I have less experience than others here on the board. But I bought a Creek Company ODC 420 several months ago. It replaced my Creek Company U-Boat because I wanted to get higher out of the water, but wanted something more portable than a pontoon boat.
The ODC 420 is around $160 US. Another very popular tube in the same price range is the Outcast Fish Cat 4. The weight capacity on the ODC is 300 pounds, the Fish Cat 4 is 250. I am 6’5” and close to 250 pounds, so I went with the ODC 420.
I really like the ODC. My only complaint so far is that the air valves are in the pockets. They get in the way and take up pocket space, but I deal with it.
There are other “Cadillac” models with higher price tags, more weight capacity, better bladders, and more features.
I am sure others add to my comments about all the models, you definitely came to the right place to get advice. [left] [/left]
Welcome aboard. Hope we can help you in your research. If you have not already done so, you should look back through some of the tube shopping posts in the “Best of the Best” sections. Also look in the picture board for TUBE AND PONTUBE SHOPPING for pictures and comparisons of capacity, prices, etc.
I am over 250 pounds and I fished for several years from the Outcast Super Fat Cat. I now have an H3 Freestyle, which is rated for over 350 pounds. It is on the pricey end of the scale but gives a good high float.
More and more anglers are becoming “multi craft” floaters…with tubes, toons, and/or kayaks. If you have the budget and the place to keep them, that can be a good thing. Different waters may be fished better from one type of craft, rather than another.
We have at least one other Ontario member on the board and he is also a yakker as well as a tuber. I am sure he will chime in soon.
**I have posted a couple of reviews on the H3, but I will provide a quick overview for you. **
**First of all, based upon the size of the air chambers on the H3, I would not realistically rate it any higher than the 350# on the Cabelas page. Northfork posted the 500 pounds during the initial stages of their marketing efforts and I do not think there are any verified tests to confirm that. **
I will say that I float plenty high in my H3…much higher and more stable than with my previous Super Fat Cat. Even when I lean over backward it stays pretty much level. Not so with most other “pointed bow - open front” tubes. Attached is a picture showing my 6’3" and 260# leaning back almost in a reclining position. With my SFC, the bow would have been almost under water.
The Day Tripper looks great…to novice tubers. It DOES let you sit high out of the water. But, that causes more problems than it solves. The center of balance is too high and some tubers have actually slid out of the tube when leaning forward to net a fish…or whatever. Also, because it sits higher out of the water, it catches wind a lot more. It is okay until the wind comes up and then it is almost impossible to control. You blow all over the lake and can’t keep it tracking straight.
I do not know any experienced float tuber who likes the Day Tripper.
Take your time. Shop around and check the reports and opinions of other tubers. Then, when you get ready to put up your money, you should be able to make a better informed decision.
I moved up from a u shaped tube to the ODC 420 this summer. Sitting higher is much nicer and I love it. For under $200 I felt it was the best choice for me.
That said had I had more money to spend I would have looked harder at a tube with a urethane bladder instead of the pvc bladder that comes with the 420. Urethane lasts longer I’m told.
I happen to have one of the Skeeter Day Trippers. I would not recommend it to the beginning Tuber. It is also not good in windy conditions.
I used mine in the wind on purpose just to get a feel for the what the “Higher out of water” tubing is all about. It does catch a lot of wind and you really have to concentrate on keeping yourself centered in the tube to avoid tipping over or sliding out.
I went from a Donut to a U tube and on to a V shape tube. I currently use my Fish Cat 4 more than any of the other tubes. It is very similar to the Super Fat Cat but doesn’t have the same bigger chambers.
I use the Fish Cat 4 in fresh and salt water. If I would have waited, I could have had the Super Fat Cat for just a few dollars more.
If money is a hinderance at the time, I would save up a few more bucks and go for the better tube.
I too had a daytripper. I am a light weight however so I thought it was just me. I do have a friend that weighs around 250 and he swears by the DT. Said it is the BIG MAN tube. I thought he must be right. I posted about the H3 which I had also and it appears his Daytripper wasn’t all that great cause he bought the H3. The H3 is made by fishermen for fishermen. It has every thing you need and more. Being 6’ long it is very stable and can be back packed in with backpack straps. Very well made and has the Urethane bladders so less effected by altitude or temp change. (However, do not inflate to max on hot or high mountain lakes till you let it sit and adjust, it can blow…not often, but it can) I no longer have my H3…BECAUSE, I got the new Navigator II by NFO. Same design as the H3, except it is 9’ long and it has Oar holders and oars. Plus an optional shelf for the back for a battery and other gear. The back has a zipper in the bottom to stick an electric motor through. It comes in a back pack and weighs about 38 lbs all together. To me it is the best of both worlds and I do own a very nice pontoon. The advantage to the Navi, is I can transport it in my Grand Vitara with no problem because it has NO frame.
We have at least one other Ontario member on the board and he is also a yakker as well as a tuber. I am sure he will chime in soon. [/reply]
DING DONG !
This is the Ontario member chiming in here Joco. I have an Outcast Fat Cat float tube, an Outcast 10 IR Fish Cat pontoon boat and a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 kayak. I love fishing from all of them as each fits a special niche. If I was limited to one craft I would probably go with the kayak because I can fish anywhere with it and it is still fairly portable. I would sure miss fishing from my tube though. (I’ve been known to either pack or tow my tube along with my kayak because it provides stealth and hands free fishing.
I find I can do pretty much what I do in my tube from my pontoon boat. I was really pleasantly surprised by my pontoon experience. My Fish Cat responds beautifully to the oars and tracks very nicely. What really surprised me was that I was able to propel and turn my pontoon with my fins much better than I anticipated.
My pontoon weighs 75 pounds and my Tarpon 60. At 61 years young I can still throw them on top of my Subaru and go. The tube, however fits conveniently into the back fully rigged and all i have to do is deflate it a bit to get it in the vehicle.
Until I got my pontoon I was saving up for a Scadden Freestyle H3 like Tube Dude has. If you’ve got the money and can somehow get one up here in Canada that would be an excellent choice. If you fall short in either of those categories the “Fish Cat” Float tube from Outcast will serve you well although for your size you might want to spend the extra to get the “Super Fat Cat”. I don’t think you can go wrong with an Outcast product and I know the Dude and his wife enjoy their " H3 Freestlyes".
By the way my Outcast Fat Cat tube will be in its 8th season this spring.
I just have to through in my vote for the H3 as well. I had a ODC420 and than upgraded to an H3. I really do think they are the cats meow. no to mention the best warranty in the business. I also would not hesitate to get a Outcast, but since the $$ are so close I think the H3 wins.
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