01-24-2005, 07:47 PM
I have 2 questions for you gurus of float tubing.
I received my first float tube 3 yrs ago as a X-mas present. It was a bottom-of-the-line Caddis. I have used it the past two seasons and have fallen in love with fishing in a tube for several species. I used it the past season, about 3-4 trips per month, for trout, smallies, and a few trips to Utah lake for white bass, walleye, and cats. The problem is that the main air bladder sprang a succession of irritating leaks all summer long. The valve stem also leaks. There is one leak I can't find to save my life. I contacted the Caddis website and found replacement dog beds. Further research has obtained for me some contact numbers but I also found a store that carries replacement bladders. With all of the hassle though, I am planning on just up grading my tube. To that end, I have 2 questions for you esteemed gurus.
1) Have any of you dealt with "The Float Tube Store" online or otherwise?
2) The tough one, When I upgrade, what might you recommend for me? Cabelas has a model that has a 5 yr. warranty, that is low profile and looks nice but I'm concerned that the low profile might get me splashed, as many of the lakes I like can develop chop really fast. I also can probably afford the "super fat cat" from Outcast if I save my dimes. Is it worth the extra $$. It looks like it. The other outcast products look nice too. Primary concerns are durability, (since I thrashed my first unit so fast.) safety, and storage capacity. (I guess those are concerns for everyone) Thanks in advance. I know that it probably is a question with a lot of varied opinions.
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I received my first float tube 3 yrs ago as a X-mas present. It was a bottom-of-the-line Caddis. I have used it the past two seasons and have fallen in love with fishing in a tube for several species. I used it the past season, about 3-4 trips per month, for trout, smallies, and a few trips to Utah lake for white bass, walleye, and cats. The problem is that the main air bladder sprang a succession of irritating leaks all summer long. The valve stem also leaks. There is one leak I can't find to save my life. I contacted the Caddis website and found replacement dog beds. Further research has obtained for me some contact numbers but I also found a store that carries replacement bladders. With all of the hassle though, I am planning on just up grading my tube. To that end, I have 2 questions for you esteemed gurus.
1) Have any of you dealt with "The Float Tube Store" online or otherwise?
2) The tough one, When I upgrade, what might you recommend for me? Cabelas has a model that has a 5 yr. warranty, that is low profile and looks nice but I'm concerned that the low profile might get me splashed, as many of the lakes I like can develop chop really fast. I also can probably afford the "super fat cat" from Outcast if I save my dimes. Is it worth the extra $$. It looks like it. The other outcast products look nice too. Primary concerns are durability, (since I thrashed my first unit so fast.) safety, and storage capacity. (I guess those are concerns for everyone) Thanks in advance. I know that it probably is a question with a lot of varied opinions.
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