**I fished from a Super Fat Cat for about 5 years, before succumbing to the temptation to “upgrade” to the “state of the art” H3 Freestyle. I did appreciate many of the features of the H3…such as the quality construction, greater stability, etc. However, I found that I did not ride as comfortably in the seats…even with “modifications”…and it was just a bit larger than I like. The elongated front ends of the air chambers created some “challenges” both in transporting in a SUV and in fighting fish. **
TubeBabe shared my feelings on the comfort. She also tried several different “adjustments” and modifications on the seats to no avail. Neither of us could ever fish more than two or three hours without a serious case of “sititis”. She made it clear that she much preferred the foam seats of her old Fat Cat.
Got our new SFC and FC on eBay for good prices and got ‘em tricked out (see separate threads). Took them out on the water for the first time March 10. From past experience, we had the seats set up and adjusted about where we thought they should be…it we had them just right. Fished several hours on the water…in two different locations…and did not need to make any adjustments. Complete comfort and no “butt cramps”.
**I did find several changes in the overall construction from our earlier models. Formerly the side pockets were all one long pocket. Now they are separated into two compartments…the longer main pocket and a smaller rear pocket. The front pocket still has two zippers…one on either side…rather than the single zipper down the centerline as with many float tube models. There is also some semi rigid foam reinforcement within the side walls of the main pockets. This helps keep them open and supportive, rather than collapsing easily. That can help prevent tackle boxes or other items from sliding off the top of the stack inside the pockets and going over the side. **
The rear pocket has only a single zipper, but those rear pockets are handy for holding a battery on one side and small items on the other. I use the right side pocket to hold a fish marker buoy, a measuring tape and a set of digital scales. Great to have them handy rather than having to dig through a full tackle pocket.
There are also nice mesh pockets (with zippers) on the back of the upright part of the seat. Again, there are some items you would like to keep secure from falling out while moving your craft and secure zippers help.
The air chamber (single air bladder) on the 2007 models we got is still the quality urethane bladder, but I understand they will be downgrading to PVC bladders on future models. Not good.
The stripping aprons that come standard with Outcast tubes have always been wimpy. They are well made, from good quality nylon mesh, and should work fine for fly flingers. However, they do not provide a firm surface for tackle tinkering and fish control. And, if you catch a lot of spiny fish you should be careful about dropping them in your lap, if you are using an Outcast apron. Punctures of your waders are minor compared to punctures of your “anatomy”. No protection. Also, the attachment at the rear of the apron is via Velcro fasteners. Once fastened it is like a safety belt. You cannot move or maneuver with any kind of flexibility. And, they are tough to attach and detach once you are in the seat…especially if you have a bit of “girth” and limited flexibility.
The one final “downgrade” I lamented was that they no longer have D rings on the front nose of the air chambers. True, I cut them off my original model, because I kept getting my landing net tangled on them. But, I had counted on having them for the installation of a transport wheel on my new model…AND THEY WERE NO LONGER THERE. Now I have to go back to using my golf cart “tube truck” for long transports.
All of the Outcast products are now being made in China. The cost reduction factor shows up in the quality of the nylon covers and the PVC bottoms. Both are thinner than on previous models. Still good, but not as good.
In short, I love the size and comfort of the new Super Fat Cat. However, I am saddened by the “little things” I had to give up on my new model. True, there are some enhancements and upgrades that I appreciate, and will enjoy. But, we are always quicker to criticize than to praise.