07-09-2003, 11:29 AM
[cool]There is a new line of flotation craft being sold by Gart Brothers, and their other stores, like SportMart. This is the Outfitters Expedition line. So far I have not tried one myself, nor have I been able to find a website for them. However, my preliminary read on them is that they may be having the craft "private labeled" by the same offshore manufacturer that makes the Kennebecs, Togiaks and other craft for Trout Unlimited. They look about the same, with minor differences.
Hustler898, in Utah, recently posted a pic of the one he bought, with the question as to whether or not he may have made a bad purchase. He got a good price...$69, down from the marked price of $124...but was concerned about quality, and the lack of a warranty. Here's his pic after setting the craft up at home for the first time. (looks like a Kennebec)
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage2643887.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage2643887.jpg)
Here's a pic of his wife, after their maiden voyage on a little lake on the Utah and Nevada border. That's a nice
and a nice bluegill. As I commented to hustler898, the craft looks like it is not quite "aired to the max", which will help it ride better and fish better.
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage2634809.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage2634809.jpg)
As per my request, Hustler submitted the following review:
[size 1]Ok, heres my review of my new tube. In a nut shell, I like it. It's very stable and moves easily. It is light and easy to carry. There are handles on the side and the front and rear. There is also a strap with a ring ant the end ont the lower rear. My geuss is that this is made for hanging or attaching to a back pack.
It handles the wind well and you can keep it in place with minimum effort. The pocket space is awsome. There is tons of room. 3 pockets on each side. One large one mediun and one small pluss a tiny mesh pocket on top that closes with velcro. There are also 2 tiny pockets on the apron. Behind the backrest there is a super large compartment that is ment for and inflatabe bladder to provide back support. It really isn't necessary so I use it to store stuff for transport, like fins. It also has 3 velcro rod holders 1 on each side and 1 up front.
The outer shell is 420D nylon (not sure if this is good or not) and the inflatable bladders are vinyl. The seams are double stitched so thats a plus.
It sttood up to the three day test. During this time we used it extensively and after inspection all the seems look fine so as for quality and durability, only time will tell.
what I didn't like was that it kind of feels like your leaning forward alittle. I guess this is normal and I got accustomed to it quickly. Remember I have no experience with any other tubes. I was also under the impresion that with those seats I wouldn't get wet. I was wrong, but I'm sure I didn't get as wet as in a tube with a crotch strap. The seat is very comfortable and I never felt like I would slide off.
As far as accesories, is there any practical way to install a cushion or additional bladder on the seat to raise yourself and stay dryer? Have you ever experimented with raising the seat before?
Basically I think it's great and worth the money, It has plenty of hunter orange for visibility and saftey and is very comfortable. Then again I have never tried any other tubes so I have nothing for comparison. The only major drawback I see is that it is made by an unknown company and comes with no warranty. [/size]
[size 1]TUBEDUDE'S COMMENTS: I suggested that the ride could be improved by topping off the air chambers. I also clarified that the seats were higher than a float tube, but are not intended to keep one high and dry. I also offered that one could add a cushion to raise the seating still further, but that this might contribute to an instability problem, by raising the center of gravity to the point that you increase the potential for tipping...or slipping out of the craft while leaning forward.[/size]
[size 1]GOOD REPORT HUSTLER898. THANKS[/size]
[signature]
Hustler898, in Utah, recently posted a pic of the one he bought, with the question as to whether or not he may have made a bad purchase. He got a good price...$69, down from the marked price of $124...but was concerned about quality, and the lack of a warranty. Here's his pic after setting the craft up at home for the first time. (looks like a Kennebec)
Here's a pic of his wife, after their maiden voyage on a little lake on the Utah and Nevada border. That's a nice
and a nice bluegill. As I commented to hustler898, the craft looks like it is not quite "aired to the max", which will help it ride better and fish better. As per my request, Hustler submitted the following review:
[size 1]Ok, heres my review of my new tube. In a nut shell, I like it. It's very stable and moves easily. It is light and easy to carry. There are handles on the side and the front and rear. There is also a strap with a ring ant the end ont the lower rear. My geuss is that this is made for hanging or attaching to a back pack.
It handles the wind well and you can keep it in place with minimum effort. The pocket space is awsome. There is tons of room. 3 pockets on each side. One large one mediun and one small pluss a tiny mesh pocket on top that closes with velcro. There are also 2 tiny pockets on the apron. Behind the backrest there is a super large compartment that is ment for and inflatabe bladder to provide back support. It really isn't necessary so I use it to store stuff for transport, like fins. It also has 3 velcro rod holders 1 on each side and 1 up front.
The outer shell is 420D nylon (not sure if this is good or not) and the inflatable bladders are vinyl. The seams are double stitched so thats a plus.
It sttood up to the three day test. During this time we used it extensively and after inspection all the seems look fine so as for quality and durability, only time will tell.
what I didn't like was that it kind of feels like your leaning forward alittle. I guess this is normal and I got accustomed to it quickly. Remember I have no experience with any other tubes. I was also under the impresion that with those seats I wouldn't get wet. I was wrong, but I'm sure I didn't get as wet as in a tube with a crotch strap. The seat is very comfortable and I never felt like I would slide off.
As far as accesories, is there any practical way to install a cushion or additional bladder on the seat to raise yourself and stay dryer? Have you ever experimented with raising the seat before?
Basically I think it's great and worth the money, It has plenty of hunter orange for visibility and saftey and is very comfortable. Then again I have never tried any other tubes so I have nothing for comparison. The only major drawback I see is that it is made by an unknown company and comes with no warranty. [/size]
[size 1]TUBEDUDE'S COMMENTS: I suggested that the ride could be improved by topping off the air chambers. I also clarified that the seats were higher than a float tube, but are not intended to keep one high and dry. I also offered that one could add a cushion to raise the seating still further, but that this might contribute to an instability problem, by raising the center of gravity to the point that you increase the potential for tipping...or slipping out of the craft while leaning forward.[/size]
[size 1]GOOD REPORT HUSTLER898. THANKS[/size]
[signature]
howEnhanced29;"]![[Image: p1006844reg.jpg]](http://www.gartsports.com/graphics/product_images/p1006844reg.jpg)
[/url]