07-06-2008, 11:51 PM
[cool][#0000ff]First of all, the 500 pound rating for the H3 is BS. They do not float any more than a SFC. I am over 250 and I have fished from both. The SFC floats me just as well, only more comfortably. The size of the air chambers is essentially the same...only elongated in the H3. No more water displacement (floatation).[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you look on eBay, there are occasionally some 2007 closeout models of the SFC available for good prices. But, even if you have to get a 2008, with the PVC bladder, that is not the end of the world. Thousands of tubers fish safely and successfully from tubes with vinyl air chambers. I do not know of anybody...over many years of tubing and keeping track of tubing...who has gone to the bottom just because they had a PVC bladder. If a hook, knife or fish fin will poke a hole in a vinyl bladder, it will also poke a hole in urethane. They are not bulletproof. And, no matter what kind of bladder you have, you should exercise proper inflation and deflation techniques. You still need to use caution and common sense. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I did some checking at the Cabelas Store here in Utah. They have had a lot of H3s come back...due to customer dissatisfaction...as well as some "flaws". When people can't get comfortable, or if they find something else wrong, they have a tough time rationalizing keeping something that cost so much. Cabelas has not had proportionately that many returns of the better tubes with vinyl bladders and none because of bladder failure. Most folks who get the SFC or plain Fat Cat love them and fish them for years.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I bought my H3 because of all the hoopla about "USA made, urethane bladder, quality materials" etc. In my opinion, none of that makes any difference if you can't be comfortable and if the craft does not hold up. USA factories make some shoddy merchandise too. And over the life of the tube, the difference in performance between the urethane and vinyl will not be noticeable, if you take good care of your craft. Sure, there are some POTENTIAL differences and problems. But, as I learned a long time ago in business..."IF YOU WAIT 'TIL ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON GREEN, YOU AIN'T NEVER GONNA LEAVE THE HOUSE."[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you have the chance to read back through the archives on reviews of new SFCs by BFT members, you will find only glowing reports. And most of those buyers from years ago still have and enjoy their tubes. I got my first one in 2002...I think...and I still have it. It still works. I keep it for family or friends who want to join me on the water. We got new ones this year mostly to replace the two H3's that we sold off...at a substantial loss against what we paid less than 6 months before.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck. Let us know what you decide.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you look on eBay, there are occasionally some 2007 closeout models of the SFC available for good prices. But, even if you have to get a 2008, with the PVC bladder, that is not the end of the world. Thousands of tubers fish safely and successfully from tubes with vinyl air chambers. I do not know of anybody...over many years of tubing and keeping track of tubing...who has gone to the bottom just because they had a PVC bladder. If a hook, knife or fish fin will poke a hole in a vinyl bladder, it will also poke a hole in urethane. They are not bulletproof. And, no matter what kind of bladder you have, you should exercise proper inflation and deflation techniques. You still need to use caution and common sense. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I did some checking at the Cabelas Store here in Utah. They have had a lot of H3s come back...due to customer dissatisfaction...as well as some "flaws". When people can't get comfortable, or if they find something else wrong, they have a tough time rationalizing keeping something that cost so much. Cabelas has not had proportionately that many returns of the better tubes with vinyl bladders and none because of bladder failure. Most folks who get the SFC or plain Fat Cat love them and fish them for years.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I bought my H3 because of all the hoopla about "USA made, urethane bladder, quality materials" etc. In my opinion, none of that makes any difference if you can't be comfortable and if the craft does not hold up. USA factories make some shoddy merchandise too. And over the life of the tube, the difference in performance between the urethane and vinyl will not be noticeable, if you take good care of your craft. Sure, there are some POTENTIAL differences and problems. But, as I learned a long time ago in business..."IF YOU WAIT 'TIL ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON GREEN, YOU AIN'T NEVER GONNA LEAVE THE HOUSE."[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you have the chance to read back through the archives on reviews of new SFCs by BFT members, you will find only glowing reports. And most of those buyers from years ago still have and enjoy their tubes. I got my first one in 2002...I think...and I still have it. It still works. I keep it for family or friends who want to join me on the water. We got new ones this year mostly to replace the two H3's that we sold off...at a substantial loss against what we paid less than 6 months before.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck. Let us know what you decide.[/#0000ff]
[signature]