07-17-2010, 07:05 PM
[cool][#0000ff]No actual personal experience with the Griggs tube but I have seen a gazillion different types of tubes...and bladder installation options.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I think the proper sequence is 1. Stuff the bladders in the right sides...facing the right directions to correctly align the valves with the holes in the pockets. 2. Place the large rubber washers over the valve before inserting the valve up into the hole in the pocket. It is meant to provide a protective cushion between the cover and the bladder. 3. Finish assembly of the valves[/#0000ff][#0000ff] and air up the bladders.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is not uncommon to have to inflate and deflate the air chambers on a new tube a couple of times to get them to align correctly inside the covers. You can partially deflate them, unzip the covers and shift them around inside to help the process. Then air them back up and try to achieve a nice smooth cover when fully inflated.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As you have no doubt discovered, these tubes are manufactured "offshore" and the quality of the written instructions is subject to language problems. There is also not likely to be too many people in the manufacturing process that actually know what they are making or how it should be properly assembled and used.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, to help reinforce your decision, the Griggs tubes definitely fill the need for a price line of craft that are good enough to take on the water and help someone learn enough about tubing to be better able to make informed decisions in the future, after they learn more about the sport and their personal needs and preferences. Sounds like you got a good package deal. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hope you are able to get it figured out and can get on the water soon. That will make it all seem more worthwhile.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I think the proper sequence is 1. Stuff the bladders in the right sides...facing the right directions to correctly align the valves with the holes in the pockets. 2. Place the large rubber washers over the valve before inserting the valve up into the hole in the pocket. It is meant to provide a protective cushion between the cover and the bladder. 3. Finish assembly of the valves[/#0000ff][#0000ff] and air up the bladders.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is not uncommon to have to inflate and deflate the air chambers on a new tube a couple of times to get them to align correctly inside the covers. You can partially deflate them, unzip the covers and shift them around inside to help the process. Then air them back up and try to achieve a nice smooth cover when fully inflated.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As you have no doubt discovered, these tubes are manufactured "offshore" and the quality of the written instructions is subject to language problems. There is also not likely to be too many people in the manufacturing process that actually know what they are making or how it should be properly assembled and used.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But, to help reinforce your decision, the Griggs tubes definitely fill the need for a price line of craft that are good enough to take on the water and help someone learn enough about tubing to be better able to make informed decisions in the future, after they learn more about the sport and their personal needs and preferences. Sounds like you got a good package deal. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Hope you are able to get it figured out and can get on the water soon. That will make it all seem more worthwhile.[/#0000ff]
[signature]