Need some help choosing a tube

[Juventino]

hey guys well first off my name is Paul and im looking into buy my first float tube :LOL: I have been looking into tubes and reading reviews for the past couple months. I have pretty much narrowed it down to The Trout unlimitied Togiak at $160 and the trout unlimited Kennebec at $170. Can some one with what the difference is i know the backs are different. Any advice is good advice. Thanks:Big Grin:

[smokinflies]

i've been asking around about tubes too. from the input i received, it seems that the fish cat 4 is the way to go.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SceneSevenDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=16947&scene7Path=BassPro%2f430-506-13&sourceName=images2%2f400-000%2f430-506-13.jpg&type=1&linkEnabled=false

[Trout-Tuna-For.Me]

I have the Trout Unlimited model which I have also recommended to my bro-in-law and we both love them.
The difference between the TU and Kennebec models is the storage and back supports. The TU model has the adjustable strap back support and lots of space behind the seat for wet storage in the mesh section(drinks, net, etc), while the Kennebec has a more solid back support with an inflated back section with a zippered storage pouch on top, but no wet storage area.
It's nice to have a place to keep drinks cold (or as cold as the water is) and somewhere to keep a net (tethered of course) so it won't get in the way while battling a fish.
You might try to find one of those flat bags that's vinyl on one side and mesh on the other with a velcro closure on top instead of hanging a stringer for the fish you want to keep. It attaches easily to the float tube D-rings with metal clips. I got mine at Cabelas years ago when I first started tubing and it won't get tangled with the fish you're fighting.
Price is the other difference....whether you want an affordable means to tube or go the high dollar way with a fish Cat. I also have 3 boats to use to fish out of, so this works for me.
Your choice
TTFM

[Juventino]

Thanks for the input
What is the flat bags you are talking about?

[skylarjames2009]

WOW the fish cat 4 is sick I just bought the lost lake package for 109 and now wish I would of asked for advice oh well when you get your tube hit me up love to partner up

[pupfish]

I would really look at the Fish Cat 4. I have the Togiac and it's a nice tube but the valves are not great and it has a lot of small storage pockets, which depending on your tackle can be good or bad. If I were to do it again I would look at both and compare the quality of construction and the valves of both and the storage compartments of both. Whenever I've seen this discussed here before it seems that most prefer the Fish cat. I know that the Fish cat is more money but they do go on sale from time to time.

[DccFISHerMan]

I recently purchased the Creek company ODC 420 and think its awesome. Its got the boston valves so it take only about 2 minutes to blow up and deflate. Lots of decently sized storage pockets. Only complain i have is that it takes forever for the foam in the seat and backrest to dry. other than that its a nice tube, i got mine off of E bay brand new for i think a little under 120 shipped!!!

[Liteweight]

hey guys well first off my name is Paul and im looking into buy my first float tube :LOL: I have been looking into tubes and reading reviews for the past couple months. I have pretty much narrowed it down to The Trout unlimitied Togiak at $160 and the trout unlimited Kennebec at $170. Can some one with what the difference is i know the backs are different. Any advice is good advice. Thanks:Big Grin:

It all depends on your priority.
If price is the most important factor the TU line is ok.
If you can afford it, I'd step up to at least the Fish Cat.
I own a Fat Cat myself, that I use for Day pack trips. I primarily use a PAC 800 or a Water Master for most everything else.
LW


I recently purchased the Creek company ODC 420 and think its awesome. Its got the boston valves so it take only about 2 minutes to blow up and deflate. Lots of decently sized storage pockets. Only complain i have is that it takes forever for the foam in the seat and backrest to dry. other than that its a nice tube, i got mine off of E bay brand new for i think a little under 120 shipped!!!

I don't know if this will work on your tube but check the measurement and see if a Super Fat Cat inflatable seat will fit. I got a Regular Fat Cat and ordered the inflatable seat for it and it's more comfortable and you can dry it with a rag.
Just a suggestion.
LW

[sonarbp]

hey guys well first off my name is Paul and im looking into buy my first float tube :LOL: I have been looking into tubes and reading reviews for the past couple months. I have pretty much narrowed it down to The Trout unlimitied Togiak at $160 and the trout unlimited Kennebec at $170. Can some one with what the difference is i know the backs are different. Any advice is good advice. Thanks:Big Grin:

Hey Juventino.....here is the scoop! I have a Togiak float tube and it was great for the first 3 or 4 months....then I notice that the seems on the outer cover started to split. Not good when you are on the water. Also the nylon that is used to construct the out skin is very thin and will start to break down the more direct sun-light it sees. Cheap Chinese materials!!!!

My advice to you if you only want to spend in the $170 range go for the Caddis Navigator.....one of the best tube for the money.

sonarbp

[Trout-Tuna-For.Me]

Paul, that flat bag I was referring to is like a creel. The mesh side lets the fish you catch and want to keep stay alive longer and won't be hanging too low while fighting another fish. I use mine when trout fishing and it saves time and hassle rather than dealing with a stringer for the fish I want to have for dinner. I found this creel which is very sililar to what I have....http://www.thefloattubestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_19&products_id=351&zenid=hiqpv5d6qfatmqei7t10l9frt0
You might also want to check out these tubes......http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat360010&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat21276&parentType=category&parentId=cat21276
TTFM

[Nessie Hunter]

Dont go on advice alone..........

Look, touch, feel and inspect them in person..

The togiak is a good looking tube. But in my opinion has inferior materials..

Fat Cat & ODC would be my recommendations, Both quality Tubes.

I have the ODC.
I chose it for a couple of reasons, and am glad I did.
It has TWO main bladders for safety (MY safety).. LMAO

The Boston Valves are in the pouches. This gives me the ability to inflate or deflate while on the water. This has come in very handy and saved a few days on the water from ending..........

I do prefer the "V" shaped Tubes (instead of the Navigator/pontoon or "U" style) for the stability and extra room in rear to carry stuff.....

My 2 cents..............................



.

[Big Bo]

I have a Togiac tube and so far so good. Have had it for a couple months. I have read about the seams ripping. I hope to not experience this. The only thing I can complain about is the seat needs to be adjusted regularly. It could just be me. It too has dual bladders.

[sonarbp]

I have a Togiac tube and so far so good. Have had it for a couple months. I have read about the seams ripping. I hope to not experience this. The only thing I can complain about is the seat needs to be adjusted regularly. It could just be me. It too has dual bladders.

Hey Big Bo what I did to fix the seat on my Togiak was I took the two foam pieces and trimmed (cut) about 1/2" off one end. This allowed the seat to fit in the tube better and I was able to close the pouch alot easier. Keep and eye on the seems behind the back rest...that is where mine tore.

sonarbp

[tacklejunkie]

I've had the FC4 LCS and the FC4 Deluxe LCS before. Both great tubes. The deluxe is the way to go, by the way. That inflatable seat is sweeeet.
Anyone try this puppy yet? (sorry to stray from topic)
How's $89 sound?

This guy says he likes it better than that $400 outcast prowler tube!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/bigbasscaddis.jpg
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/393,72987_.html

[fisherman from long beach]

i have a caddis nav II ,paid 130 for it on sale at big five .and im new to the float tube game,but i really enjoy it.

[Darius]

when buying stuff at big 5, be sure to go on www.big5sportinggoods.com and sign up for the 10% thing, its simple just give them your email and they will send you a 10% off coupon. Its not much but, heck its not like paying tax.

[Wander]

I would suggest the fishcat 4 as well. I've had mine for over 5 years. Like the dual bladder for safety reasons (one goes you still have one to stay afloat). Very stable, easily plows through a high wind. Recently lost the filler cap...called Outcast(mfg of fishcat) and they sent me out the whole plug and paid for the shipping all for free. Stand up company! Heard that if you get a hole in the bladder and it's with in the 5 year warranty they will replace no questions asked. I have two rod holders and a fish detector holder on the tube. Can purchase accessories for the tube from www.walmart.com or any of the fishing tackle sites or directly from http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?type=9

[calico killer kevin]

ODC 420 or Fish Cat. Forget the rest. These two are the best balance of quality, safety, confortability, and price. The ODC 420 tends to be quite a bit cheaper especially on ebay.

[BBfish]

Is the inflatable seat really worth getting a fc4 deluxe?

Could the seat pop or leak?

How big is the odc when it is stored?

What about FC4 deluxe?

BB

[Liteweight]

Is the inflatable seat really worth getting a fc4 deluxe?

Could the seat pop or leak?

How big is the odc when it is stored?

What about FC4 deluxe?

BB

Question 1; If you like being comfortable. Althougth the styrofoam is somewhat pliable, it can feel like sitting on concrete after a while.

Question 2; Not likely, but anything is possible, just like Hell freezing over. :LOL: (Outcast makes very good stuff)

Question 3; Don't know, never seen one. SORRY!

Question 4; Approx. 28"L x 24"H x 12"D in a Outcast Storage Bag. My Fat Cat (which I modified w/air seats), which has the same dimensions as the FC, is stored in one. It could be thinner (by 4") but I store the styrofoam in the storage bag also so that it doesn't accidentally get thrown out.

LW

[BBfish]

Thanks LW



BB

[BIGBASS MB]

Get a fishcat

[MagicWorm]

If you got the cash fishcat 4. the togiac and the other one have metal bars in the back rest which will poke you. Trust me returned both of them to bps. Very uncomfortable. >fishcat or ocd. I actually have the nevada gold which is more comfy than the nav. and trout unlimited ones. It was cheap 50 bucks but better than the other tubes i tested. great storage too.

[BIGRED KILLA]

I have the fishcat 4 for about 2 years now and love it i fish the salt only with it and i have so much custom stuff to it like 4 pvc rod holders another 2 rod holders pointing out for drifting mini side icechest gaff holder/net holder portable fish finder. I never changed the bladders out of it and i abuse the hell out of i go pretty fast even when i have my floating bait tank in the water.





Bigred

[Dmax]

I have the fishcat 4 for about 2 years now and love it i fish the salt only with it and i have so much custom stuff to it like 4 pvc rod holders another 2 rod holders pointing out for drifting mini side icechest gaff holder/net holder portable fish finder. I never changed the bladders out of it and i abuse the hell out of i go pretty fast even when i have my floating bait tank in the water.





Bigred

Any pics of the floating bait tank?

[Juventino]

If you got the cash fishcat 4. the togiac and the other one have metal bars in the back rest which will poke you. Trust me returned both of them to bps. Very uncomfortable. >fishcat or ocd. I actually have the nevada gold which is more comfy than the nav. and trout unlimited ones. It was cheap 50 bucks but better than the other tubes i tested. great storage too.

I have togiac and im sure what metal bars you are talking about because it doesnt have metal bars.

I have mine costumed too, but just a 4rod holder i made with pvc pipe, a fish finder. thinking about making a rid holder that points out too