I've had my doughnut tube for 11 years now, and the zips have finally given up the ghost (original innertube is still sound though!). I love it dearly, but obviously things have moved on a bit this past decade, and I'm thinking about a replacement as well as trying to find someone who can replace the zips on my old one (suggestions for that project will be gratefully received, by the way!).

Two that have caught my eye are the new Snowbee model, and the Imago. The Imago looks a bit SBS, but I can only find it in that colour - that and the price tag are enough to put me off. The Snowbee looks very similar, is a nicer colour, and more importantly half the price. They both look very similar to the fishcat series from outcast in the US too, and with a couple of obliging contacts stateside, I could pull the old 'gift' routine to make those ones contenders for a purchase too.

Does anyone have any experience of these models? Do any of them share a manufacturer? All recommendations or criticisms of the ones I've mentioned would be most welcome. Suggestions of ones I haven't mentioned are equally welcome. Price is a big consideration; I checked recently, and I definitely tick all the boxes for LaFontaine's definition of a bum, as my bank balance will confirm.

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Pierian Springs? Is it fly only, likes?

Have you had a look at some of South African made tubes? andreb on here may be a good contact in this regard as he lives out there but I havent for the past 11yrs.

I do recall some of them being really well made.

check out the below....

Dabbie Products Home Page



Ben

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I put the Snowbee together in the shop the other day, and although it was purely decorative the boat looks to be good quality.. The thick foam seats are a pain to get in the pockets, so if you do not have to fold it up into a small place it is ok..
Other then that the boat looks and feels like a good one..

Jerry

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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Have a word with Steve Parton here on the forum. He could possibly supply you a new one and repair the old. Sparton Fishing Tackle

I have the shakespear expedition and cant fault it. Its designed by S.Parton. I've only been tubing just over a year though but got it for 130 quid. I had a shot of a tube at Haddo which was worth about 300 not sure of the make though but IMO not much difference. Hope this helps

If you want to upgrade your Expedition I can sell you just the outer off of one of my Cruisers for £150 - all you have to do is to take the bladers out and put them into the new hull .

I have to confess I may have taught the Chinese all they know about Float Tubes - however I didn't teach them all I know !

Best wishes

Steve P

Maybe you could adopt the policy of buying a Sparton Float Tube and giving a Chinaman a day off !

Why ? Nobody else does that's why their working overtime and your flat on yer @rse.

If Snowbee come up with a deal tube, fins and pump for £200 I'd go for it myself.

Thanks for the input folks. I've been reading up on as much information as I can find, and it looks like all the tubes I've mentioned have a much higher seating position than my old doughnut, which puts me right off them.

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Pierian Springs? Is it fly only, likes?

Hi
Do yourself a favour and have a look at a steve parton red devil cruiser,i fish sweethope where theres always a stiff breeze and it sits quite low meaning the wind doesnt affect you too much,the build quality is BRITISH and is to the highest standard,the bladders are the safest and strongest i have ever seen,i have been tubing for around 16 years,or even more,and have wasted money on inferior products from so called american companies, honestly,if you want the best get a cruiser,
by the way i am going on 17stone and it rides fine for me without any problems.

Bryan

Dear DJV ,

Why not away with yourself and buy a Bison ?

I can then look forward to what happens next !

Best wishes

Steve P