflatable seat?

Thanks,

Brian[/quote]
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[flygoddess]

Welcome and LOVE THE NAME.
I am with Pontoonman on this. I had the FC with the foam seat. Not only hard to pack, but it ends up bending.

I have two going on three NFO (including the H3.) that have the inflatable seat. No leaks what so ever and the fact that you can add a little more air or subtract a little air makes them perfect.
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[cpierce]

I emailed the Creek Co about just getting the individual air pad for the seats this is the reply:

individual Air Seat bladders for the ODC 420 line will not be available until mid/late May.

So it looks like they will put them out, don't know how much though.

Maybe if a lot of people show an interest they might respond.
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[Steve_IA]

After having now owned an ODC 420 for a couple of years, my primary concern deciding between the air or foam cushioned models would be the stiffness of the seat back. My foam cushioned version was not stiff enough in the seat back for my comfort when kicking about and I added a sheet of plexiglass to the back as support (I think goddess may have provided the suggestion). I would wonder if the air cushioned model could provide as much stiffness as the foam and I certainly wouldn't want to settle for less.

Steve
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Having had a couple of inflatable seat models I can assure you that the inflatable backrest can be aired up to a degree of rigidity much greater than a piece of flexible foam. In fact, if you air them up too much they actually push you a bit forward in the seat. You have to adjust the straps to compensate for the reduced seat space.[/#0000ff]
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[flygoddess]

Absolutely.
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[bamboofisher]

Thanks for all the replies. They've all been quite helpful! Glad to know that Creek Company will be selling the individual air seat bladders for the ODC 420 starting sometime in late May.

I may just get the ODC 420 model with the standard foam seat and then just get the individual air seat bladders later on and then I'd have the best of both worlds so to speak []

Brian
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[Steve_IA]

I'm going to bet you will pay a premium price to purchase the air bladders as an add on!

Steve
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[idahoron]

I wouldn't think it would be too ugly. The Bladders for my ODC classic poontoon are only 40 dollars. Ron
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[pontoonman]

Whatever the market will bear for the air bladders, IF/WHEN they do come out. Plus their minimum ship charge, sometimes surcharge adding to profit. Better to get any accessories at the same time, because of the high shipping. Welcome to America, the land of free enterprise. Some of their Friday specials bring things down to reasonable or even bargain price, though.

Pon

[quote Steve_IA]I'm going to bet you will pay a premium price to purchase the air bladders as an add on!

Steve[/quote]
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[Majja]

I had a 420 but like my H3 better, I have only had the two and I do perfer the inflatable. One of my biggest gripes about the were the fact that the valves were in the pockets and did nto sit flush so they took up a lot of space. If I were in the market right now I would look at the Fatcats price is decent and they are of a sound design. I love my NFO but they have gotten out of my price range.
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[Gibbyutah]

Where is a good place to get a fatcat tube? I too am looking to get a tube and this will be my first one and this forum has been very helpful. I just don't think I know enough about float tubes to make an educated purchase. From the Creeks company's website you can get the 420 for $149 which seems like a good deal.

Do I need to worry too much about the denier rating for a tube? I know the higher the number the better.

Thanks
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[Gibbyutah]

What is the H3?
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[Gibbyutah]

I found out what the H3 is. Thanks

I guess it helps to look at the other forums as well before asking a question.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Cabelas is probably the best place to buy, if you are concerned about return policy, etc. But they always charge full price and seldom offer discounts. Ditto for most other retailers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you shop eBay and some other online discount operations you can occasionally find good deals and closeouts of previous year's models. Got a couple last year for $199.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]No need to compare nylon denier. Most are about the same these days...except some of the high end USA manufacturers that use the super stuff. Much better to look at the material of the air bladder. Urethane is best. Vinyl/PVC is plenty good for most tubers but some feel it is not as tough or doesn't hold up as long. Very rare to hear of any air bladder failing if you are careful with inflation and do not overfill it either for fishing or while transporting or storing it. Heat and fully inflated float tubes are not compatible. KABOOM.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The ODC 420 deals are great. The craft is a great one for getting into the sport and will be all you need even if you are a big person. There are some differences in pocket size/construction between the 420 and the Fat Cats. And the valves are not the best...but plenty adequate.[/#0000ff]
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[albinotrout]

Sorry to hijack the thread but here is a question, anyone know how the Caddis Pro 2000 is? Found it online and was a little intrigued.


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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Caddis used to be one of the main players in the float tube industry. Now you can buy a Caddis tube but it ain't made by Caddis. All made "offshore" with inferior materials and workmanship. Terrible zippers and thin bladders...vinyl.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is like the Griggs line of tubes...mass produced for low price selling by mass merchandisers...not for serious float tubers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Like many other "wannabees" it is suitable for someone who wants to try SOMETHING before amping up and spending a lot of money on something better.[/#0000ff]
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[albinotrout]

Well I am still looking for an economical tube for my home away from home. I just picked up what I believe to be a Grigg V6000 for my nephew. He is really into the tubing thing and is turning 12, so I figured why not. Well back on the lookout for a new (sort of) tube.
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