Fishing The Fly Scotland
Index => Tackle Talk => Topic started by: Dave Mundie on 18/01/2009 at 17:23
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Was thinkg of getting a tube but have a few questions.
1. What is the approx size of a deflated tube?
2. What waders do i need?
3. Life vest/jacket?
4. Fins/flippers?
5. Anything else i need?
Dave
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Hi Dave
1, The size of a deflated tube depends on the make and model. If we talk about the tubes available in the UK just now, the best models are the shakespeare Expedition availablefor about £100.00 possibly £120.00 depending where you buy from.
Some tubes come with a foam padded seat that appears to be made from close cell camping type foam about 10mm thick, this is fitted between two layers of Cordura type material for the seat of the tube, this can be a little bulky to pack in a bag but it is usually not too much problem, A regular tubing mate manages to pack this make of tube into a large rucksack for any long walk into the hill locks together with neoprene waders, life jacket, fins etc. Steve Parton also makes a great tube. The Shakespeare Expedition tube was designed by Steve Parton and is manufactured abroad to keep the cost down, still a great tube though. One point to take on board with either of these tubes is that the main V hull has three seperate bladders for safety, again a Steve Parton design. The Sparton Tube also has a back rest bladder while the Shakespeare tube has two back rest bladders although I do not think that the top bladder is required as this takes up space you can use for additional gear (food, jacket, extra fleece in a small dry bag, small fish smoker etc). You can post to the USA for a huge range of tubes although with the current exchange rate, the tubes available in the UK are a good buy. I understand that Snowbee are about to release a new float tube, I have no info on this, it may be worthwhile waiting for a few weeks until more info is available on this tube before you buy a tube.
The best thing to do is to book a day at Haddo to try out a tube, Mike will sort you out and proivide any help you require. Mike may be able to source a tube for you, ring the fishery to check if he has any tubes available for sale.
2, I tube mainly with a group of friends, almost all of us have bought Vision stocking foot neoprene waders, I have had mine for five years and have walked many dozens of miles in them (not out of choice, only when walking a short distance, at most up to a mile from the car to the loch), still no leaks. One of our group uses breathable waders without any problems, I just prefer neoprene waders. I use Hi-Tec V-Lite leather walking boots three sizes larger than my normal shoe size for tubing, very poor grip on wet rocks but great for walking the hills with a tube on your back when you jump for loch to loch as we always do in the Assynt area. The leather boots provide support. If you already have wading boots they will do for a start but felt soled boots provide no grip on wet grass.
3, ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET when tubing, a bouyancy aid will not do. The collar style lifejackets are available for about £40.00. Steve Parton always advocates a jacket with manual inflation to prevent accidental inflation.
4, If you can afford them, Force Fins seem to have a good reputation, the standard Caddis style fins with the plastic strap around the heel of yor boot would be fine for a start, one member of our group has modified standard diving fins and they also work very well and did not cost the earth.
5, I would never go on holiday with a tube without a tube of Aquasure, great for mending any pin holes if you drop your tube on thorns or a barbed wire fence, it has been known to happen. You will need releasable cable ties or proper fin retainers to prevent you fins from sinking if one comes loose when you are out on a loch.
6, Most important, a friend to tube with, you should never really tube on you own, especially on the larger remote lochs.
If you have never tubed before, track down a fishery or friend who has a tube and get out on the water to see if you like it before spending a lot of money.
I am sure some of the other tubers on the forum will add their comments and experience.
You could do a lot worse than travel through to Haddo and try tubing there.
I hope you enjoy it when you get out on a tube.
Kev.
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Hi Dave,
firstly - go for it don't think about it DO it!
I can only speak for myself and my limited tubing life but here's my thoughts;
1) Shakey Expo - folds down to approx. 16" x 16" x 10" (guess) - this can very on how well you remove the air and/ or fold it.
2) I use neoprene waders as I tend do do little actual walking around with the tube when I'm 'wadered up'. Keeping warm and reducing the amount of cold in the kidneys is important. There are posts raising the concern over the the longevity of breathables generaly and the fact that you are creating a lot of contact at the inner thigh/ knees due to continual back pedaling means I keep these for summer river wading.
3) Again there is a post specificaly targeting lifejackets & I use an Englands' one which is both manual & automatic, I think it has a 150N rating. Never go anywhere without one! as a novice in open water you will be very conscious of the potential for danger.
4) Fins/ Flippers - without a shadow of a doubt I'd recommend neoprene trainer like rock boots coupled with the traditional tubing type flippers. very comfortable & light. again see a previous post. I do own neoprene wetsuit type boots wjhich I have used in conjunction with 'proper' flippers and they work well - I would use these either in a large water or in a big wave where maximum effort is required to keep station, move location or manouver around when playing a fish. I've seen me take 15 min's to get back to shore on Loch Loirston, which is not big when you start talking Scottish Loch tubing.
5) a whistle
6) a decent net - snowbee do a nice net which Mike has at Haddo - I bought one and it's the biz - short handled pan net but with a large deep net. The elasticated clip which retracts into the handle is a good tubing feature.
7) a waterproof bag for camera, phone, wallet, whatever.
8) an over the head waterproof jacket - zip up the front arm around the side normal jackets cause me a bit of aggro when sitting in the tube - this is kept in the non-inflated top compartment of the shakey (thanks for the tip Mike).
9) a velcro backed fly patch which sits on the forearm of the sponson - this will allow the dropper flies to be kept out of the way when unhooking a fish or changing flies. Line control during the various function is very important - it's easy to take your eye off the ball and end up with fly line around your flippers or flies in your waders, tube, etc.
10)Lots more cheap things , modifications that make your life easier but these will come to you in time.
If I get a chance sometime I'll post a picture of my tube and most recent set up in detail.
Iain
p.s.
a compass might be handy - one my first trip to loirston it was very foggy - pea souper - after playing a fish I realised that I didn't know which way was which, fortunately the size of the Loch negated any safety concerns that I had and as I moved further back toward my 'launching' shore I came across a straw boom which was a great lesson because I was actually moving in the totally opposite direction from what I thought! I now have one but am still to take it out with me. Very unlikely you'll need one I know!?
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Ah Kev,
missed your post.
correct about the fin retainers, I used bootlaces looped onto the fins and tied 'army style' around the ankley shin type bit of your leg.
Tubing with another is something which I haven't done often but there is nothing more reassuring than fishing in pairs/ groups. I'm talking larger or remote waters.
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Iam looking forward to my first outing alot now, the more i read about it the bigger my smile grows - I am such a big kid :z4
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Hi Dave
1, The size of a deflated tube depends on the make and model. If we talk about the tubes available in the UK just now, the best models are the shakespeare Expedition availablefor about £100.00 possibly £120.00 depending where you buy from.
Some tubes come with a foam padded seat that appears to be made from close cell camping type foam about 10mm thick, this is fitted between two layers of Cordura type material for the seat of the tube, this can be a little bulky to pack in a bag but it is usually not too much problem, A regular tubing mate manages to pack this make of tube into a large rucksack for any long walk into the hill locks together with neoprene waders, life jacket, fins etc. Steve Parton also makes a great tube. The Shakespeare Expedition tube was designed by Steve Parton and is manufactured abroad to keep the cost down, still a great tube though. One point to take on board with either of these tubes is that the main V hull has three seperate bladders for safety, again a Steve Parton design. The Sparton Tube also has a back rest bladder while the Shakespeare tube has two back rest bladders although I do not think that the top bladder is required as this takes up space you can use for additional gear (food, jacket, extra fleece in a small dry bag, small fish smoker etc). You can post to the USA for a huge range of tubes although with the current exchange rate, the tubes available in the UK are a good buy. I understand that Snowbee are about to release a new float tube, I have no info on this, it may be worthwhile waiting for a few weeks until more info is available on this tube before you buy a tube.
The best thing to do is to book a day at Haddo to try out a tube, Mike will sort you out and proivide any help you require. Mike may be able to source a tube for you, ring the fishery to check if he has any tubes available for sale.
2, I tube mainly with a group of friends, almost all of us have bought Vision stocking foot neoprene waders, I have had mine for five years and have walked many dozens of miles in them (not out of choice, only when walking a short distance, at most up to a mile from the car to the loch), still no leaks. One of our group uses breathable waders without any problems, I just prefer neoprene waders. I use Hi-Tec V-Lite leather walking boots three sizes larger than my normal shoe size for tubing, very poor grip on wet rocks but great for walking the hills with a tube on your back when you jump for loch to loch as we always do in the Assynt area. The leather boots provide support. If you already have wading boots they will do for a start but felt soled boots provide no grip on wet grass.
3, ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET when tubing, a bouyancy aid will not do. The collar style lifejackets are available for about £40.00. Steve Parton always advocates a jacket with manual inflation to prevent accidental inflation.
4, If you can afford them, Force Fins seem to have a good reputation, the standard Caddis style fins with the plastic strap around the heel of yor boot would be fine for a start, one member of our group has modified standard diving fins and they also work very well and did not cost the earth.
5, I would never go on holiday with a tube without a tube of Aquasure, great for mending any pin holes if you drop your tube on thorns or a barbed wire fence, it has been known to happen. You will need releasable cable ties or proper fin retainers to prevent you fins from sinking if one comes loose when you are out on a loch.
6, Most important, a friend to tube with, you should never really tube on you own, especially on the larger remote lochs.
If you have never tubed before, track down a fishery or friend who has a tube and get out on the water to see if you like it before spending a lot of money.
I am sure some of the other tubers on the forum will add their comments and experience.
You could do a lot worse than travel through to Haddo and try tubing there.
I hope you enjoy it when you get out on a tube.
Kev.
Hear Hear full of good advice from Kev!!
As the 'diving fin converter' Kev mentions I bought mine on E-bay for under a tenner then modified them to suit my boots. Lidle/Aldi have deals on fins every so often. I bought a wee set of what were described,I think, as 'board fins' to use in small fisheries since the big fins can be a pain if the waters are shallow, I can groundbait some areas of haddo simply by finning along churning up the bottom. Actually it becomes pretty hard work, but on big waters they are sooooooperb.
If you want to try before you buy get along to haddo & mike will help you with advice ideas and coffee.
Wear Neoprenes, breathables are an option in high summer but are not warm enough in cooler weather. I tubed in lightweight breathables at first but had to come out frequently to heat up in all but the best weather, and big lochs don't really get that warm at all.
Main thing I find is that, as a conformed boat feartie I can tube in big winds where I wouldn't consider a boat!!
Peter
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Some great advise guys keep it coming.
Looking at going to west coast for summer hols with family in our caravan, thats why i need to know the size and what else i would need for getting the car and van packed.
I've been busy the last couple of tube outings at haddo so missed out but will pop over and see mike.
As i said keep the advise coming and any links would be good also. :z16
Dave
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My tube is one of the big caddis navigator 2 but I can pack it as well as waders, boots, life jacket, fins, tackle etc in a BIG rucksac 70 litres or so with room for a wee pump to inflate it.
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Iam in the proccess at the moment of trying to get together a float tube package for hill lochs :z4
This is turning out to be a pricey affair :cry
This is my to get list
Float tube
Life jacket
Waders
Fins
Pump
Wee net
Whistle
What do you think is a reasonable budget to have for getting the essentials for a first outing?
What else would you recomend to add to this list?
Any recomendations where to get any of the above stuff at a good price?
Notice you mentioned rock climbing boots over wading boots Iain - Take it you had to get them a few sizes to big to fit over your neoprenes? Where did you get them anyway?
Cheers
Baz
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Baz,
Depends, you could buy some stuff second-hand, or watch eBay for new bargains like a hawk.
You can kit yourself out with what you've listed for under £400, but you'd need to consider tube choice very carefully.
You might consider carrying a torch of some kind, to attract attention should something go wrong or assist in those late night 'recoveries' from the water after a hard days fishing.
Other than that, you've got it covered.
Hamish :z3
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Baz,
look here for info on the rock boots
http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1223.0
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Baz aye you're right it is looking like a pricey affair this one :cry will have to price it up see if i can afford it before i make any commitments.
The only commitment i will make is get over to haddo and give it a try :z16
Dave
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Guys
If you are on a budget , you could do that list for nearer £200.
:z18
Jim
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Guys
If you are on a budget , you could do that list for £200.
:z18
Jim
Now yer spikin my tounge Jim any links? :z16
Dave
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Tube and fins http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Float_Tubes.html £120 , i've got an R/T and love it
Waders http://www.yga.yorks.com/acatalog/XMAS_OFFERS_-UPTO_50__OFF.html £39.99
Manual life Jacket £50 http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Life_Vests_560.html
Pump £5 form Lidl
Net £6.50 off e-bay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Classic-Wooden-Trout-Scoop-Fishing-Net_W0QQitemZ390025757435QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL?hash=item390025757435&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A2%7C240%3A1318
Whistle out of a lucky bag
Job done.
:z18
Jim
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Great stuff Jim :z16
I'm afraid I can't match this price anymore :z6 ..... but he'll get the Shakespeare Expedition float tube on "fleabay" for under £120 :wink
Best wishes
Mike
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If you prefer the Shakey , tube , free net and bass bag £105 delivered , scroll down the link.
http://www.yga.yorks.com/acatalog/XMAS_OFFERS_-UPTO_50__OFF.html
Cheers
Jim
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I reckon i should be up and floating for the first of March, fully pimped out tube with some go faster stripes on it for the extra oomph! :wink
This should be fun and dont worry there will be photos to follow :z4
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Youre the man Jim :z16
What about hte £25 neoprene's http://www.yga.yorks.com/acatalog/XMAS_OFFERS_-UPTO_50__OFF.html (http://www.yga.yorks.com/acatalog/XMAS_OFFERS_-UPTO_50__OFF.html) further down they any good i can't seem to see the pic though.
Dave
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Thats to cheap to be warm enough for me :shock
They must be pish at that price :z4
Go buy them dave and let me know :z16 :z4
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Dave
They are thigh waders , no good for the tube.
Boot foot neoprenes are fine, if you have to walk any distance though I would reccoemd the Breathables and a pair of Korkers.
:z18
Jim
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I think iam going for Stockingboot waders and rockclimbing boots as the places i will be going are not fit for walking in waders :z6
I think waders are a major part of float tubing surely so is it no wise to buy pretty decent ones?
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Yes Baz, the best lifejacket, float tube and waders that you can afford ......... :wink
Cheers
Mike
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Dave
I had another look, they are chesties but stocking foot , you'd need to buy a pair of boots as well.
Baz
Have you tried Korkers with interchangeable sole ? I have had them for about 3 seasons now , fished the Ericht , Dee , Don, Deveron , Ythan and walked into Beannie a couple of times with no problems. You can walk in with lugged soles and them swop them for felt soles for wading. Mind you in the tube the soles do not matter.
Waders Its up to you , every pair I've had have leaked regardless of the price , also if you are fishing rivers , barbed wire fences and gorse are no respector of price.
I have the Scierra 5mm neoprenes , most are 4 or 4.5mm which is OK , they were top of the range but I think they have been discounted now. Neoprenes are no use for walking in though you'd lost a couple of stones in sweat :z4
:z18
Jim
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Dave
I had another look, they are chesties but stocking foot , you'd need to buy a pair of boots as well.
Jim
Was just about to tell you it was further down the page.
Is there much places local (say within 2hrs) to pitmedden that you can use the tubes (i know haddo) as this also has a bearing in it for me, no point in getting all the kit for this hols and not be able to use when i'm home also.
Mike you just have the shakey dont you, you dont have the ron t one do you? Just for comparison.
Can anyone else comment on the Ron T one?
Dave
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Hi Dave
No, I just have Sparton and Shakespeare float tubes. I have much more confidence in their multi bladder system.
Cheers
Mike
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DAVE
Loch Park is a cracking loch for tubing , its wild Brownies , but there are some crackers , no more than an hours drive from you.
Lochindorb is a bit further but free fishing for tubers , out of courtesy just clear it with the keeper , tarditonal Scottish wild Brownies 3 to the lb , but there has to be some crackers.
Loch Beannie , 1/2 way down Glenshee another cracking wild loch , about 30/45 mins walk in with the tube though , £10 a day or £35 for a season ticket.
:z18
Jim
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Hi Dave
No, I just have Sparton and Shakespeare float tubes. I have much more confidence in their multi bladder system.
Cheers
Mike
Does the Ron T only have a single bladder? maybe jim can answer that one.
DAVE
Loch Park is a cracking loch for tubing , its wild Brownies , but there are some crackers , no more than an hours drive from you.
Lochindorb is a bit further but free fishing for tubers , out of courtesy just clear it with the keeper , tarditonal Scottish wild Brownies 3 to the lb , but there has to be some crackers.
Loch Beannie , 1/2 way down Glenshee another cracking wild loch , about 30/45 mins walk in with the tube though , £10 a day or £35 for a season ticket.
:z18
Jim
Thats good to know, i guess there would be other i guess it's just the case of asking.
As i said i'd have to justify the need before i went out and spent.
What does anyone think of these Klobba boots £44.99?
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Dave
The R/T's have 2 bladders , one main one and one in the back-rest. When the weather improves and I'm tubing at Haddo come out and you can have a go .
:z18
Jim
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Dave
The R/T's have 2 bladders , one main one and one in the back-rest. When the weather improves and I'm tubing at Haddo come out and you can have a go .
:z18
Jim
Spot on Jim
That is the great thing about the float tube gatherings, the perfect time to check out and maybe try out each others gear. Personally, on hind sight, I would not buy a float tube without having tried one and the same goes for a fly rod nowadays too.
Cheers
Mike
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Dave
The R/T's have 2 bladders , one main one and one in the back-rest. When the weather improves and I'm tubing at Haddo come out and you can have a go .
:z18
Jim
Cheers Jim that way i can compare with the shakey.
Yes Mike i missed out on the others so will have to make sure i get along to next one, although not much sign of it being soon with these temperatures :z6
Dave
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"With these temperatures" ..... not desperate to rush out and buy one either :z4 :z4 :z4
Cheers
Mike
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santa left a shakespear expedition and a set of fins for me . still in the box dont know if its for me or not.ill have to give it a try when the weather wams up; untill then ill leave it in its box
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How come the snowbee U Boat tubes are so cheap? Are they mince :z8
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Not mince Baz, just a new model coming out.
:z18
Jim
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Does it not feel heavy if you have on chesty's with built in boots and flippers hanging out the tube for ages?
Are chesty's with boots good enough for the job or am i best to go for stockingfoot ones?
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Hi Baz :cool:
Chesties with boots are fine, they are what I use, I've never felt the need to buy stockingfoot ones for tubing ..... BUT ..... stockingfoot is the way to go if you are planning to walk any distance in them, eg going to hill lochs.
Although I think I'd rather carry waders than wear them when hiking to be honest :wink
Cheers
Mike
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Does it not feel heavy if you have on chesty's with built in boots and flippers hanging out the tube for ages?
Are chesty's with boots good enough for the job or am i best to go for stockingfoot ones?
Baz,
you won't be aware of any excessive weight due to the weight of fins, boots etc. You'll likely be slowly backpedalling for a large percentage of the time & the natural bouyancy keeps everthing light anyway.
Bootfoot or stocking foot? That's up to you - I prefer stocking foot as my bootfoots in the past have always given up the ghost (after years of service I must add) at the wellie /neoprene joint. The main reason for me is undoubtedly the comfort, ankle support & versatility that stockingfoots bring.
Iain
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Its decided then - stockinfoot it is! That will be another 100 notes no doubt lol :z6
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Baz
Scroll down the link , breathables , boots and wading staff £99 delivered.
http://www.reelsndeals.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Special_Offers_87.html
:z18
Jim
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Hi folks, some great info being passed around.
Something I should have mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of using standard walking boots for tubing with the stocking foot waders is that if you have to walk several miles, all you have to do is buy a pair of neoprene socks to wear for the walk in while your waders are in the rucksack. You will get damp feet from the sweat but without the neoprene socks youmay still get damp (and cold) feet from the wet ground if you walk in wearing your normal walking boots or trainers.
Al alternative boot would be the Korkers or Klobba replacement sole wading boots, I must make time to have a look at these.
The neoprene socks are not heavy and do not take up much space.
The Vision neoprenes are superb, not cheap but very well made.
The main thing to remember is that if you have booked time off work and you walk a mile or two to a loch, just how annoyed would you be if a cheap pair of waders started to leak and you were wet every day for your trip.
This is still possible with Visions from wear and tear if you snag them but at least the seams are well formed and appear not to leak (five people in out tubing group have them, no leaks so far).
I have no connection with Vision, just a great product.
You should always invest in a tube of Aquasure or a similar Suncure repair product just in case yolu need it.
If possible try the waders on before you buy, or get them on approval to make sure they are a good fit, especially the feet, this is the most important point with socking foot waders.
Good luck with your tubing.
Kev.
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Are you trying to get my frozen, they look like they are made from recycled newspapers :z4
Just been at a few sites and cant believe the price of some of these wader - ron thompson dont seam to do a stocking foot unfortunately! The ron thompson boot foot 5mm neoprenes are only £65 or there abouts :z4. Not to shabby :wink
http://www.fishermanstacklecompany.co.uk/index.cgi?product_id=Vision%20Flywater%20Breathable%20Stockingfoot%20Waders&d=1&details=on&mid=MM12&xm=1&tp=1&smp=1&cid=1&ref=FROOGLE
Would these be warm enough even though they are breathables
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Baz
With Beathables you need to layer up, good wicking thermals and good quality (2 pairs of socks) or just bite the bullet and buy a pair of neoprenes as well.
Felt sole wading boots are great for fishing rivers great great on rocks , on grass you are going to land on your arse with them. Thats why I like he Korkers.
If you are up at Haddo any week-end I'll bring along my tube and othe gear and you can make your own mind up.
:z18
Jim
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Good advice Kevin/Jim :z16
Don't rush out and buy anything Baz, take advantage of the fact that between all the forum members there is loads of kit that you can try before you buy!
Best wishes
Mike
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Hi Kev,
is it the Vision Sub-Zeros' you use?
http://www.celticflycraft.co.uk/acatalog/Vision_Sub_Zero_Neoprene.html (http://www.celticflycraft.co.uk/acatalog/Vision_Sub_Zero_Neoprene.html)
I was thinking about buying these as my next pair of Tubing waders
Iain
(edit = fix the link)
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Thanks for that link Iain, thats the first set of stockingfoot neoprenes i have seen for under 100 notes and they look half sensible :z4.
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Baz
Vision sub zero's would be fine for early season river fishing or tubing , on the warmer days you'd boil alive though. No way could you walk into hill lochs with 5mm Neo's in summer time , it would be like a suana :wink
They are cheaper here also I think you get a 10% discount by subscribing to the news letter
http://www.fishermanstacklecompany.co.uk/index.cgi?product=Waders&product_id=Vision%20Sub%20Zero%20Neoprene%20Waders&xm=1&details=on&d=1&mid=SM15776&tp=3&cart_id=207152_7505
:z18
Jim
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I wont be walking in neoprenes full stop jim :z4 Have a 90 litre Rucksack that i normally use for camping in the hills so i reckon tube,waders and all my bits and bobs will fit in there :z16
I hope so anyway :z6
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Hi Jim,
Just trying to extend my Tubing year :wink
Remind me about those battery operated heat trace sock thingies might invest in a set
Iain
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I wont be walking in neoprenes full stop jim :z4 Have a 90 litre Rucksack that i normally use for camping in the hills so i reckon tube,waders and all my bits and bobs will fit in there :z16
I hope so anyway :z6
Fair enough Baz , your gear should fit in a 90 litre rucksack , mind you if I was carrying that weight in I'd need a Sherpa :wink
:z18
Jim
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mind you if I was carrying that weight in I'd need a Sherpa
Baz,
I thought you were on a diet?
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Iain
I have Scierra Tundra 5mm neoprenes and it was always my feet that got cold , these socks worked for me , apparently worn by Canadian commercial fishermen. Mind you its just a background heat.
http://www.lazyboneuk.com/products/Battery-Heated-Socks.html
I have also thought about using these , I use the hand warmers and think they are the dogs.
http://www.heatpacksuk.co.uk/heated_socks.php
:z18
Jim
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Iam not on a diet , just a get fitter campaign!
Iam clocking about 25 miles most days on the push bike before i go fishing :z16
If i struggle up the hill iam sure you could take my excess weight for me :z4
Found this site for helpfull also :z16
http://www.greenhobbymodel.com/floattubeireland/buying_a_float_tube_outfit.html#Factors%20to%20consider%20... :z16
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Hi Iain
Your link has the very pair I use for my tubing.
Vision also did a 3.5mm pair but dropped them from there range either last year or the year before.
When we all head for the north west wer usually walk from loch to loch wearing all of our kit as it is only a few hundred yards from loch to loch.
We do walk about up to a mile in the waders, you can always roll them down to your waist while walking.
As soon as you get to the next loch, the cooling effect of getting back in the water is great, I might try breathables for the middle of summer this year.
I think it all depends on how often you tube and where the seams are on your breathables are, if the seams are not going to get rubbed thay may be OK.
I have no experience of tubing with breathables, but a decent amount tubing cold scottish lochs in my neoprenes.
I will try the breathables but feel that neoprenes are a better bet most of the time.
Kev.
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Found this site for helpfull also :z16
http://www.greenhobbymodel.com/floattubeireland/buying_a_float_tube_outfit.html#Factors%20to%20consider%20... :z16
Im pretty sure our member TubeNFish is the man behind that site.
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Are you trying to get my frozen, they look like they are made from recycled newspapers :z4
Just been at a few sites and cant believe the price of some of these wader - ron thompson dont seam to do a stocking foot unfortunately! The ron thompson boot foot 5mm neoprenes are only £65 or there abouts :z4. Not to shabby :wink
Bazz Ron t stocking foot here http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Ron_Thompson_466.html (http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Ron_Thompson_466.html)
I've not made up my mind yet if its worth the expense for all the outings i would get with the tube :z8
Dave
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Just bite the bullet Dave, you only live once :wink
Cant hire a tube 5 miles up the side of a hill can we now :z4
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Just bite the bullet Dave, you only live once :wink
Cant hire a tube 5 miles up the side of a hill can we now :z4
Well thats the prob i don't think i'll get the chance to go out into the hills that often, first off i got the family to consider then i would have to fit it in around my disco's (got my own mobile disco company), i can easily have a session close by and still have time to setup and do a gig, wouldn't want to be leaving the house @5am with a 2-3hr drive fish then get back and do a gig til 1am.
Dave
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Hi folks
These waders appear to be gaining quite a good reputation lately and the high backed ones would be suitable for tubing.
http://www.fishingwaders.co.uk/Neoprenechestwaders.htm (http://www.fishingwaders.co.uk/Neoprenechestwaders.htm)
Cheers
Mike
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Dave
Here's a bargain £120 plus p & p , Tube 5mm waders and floatation vest.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SNOWBEE-U-BOAT-FLOAT-TUBE-KIT-CHEST-WADERS-VEST-TUBE_W0QQitemZ330301621310QQihZ014QQcategoryZ7299QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262
:z18
Jim
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Aye thats nae bad. I'd guess its the old model tube, wonder if there's anyone on here tried it before?
Dave
Edit: I see they also selling it for £99 on 3 auctions.
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Dave
Most at the guys at Haddo started with these , my mate David has one. They are not selling for £99 by the ways its an auction :cool:
:z18
Jim
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Dave
Here's a bargain £120 plus p & p , Tube 5mm waders and floatation vest.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SNOWBEE-U-BOAT-FLOAT-TUBE-KIT-CHEST-WADERS-VEST-TUBE_W0QQitemZ330301621310QQihZ014QQcategoryZ7299QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262
:z18
Jim
Hi Jim :z16
Those 5mm waders look interesting ..... anybody tried them?
The buoyancy aid in the kit wouldn't be much use, very uncomfortable for tubing as they restrict your movements when seated.
Nothing wrong with the Snowbee tube, they were good workhorses that many of us started out with :wink they just had a few bladder problems if you blew them up too hard :z6 and personally, I would not trust one on a big loch!
Cheers
Mike
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Dave
Most at the guys at Haddo started with these , my mate David has one.
Jim
So whats the general consensious on them good, not so good or bad.
Dave
They are not selling for £99 by the ways its an auction
Jim
Is that what i said above selling it for £99 on 3 auctions or should i have said starting at £99 :z4 :z4
was looking at their site http://www.reelsndeals.com/index.html (http://www.reelsndeals.com/index.html) for more info cant seem to find the tube or waders, I dont think the vest has much of a buoyancy rating though.
Going to Callender for the weekend so might pop over to their shop for a look.
Dave
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Dave, I'd better say this once again as I would not like to do it "on hindsight" ........ Do not make a float tubing purchase based on price or budget! Listen to what the experienced guys are telling you :wink
Best wishes
Mike
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Dave, I'd better say this once again as I would not like to do it "on hindsight" ........ Do not make a float tubing purchase based on price or budget! Listen to what the experienced guys are telling you :wink
Best wishes
Mike
Yep spot on Mike, just thought if i could see the product face to face i'd get a better idea of what was on offer.
Mind you it depends if the wife will let me go have a look when you consider we won't have the kids with us :wink
Dave
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Would i be right has the snowbee tube only got 1 main bladder?
What about the valves on the shaky can you use a pump to blow them up?
Dave
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Would i be right has the snowbee tube only got 1 main bladder?
What about the valves on the shaky can you use a pump to blow them up?
Dave
Yes Dave, the Snowbee has one main bladder.
For inflation see http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1332.0 (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1332.0)
Cheers
Mike
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Thanks Mike I knew there was something about it here somewhere guess i was using the wrong search terms.
Looking at it from a safety point i think the shakey is better with 3 bladders, what about the ron thomson one has anyone any experience with it?
Dave
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Dave
The Ron Thomson has one main bladder and 1 bladder in the back rest.
If anyone is ovely concerned Steve Parton will convert any tube to multi bladdered.
( multi bladdered :wink sounds like a bunch of drunks on a Saturday night )
:z18
Jim
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Dave
The Ron Thomson has one main bladder and 1 bladder in the back rest.
I anyone is ovely concerned Steve Parton will convert any tube to multi bladdered.
( multi bladdered :wink sounds like a bunch of drunks on a Saturday night )
:z18
Jim
By the time he converts it you'd be just as well getting the shakey with 3 from new, instead of invalidating warranty ect on the models with only 1 bladder.
Dave
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By the time he converts it you'd be just as well getting the shakey with 3 from new, instead of invalidating warranty ect on the models with only 1 bladder.
Dave
Dave I have a Sparton, his bladders are far better than anyone elses :z16 However i bough Daniel a Shakespeare expedition and it is excellant. Same design.
Not quite as Good material for the bladders (far better than Ron thomson, snowbee, and many others though) but i'm happy for the bairn to go out in it, and that must speak volumes :z18
At least you can blow them up nice and hard and if one leaks you can get to shore. Plus they are inflated by Mouth, so you can keep inflating a leaking bladder to get back to shore, if you had too. I know what i regard as essential features, :z16
Sandy
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My Shakey just arrived this morning an was pleasantly suprised how light and small packed up it is :shock
I was expecting something heavy to carry up a hill , this is looking like its going to be perfect even with a tent,neoprenes, sleeping bag and all the normal camping stuff it should not be that bad. Just means the other half will just have to carry more if she wants to come next time :z4
Must get some kind of pump though as it was hard work blowing it up :oops
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Must get some kind of pump though as it was hard work blowing it up :oops
With all that Hot air :shock I doubt it :z4 :z4
Sandy
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Baz,
Glad 'she' arrived. Don't use a pump! on these valves use your wind only. I thought that you'd given up smoking so this will help in bringing your lungs back to to spec.
One last thing - I carry a 16mm I.D. PVC tube (which is fitted over one of the sponson valves and curled around the inside of the respective armrest storage pocket. The tube can be used to top up either sponson without hurting your back or repositioning your weight.
Try re-inflating or topping up a Shakey when you're afloat without a piece of tubing. :z6
Iain
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Try re-inflating or topping up a Shakey when you're afloat without a piece of tubing. :z6
Aye, that one's in the Kamasutra :z4
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Yes Mike,
I know a couple of lassies that could etc............................. :oops :z4
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What size of boots did yo get Iain, iam an 8 so will an 8 in the diving boot be to small?
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Size 8 feet? for an adult? :grin Where do you get shoes that small? The Toy Bazaar?
Anyway, I honestly can't remember how much larger my boots are for going over stockingfoot neoprenes. (cos I think they come in e.g. 9/10, 11/12, etc. was it one or two sizes bigger?
I went into the shop with my neoprenes and physically tried them on - as you know there can be a lot of spare neoprene material in your foot area depending on the cut or your actual foot size, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable when afloat. I might be down your way (cheeky) this weekend, post me your tel number and I'll bring down my boots. That'll give you an idea if you want that style, if so I'll speak to DiverDave and see what I can arrange.
toodle pip
Iain
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Baz,
Glad 'she' arrived. Don't use a pump! on these valves use your wind only. I thought that you'd given up smoking so this will help in bringing your lungs back to to spec.
One last thing - I carry a 16mm I.D. PVC tube (which is fitted over one of the sponson valves and curled around the inside of the respective armrest storage pocket. The tube can be used to top up either sponson without hurting your back or repositioning your weight.
Try re-inflating or topping up a Shakey when you're afloat without a piece of tubing. :z6
Iain
That was easy!
Turns out garden hose fits into the piece of spare hose in the puncture repair kit which inturn fits over the valves in the sponsons, so that's my blower upper extension sorted :wink
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Bazz, Well done in getting your tube i might have to wait awhile longer as we went to the caravan show in Glasgow this weekend and bought a new caravan :!
I had decided on the shakey also, might keep an eye out on ebay for used one.
Dave
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Baz where did you end up getting the Shakey from :?
Dave
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A shop online called lochside tackle http://lochsidetackle.co.uk/float-tubes-26/ :z18
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Hi Kev,
is it the Vision Sub-Zeros' you use?
http://www.celticflycraft.co.uk/acatalog/Vision_Sub_Zero_Neoprene.html (http://www.celticflycraft.co.uk/acatalog/Vision_Sub_Zero_Neoprene.html)
I was thinking about buying these as my next pair of Tubing waders
Iain
(edit = fix the link)
Any idea where the vision 5mm waders went that were around £100
Thought i had them in my favourites and was just away to order them :cry
Cant find them anywhere :cry
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Any idea where the vision 5mm waders went that were around £100
Thought i had them in my favourites and was just away to order them :cry
Cant find them anywhere :cry
There you go Baz http://www.cliff-harvey-angling.co.uk/prod_show.asp?id=190
:z18
Jim
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Cheers Jim, :z14
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Sparton Tube also has a back rest bladder while the Shakespeare tube has two back rest bladders although I do not think that the top bladder is required as this takes up space you can use for additional gear (food, jacket, extra fleece in a small dry bag, small fish smoker etc).
Is this quite common? Does anyone else leave out the top bladder?
Sounds like a good idea :z4
Obviously this would make it less stable but cant affect it too much surely?
Looks like this i presume?
http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=194
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Baz I would think it would be sore on the back sitting all day with no support :cool:
:z18
Jim
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I guess i will just have to try and see, hopefully no backflips :z6
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Baz,
I only 1/2 - 3/4 inflate the lower of the two backrest bladders on the Shakey leaving the topmost one uninflated (using this compartment as a home for my waterproof jacket).
I've never felt any need to further inflate or experienced discomfort.
I did inflate both on my maiden voyage (prior to receiving any hints/advice from 'old sweats') and found that it made me slide forward a little, something that I understand is mentioned as a problem by other tubers, on other sites/literature. Inflating as previously stated means that I now sit in a backward sloping manner, or it at least feels like it.
Hope this helps
Iain
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Thanks for that Iain :z16
That sounds more like it :z4
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There you go Baz http://www.cliff-harvey-angling.co.uk/prod_show.asp?id=190
:z18
Jim
I ordered of these chaps around a week ago, and they now tell me the waders are no longer available.
I got refunded but still pretty annoying :mad
Are these waders still made or is this chap just out of stock?
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It appears the vision extreme stockinfoot waders are out of stock every where, called all the sites that said they had them online and turns out they are all out of stock also :mad
The only other ones in my budget (Anything under £120) are the ron thompson stockinfoot 4.5 mm neoprenes,
Anyone got these or have any words to say about them,
Cheers,
A very frustrated Baz :z10
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Not sure if these are of any use to you BT as there boot foot.
These are the ones i ordered. (Well came with the float tube i ordered)
I've had them on and they seam to be ok fit wise.
I've just not been out paddling or tubing in them yet. So i can't give you a better report.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-BISON-5MM-NEOPRENE-CHEST-WADERS-FREE-STUDS-SIZE-10_W0QQitemZ330300717702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Sporting_Goods_Athletic_Shoes_ET?hash=item330300717702&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-BISON-5MM-NEOPRENE-CHEST-WADERS-FREE-STUDS-SIZE-10_W0QQitemZ330300717702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Sporting_Goods_Athletic_Shoes_ET?hash=item330300717702&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318)
ATB
CT
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Iam still on the hunt for stocking foot waders, any more suggestions?
This is a nightmare ,, have read so many reviews and i feel like a cat chasing my tail :mad
One site says so and so are good then the next review says they are rubbish :z6
Looks like i will have to get wrapped up and have my first outing in breathables :mad
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My Snowbee stockingfoot neoprenes are now in their second season and not leaking yet.
At these prices if you get two seasons you would have a good deal
http://www.snowbee.co.uk/warehouse_clearance_sale.html
Good hunting
Irvine
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Is it the XS ones you have Irvine?
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What about this shop Baz ? http://shop.countrylife-edinburgh.com/vision---subzero-neoprene-waders-1632-p.asp
:z18
Jim
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Is it the XS ones you have Irvine?
Baz
No, mine are the cheaper ones. I think they call them the "Granite neoprene waders"
Irvine
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What about this shop Baz ? http://shop.countrylife-edinburgh.com/vision---subzero-neoprene-waders-1632-p.asp
:z18
Jim
I called them and they are sold out, i hunted the first 10 pages of google for subzero visoins and called everyone today, my boss was giving me some dirty loooks as i hogged the phone all day :z6
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Hi Baz
If you are still looking for Sub Zero waders (why would you look for anything else!), try both Gows and Anglers Choice in Dundee.
They are both Vision stockists.
I bought my 5mm Sub Zero waders from Stockport Angling (I think thats the name) very good mail order service.
The good thing about the two shops in Dundee is that you can try them on.
I hope this helps.
Kev.
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Iam home tomorrow so will pop through for a look Kev.
Its the visions i want as all the reviews have been nothing but good but just thought everyone was sold out and i heard that vision dont have them in there new catalogue for this season ???
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Iam home tomorrow so will pop through for a look Kev.
Its the visions i want as all the reviews have been nothing but good but just thought everyone was sold out and i heard that vision dont have them in there new catalogue for this season ???
Hmmm ...... if they are proving this tricky to find new, what is getting replacements going to be like if they develop a leak Baz? :roll
Just a thought :z17
Cheers
Mike
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Hmmm ...... if they are proving this tricky to find new, what is getting replacements going to be like if they develop a leak Baz? :roll
Just a thought :z17
Cheers
Mike
What are you using for this season Mike?
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Haven't really thought about it yet Baz. At the moment, I'm still using the old Aquarius neoprene bootfoot ones that I have for the fishery float tubes, but I think they closed down?
Cheers
Mike
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Can you believe it, Gows have them in stock. (vision sub zeros)
I take everything back i say about them :z4
What a carry on that turned out to be and at least i can try before i buy now.
Thanks for pointing me that way Kevin. :z16
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Baz
Do you not realise this means you have to visit Dundee :shock
:z18
Jim
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Dont worry Jim i will strap my wallet to a bar of soap and i should be fine :wink
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Aye I knew you'd have a cunning plan :z4 :z4 :z4
:z18
Jim