08-20-2006, 03:10 PM
Hi all, Found this site through a search on float tubes and like what I see. Good friendly group with diversity for sure. I think I'll stay a bit.
While new here, I've been into fly fishing for 20+ years ( of my 48 yr history) and have owned a round tube most of that time. While I do use them a few times a year, I mostly use canoes, yaks on my native SE MAss /RI lakes. However, after tubing with some new friends lately, I could see that maybe a new V tube should be in my future soon.
FWIW, I'm 5'9" , 220, deciently fit and mostly use tubes for fishing smallish /sheltered ponds/coves in the 5-50 acer range during summer months. Fishing time is usually 2-4 hrs at a pop. Portability and storage are a deciding factor ( too much stuff already!) but not as critical as performance and comfort. I have plenty of other canoes/yaks/boats to keep me dry if the need /environment dictates so the tube is just for those 2-4 times a year when teh itch arrises.
So with all that said, I have done allot of researching ( here and on the net) of three models that have been discussed allot here. The Outcast fischcat 4, fat cat and ODC 420.
Still, I have some questions that maybe somebody can clarify.
1) It's implied that the ODC is inbetween the size of the FC4 and FatC but I can't find any actual dimentions for the ODC. Given I'm 220+ waders gear etc, I wonder if teh FC4 is at it's ( 250#?) limit already
2) Do owners of any of these craft feel like they are slipping out of the seat ( as i read on a riverwire review)? I do like teh security of my round tube!
3) For those owning both/several, did you find much difference in kicking ease, stability etc, wind resistance/drifting?
I'm wondering which of these craft would be the better match. Right now I'm thinking ODC 420 or FC (not SFC) but don't want to get something so big its a storage issue.
FWIW, $125 difference isn't a huge object but is noted. (i.e. The thrill of a deal is momentary, the satisfaction of quality is lasting.)
ANY additional input appreciated.
Thanks!
Dave
[signature]
While new here, I've been into fly fishing for 20+ years ( of my 48 yr history) and have owned a round tube most of that time. While I do use them a few times a year, I mostly use canoes, yaks on my native SE MAss /RI lakes. However, after tubing with some new friends lately, I could see that maybe a new V tube should be in my future soon.
FWIW, I'm 5'9" , 220, deciently fit and mostly use tubes for fishing smallish /sheltered ponds/coves in the 5-50 acer range during summer months. Fishing time is usually 2-4 hrs at a pop. Portability and storage are a deciding factor ( too much stuff already!) but not as critical as performance and comfort. I have plenty of other canoes/yaks/boats to keep me dry if the need /environment dictates so the tube is just for those 2-4 times a year when teh itch arrises.
So with all that said, I have done allot of researching ( here and on the net) of three models that have been discussed allot here. The Outcast fischcat 4, fat cat and ODC 420.
Still, I have some questions that maybe somebody can clarify.
1) It's implied that the ODC is inbetween the size of the FC4 and FatC but I can't find any actual dimentions for the ODC. Given I'm 220+ waders gear etc, I wonder if teh FC4 is at it's ( 250#?) limit already
2) Do owners of any of these craft feel like they are slipping out of the seat ( as i read on a riverwire review)? I do like teh security of my round tube!
3) For those owning both/several, did you find much difference in kicking ease, stability etc, wind resistance/drifting?
I'm wondering which of these craft would be the better match. Right now I'm thinking ODC 420 or FC (not SFC) but don't want to get something so big its a storage issue.
FWIW, $125 difference isn't a huge object but is noted. (i.e. The thrill of a deal is momentary, the satisfaction of quality is lasting.)
ANY additional input appreciated.
Thanks!
Dave
[signature]