kurtataltos
Active Member
I am trying to replace my current float tube, a BucksBag Mustang. I like the Bucks but the "high volume valve" is a pain and... it's leaking. My wishlist:
- open front... no requirement for a bar. If it has a bar, can be used without the bar. No netting across the front needed or required. Or could be left in the garage.
- lack of "gee gaws"... I don't want/pack/need 87 hang on devices, 3 rod holders, 7 D-rings, 5 handles, a cooler for a twelve pack, a depth finder, 3 cup holders and USB port. I need room for 7-8 small fly boxes. That's it. If I wanted a boat I would get a boat, or a pontoon boat. But I don't.
- I don't need to sit high. Many "sit high" tubes are a pain in the wind. Sitting lower in the water is fine with me and, actually, preferable. Sitting higher doesn't make be cast better (sorry marketing gurus). I cast fine.
- I had a StealthRider... possibly the best float tube ever made (IMO). Bladder failed after many years and they don't make them anymore.
- Had a Fish Cat... big, worked ok, big, a bit bulky, big. Sold it. Bigger is not better.
What I am looking for is a simple, no frills, lower sitting float tube that is reliable, preferably with a "normal" valve. That doesn't mean cheap. I would be willing to spend $89 or $439, to get the a simple, no frills, lower sitting, quality, open front bag. Suggestions and highly biased opinions sincerely appreciated.
Thank you !
- open front... no requirement for a bar. If it has a bar, can be used without the bar. No netting across the front needed or required. Or could be left in the garage.
- lack of "gee gaws"... I don't want/pack/need 87 hang on devices, 3 rod holders, 7 D-rings, 5 handles, a cooler for a twelve pack, a depth finder, 3 cup holders and USB port. I need room for 7-8 small fly boxes. That's it. If I wanted a boat I would get a boat, or a pontoon boat. But I don't.
- I don't need to sit high. Many "sit high" tubes are a pain in the wind. Sitting lower in the water is fine with me and, actually, preferable. Sitting higher doesn't make be cast better (sorry marketing gurus). I cast fine.
- I had a StealthRider... possibly the best float tube ever made (IMO). Bladder failed after many years and they don't make them anymore.
- Had a Fish Cat... big, worked ok, big, a bit bulky, big. Sold it. Bigger is not better.
What I am looking for is a simple, no frills, lower sitting float tube that is reliable, preferably with a "normal" valve. That doesn't mean cheap. I would be willing to spend $89 or $439, to get the a simple, no frills, lower sitting, quality, open front bag. Suggestions and highly biased opinions sincerely appreciated.
Thank you !
