float tube search

[whiterock rick]

Hi All,
Just joined the forum after following so many interesting and helpful threads. I flyfish BC lakes, mostly by float tube and have now worn out 2 tubes, the last being a u-shape. Have narrowed my choices down to Scadden Freestyle and Superfat Cat. All opinions and experiences greatly appreciated.

[Stonefish]

I've had a Super FC for 4 or 5 years now. Glad I bought it and no problems. One of the best fishing buys I've made. Super comfort to fish out of.
I'll be buying another one shortly for friends to use when they come to town for fishing visits.
I've got other Outcast products and their service has been top notch, though seldom needed.
Good Luck.

[barbless]

I don't have an experience with the Scadden boats, but I do own a fishcat (smaller version of the fatcat). I had some problems with the bladders (both of them) within the warranty period. I was very happy with the service I got from both Outcast and the fly shop I bought the tube from (Creekside). I have used fatcats on several occasions and my impression was that they were very nice tubes - comfortable, durable, well made and well designed.

[Quan]

I researched for weeks and weeks on float tubes and came to the conclusion that Outcast float tubes were the way to go. I think the Fish Cat series will serve you well if you're on a budget and are under 250lbs or so. They have a vinyl bladder and have all the amenities that you need and are rated for about 275lbs (I think). It weighs in at about 14lbs. I think they go for the 150-200.

I personally bought the Super Fat Cat which is basically the Cadillac of float tubes. What sealed the deal for me is that it was on sale at Cabela's... but when I went to buy it, the salesmen offered it to me for $199!! It's regular sticker tag is $369! He explained that the Super Fat Cat was being discontinued which is why they were on sale. I later found out by my own research that Outcast has a new line which basically tags their new float tubes with "LCS" for Line Control System. As far as I could tell, it's essentially an adjustable height stripping apron. Being the short guy that I am, I'm happy with having a non-adjustable stripping apron and $169 more dollars in my pocket. Oh, and sorry, I apparently got the last one at Cabela's.

Anyway, the Super Fat Cat is like I said, a luxury tube. It's larger in size and in storage space. It's rated for 300 lbs (Again, off the top of my head). But at the same time it's polyurethane bladder claims not only to be tougher than the Fish Cat's vinyl bladder, but more lightweight. It weighs in at 12 lbs. I've only fished my SFC three times now - just got it less than a week ago - but I'm very happy with it so far.

I think the warranty on all of their boats are 5 years too. Which is definately something to consider.

Here's one review that helped me decide on Outcast. Although the price tags seem to be outdated. http://www.totalflyfishing.com/index.php/boats/articles/41/Outcast_Float_Tube_Review

Hope that helps.

-Q

[Quan]

Just to make your decision harder. I read some good things about the Creek Company ODC 420. As I understand it, it's a blend between the Super Fat Cat and Fish Cat 4. The price tags in the forums linked below again, seem outdated... but I usually saw them at about a $225 price tag which puts them right between the SFC and FC4 in price as well. It's something worth looking into.

This link starts out talking about SFC vs FC4 but quickly turns into an ODC 420 thread:
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tubing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/Super_Fat_Cat_vs._Fish_Cat_4_P228776/

This link shows a guy who seems very happy with his ODC 420 as well as a bunch of crazy PVC creations where he essentially "pimped his float tube."
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tubing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/ODC_420_FLOAT_TUBE_AND_ROD_HOLDER_P220785/

-Q

[rattlesnakeflyguy]

The ODC 420 is now on sale - cross your fingers - $179.99 w/free shipping (Cabelas)

[obiwankanobi]

Whiterock,

You can't go wrong with either an Outcast or a DS tube and I recently underwent this same decision. After some research though, I went for the DS Freestyle H3 which is now on sale for $325 vs $699. Dave is a great guy to talk too and deal with and even though I have yet to put this boat on the water, I can confirm that the materials used to make this tube are top notch. The same "fabric" is used in this boat as he uses in his whitewater rafts and even though this tube is whitewater graded, I won't ever take it on a whitewater experience. It is longer than the SFC, but the quality certainly shows in the making. If you spot me the money to buy and test the new X5 he makes, I can tell you first hand if its better than the Outcast in a similar model.

[jp66]

super fatcat lcs is the way to go.

[Gorgefly]

I have the ODC 420 and while I like it I have twice had one of the bladders pop on me for no apparent reason..no they weren't over inflated either.

[Steven Green]

Another option to check out is a w.w. griggs tube. I own one that has a v hull and inflatable seat that only cost me 90 dollars brand new. I used the extra money to pick up some force fins. not a bad setup at all for 200 bones.

Steven

[tradguy2]

Anyone have a favorite lightweight tube for hiking to alpine lakes with. I was interested in the Curtis raft but those are no longer made. Any thoughts?

[flybill]

Just to make your decision harder. I read some good things about the Creek Company ODC 420. As I understand it, it's a blend between the Super Fat Cat and Fish Cat 4. The price tags in the forums linked below again, seem outdated... but I usually saw them at about a $225 price tag which puts them right between the SFC and FC4 in price as well. It's something worth looking into.

This link starts out talking about SFC vs FC4 but quickly turns into an ODC 420 thread:
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tubing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/Super_Fat_Cat_vs._Fish_Cat_4_P228776/

This link shows a guy who seems very happy with his ODC 420 as well as a bunch of crazy PVC creations where he essentially "pimped his float tube."
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tubing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/ODC_420_FLOAT_TUBE_AND_ROD_HOLDER_P220785/

-Q

I have this tube and am easily 300 lbs with all of my gear. It is nice and has replaced my cheap U-tube that I popped a while ago, luckily before I got on the water. The zipper blew out when I over inflated the bladder, so it was probably my fault.

I have the ODC 420 and while I like it I have twice had one of the bladders pop on me for no apparent reason..no they weren't over inflated either.

That's not good to hear! :eek: Hopefully you weren't on the water at the time. I like to get mine inflated and rest it in the cold water, particularily if its hot out. Going to take mine out to MT next week, since I'll be camping on a nice little lake for part of the time.

Bill

[rattlesnakeflyguy]

At least the ODC420 has a LIFETIME warranty and not some 5 year warranty. At $129 that tube is a bargain...