Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Tackle Talk => Topic started by: Ben Dixon on 01/02/2013 at 20:11

Title: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 01/02/2013 at 20:11
Got a 2013 Snowbee catalogue today.........

They appear to be doing a tube for this year which looks to be similar to the Vision Keeper & the last Ron Thomson.  Bladders are listed as replacement parts, comes with a bag, fins, pump etc. It's not up on their site yet but keep any eye out, I would think it will be soon.  Can't remember the price but will get it tomorrow.

Got a V style hull and it looks as if you will be sitting fairly high in the water so will be easy to move around & quick.

Cheers

Ben 
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/02/2013 at 20:34
Yep, same basic design, but looking like a good replacement for the old one, inflatable seat and back rest instead of the foam stuff, improved bladders. New flippers too, with a different rear fitting that is said to be better for wading boots.

Float tube kit ( float tube, pump, flippers and quality storage bag ) £199
Accessories:
Flippers £25
Spare main bladders each £25
Spare seat bladder £10
Spare backrest bladder £12

I'm looking forward to seeing one and having a go :z16
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/02/2013 at 20:54
Yes, this looks like it could be a serious contender for UK float tubers ...... Excellent stuff :z16

(http://fishingthefly.co.uk/snowbee-float-tube-2013.jpg)
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 01/02/2013 at 21:03
Thanks Mike  :z16

I like the look of the design.  It looks like it will ride quite high so make life easy when finning any distance unlike the Shatspeare arse dragger special.
The only thing that bugs me is the valve sticking proud like that.  The valves are the only thing I don't like about the Guideline, one of mine seeps air unless the cap is greased up but at least they are covered up by pockets.  The valves on the similar looking Vision tube were ropey and could be "swiped" off my hand which obviously emptied the bladder in seconds.  Really keen to see one of these  :cool:



Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/02/2013 at 21:13
I'll get one for Haddo Ben :z16

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Iain Cameron on 02/02/2013 at 09:02
.... which obviously emptied the bladder in seconds. 

aye, it's scary when a tube deflates mid-water. I'd be emptying my bowels too...

looks a decent tube though
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 02/02/2013 at 09:36
aye, it's scary when a tube deflates mid-water. I'd be emptying my bowels too...

looks a decent tube though

Thankfully, it was on the floor in the shop Iain.  I happened to knock the vavle with my hand and the whole thing just came flying out.  Thread on the valve are far too short IMO.


Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 03/02/2013 at 20:27
..and could be "swiped" off my hand which obviously emptied the bladder in seconds.

I take it you all wear lifevests for such risks ? I honestly don't think I could get in to one of those rubber rings without 'back-up' ! If so what vests are a good investment.

Tempted by the tube  :X1

Lindsay
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Jim Eddie on 03/02/2013 at 22:17
Lindsay
Its actually a lot safer than fishing from a boat. Having said that , yes its correct that you should wear a life jacket. Any of the collar ones should be fine. I have one of the Englands type auto inflating waist coats and wear that.

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Peter McCallum on 04/02/2013 at 09:04
I take it you all wear lifevests for such risks ? I honestly don't think I could get in to one of those rubber rings without 'back-up' ! If so what vests are a good investment.

Tempted by the tube  :X1

Lindsay

I agree with Jim, Lindsay. Both of my tubes have had 4 bladders and I wear a life jacket, so short of a point blank blast from a 12 bore its unlikely that any more than one will fail which gives me plenty time to reach shore.

Given that your backside is on/in the water and your legs sit below you then the chances of getting flpped over is probably les than in a boat. I am an extremley poor sailor, I hate being in boats, even big ones, but I feel safe in my tube in conditions I wouldn't fish from a boat.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/02/2013 at 09:35
Oh I have a couple of photos of people who have flipped over in a tube.  :z4

Both incidents happened during launch....so be careful!

I also wear a lifejacket and have a 5 bladder model..much safer :)
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Peter McCallum on 04/02/2013 at 12:03

Both incidents happened during launch....so be careful!



Paul Arden tried to flip a tube over

http://www.sexyloops.com/articles/killerwader.shtml

couldn't do it. When landing & setting off you are standing up and can fall over rather than tip the tube. Go in backwards and take care as rob suggests
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Allan Liddle on 04/02/2013 at 13:55
Yup agree only time your really vulnerable is getting in / out, many a wee moment when doing this, especially in a rush to get at the fish and i've not been paying much attention to a suitable launch area.  Even worse when you're trying to get out in a hurry but that's because if you stay in as long as i do yer bladders gonne be burstin.  :wink :z4 :z4 Bloody sore it can be too.  :shock :shock :z4 :z4

My only other concern when in the 'bag' is where boats are flying around close by you, especially the ones that shove 14 horse engines on the boat and think nothing of opening it right up first chance they get. (Harray Loch)  Bow riding high and someone not really paying attention because they think the bit of water they're on is clear............

Don't see the tube as better than the boat though, just offers something different.  Boats better for sighting fish at distance (as well as obviously getting there quicker), tubes certainly offer more stealth and close control, bank, well wouldn't be the fist time i've ditched the 'bag' to get onto close feeding troots tight on the shore.

One thing that's certain no matter what type of tube, pontoon or arse in the water craft you choose, no sooner are you in when you need the toilet, or worse, no sooner have you managed to get into a crackin fishing position amongsdt the rising troots when..........well you know where i'm heading.

Plenty pockets in the Shakey fur babywipes and bum paper.  :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 04/02/2013 at 15:30
To clarify...the first "flipper" was a chap Ben knows from his days in Orvis Edinburgh. He is a large chap with plenty of weight up top. He was wading into a local loch up here on a Pike trip. As he stumbled he let go of the tube, so the tube was round his knees which meant he could not step forward to regain balance. Head first, feet up!!

I must find the photo. We spent so long laughing we did not realise he was in difficulty!

The second "launch" was a daft one! The person invoved thought he could enter the water from a small pier in the same why a diver does. Unfortunately, as he lept, the tube caught the pier and flipped him straight over!

There are a few interesting "experiments" online with the same conclusion, once in the tube and sitting, it is very dificult to flip yourself.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 04/02/2013 at 21:40
Cheers, wasn't so worried about capsizing as such, more hook in skin of tube then "psssst" and frantic scramble back to shore.....if I am lucky !

At the mo I wouldn't get any use froma  tube but it is something I hope I could get some use for - maybe buying one would make me get out and justify it !
L
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Euan Innes on 04/02/2013 at 22:33
Quote
If so what vests are a good investment.

Lindsay,

This lot are the biz.

http://www.lifejackets.co.uk/

The Bluewave jackets have nothing to do with fishing so are much cheaper than "fishing" ones. The Bluewave manual jacket is fine for tubing and spares are available almost anywhere. It's really light and fits over all your fishing gear but doesn't get in the way when casting.
Buying a spare re-arming kit is a good thing too.  :z16

 :z1


Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/02/2013 at 08:35
I bought mune from the above shop also, one of these http://www.lifejackets.co.uk/products/67/harveys-fisher-automatic-gas-lifejacket

I went "auto" as I also wear it when in a boat/deep wading/fishing off the rocks...just in case.

It is the exact same design as some "fishing" ones but £40-£80 cheaper. Infact, one of the fishing branded ones has the same manufacturers label as the Harvey one.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 05/02/2013 at 09:45
At the mo I wouldn't get any use froma  tube but it is something I hope I could get some use for - maybe buying one would make me get out and justify it !
L

Honestly Lindsay, I didn't like the things when I got mine, I absolutely hated them.  Only bought one due to realising through gritted teeth that there are some places that cannot really be effectively fished without one.  A good few outings later, I still don't go looking for an oppurtunity to get the rubber ring out but I wouldn't be without it.  Certainly opens up a lot of fishing on waters that is not accessible from the shore and where there are no boats.


Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/02/2013 at 10:29
Certainly opens up a lot of fishing on waters that is not accessible from the shore and where there are no boats.

Just check access rights! Remember, if you have a ticket to fish, that does not give you the right to go afloat and fish, even if canoeists etc use the water under the open access laws.

I fell foul of that one!!   :z8
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 05/02/2013 at 13:32
Thanks for pointing that out Rob   :z7 :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 05/02/2013 at 15:59
Thanks for pointing that out Rob   :z7 :z4

I think I will nip down to Pump House Pool and float through in my tube..I am a member after all ;)
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 06/02/2013 at 01:26
Ta for all the advice.

Lindsay
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 06/02/2013 at 01:36
I still don't go looking for an oppurtunity to get the rubber ring out but I wouldn't be without it. 
Ben

Cheers Ben I'll add it to my list  :z16 Need a new pair of wading boots first though (as you know  :wink).

Lindsay
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Euan Innes on 06/02/2013 at 06:37
Quote
Need a new pair of wading boots first though

Lindsay,

If you are looking for a pair of boots to use with a float tube, might I suggest a pair of cheap walking boots. Good wading boots for the river have nice expensive felt soles or cleated rubber and these get trashed on the walk from the car to the loch in the Highlands. Walking boots also slide into the flippers easier. £30 - £40 pounds gets you a good pair.  :z16

 :z1
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 06/02/2013 at 08:27
Lindsay,

If you are looking for a pair of boots to use with a float tube, might I suggest a pair of cheap walking boots. Good wading boots for the river have nice expensive felt soles or cleated rubber and these get trashed on the walk from the car to the loch in the Highlands. Walking boots also slide into the flippers easier. £30 - £40 pounds gets you a good pair.  :z16

 :z1

Interesting. I use normal walking boots to get to the loch and then change into an oversized pair of cheap "deck shoes" I bought at Tesco. I found them much more comfortable than boots, and at a fiver, it does not matter if I leave them in the float tube back to go mouldy!  :oops

Failing that, I also have a pair of proper diving "fins" that are worn with stocking foot waders, no need for a pair of boots.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 06/02/2013 at 09:14
. Good wading boots for the river have nice expensive felt soles or cleated rubber and these get trashed on the walk from the car to the loch in the Highlands.

Hi Euan,

Don't totally agree with that.  Tungsten studded rubber wading boots (Orvis Ultralights or something with same sole) are superb for walking in.  Felts are crap for covering any distance over land particularly if it is wet of muddy. 

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 06/02/2013 at 11:31
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/rock-grip-wading-boots-sticky-studded?p=79326-0-984   :z16

A+++ for walking, fishing, comfort and there's a lip on the back to hold the fins better.  :z16

cheers,
marc
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 06/02/2013 at 14:16
Hi Guys,

Thanks for all those recs. I was actually meaning a pair of wading boots for my river fishing.....Ben knows just how bad my three year old Airflos are ! Was thinking the Orvis ones with the zips on the side as I hate trying to stuff a wet wading socklet into a  semi-dried out boot (or vice versa).....kinda like trying to stick your foot up a cows ar*e.....I imagine !  :roll

Dave in the shop said the other guid ain's were Orvis' best (Ultralites?) and that the zippy ones were good but "lazy man's wading boots" ! :z4 Well that would be me !  :z16 Ultralites look more robust I must admit.

Lindsay
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Alex Burnett on 06/02/2013 at 14:41
Lindsay

What you need are a pair of Simms Rivertek Boa Wading Boot

(http://i50.tinypic.com/51tu7q.jpg)

Easy on Easy off

Alex
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 06/02/2013 at 14:43
Hi Lindsay,

The ultralights are easier on & off than the zip boots IMO.  You still need to undo the laces to get the zip boots off.


Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Marc Fauvet on 06/02/2013 at 14:47
You still need to undo the laces to get the zip boots off.

give that designer an award !!!  :z7
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Loxiafan on 06/02/2013 at 15:04
Thanks Ben, will be in soon to get a pair of either....the reviews of the Zippy one suggest it is much more convenient :z8) The Ultralites look a bit more "dude" so that is probably what I'll go for  :z4 Marc those bits look like my Le Chameau Mouflon Plus's (that are still going strong after 5 years).

L
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 16/02/2013 at 11:12
The snowbee tube (and vision) looks exactly the same as the RT one. Had the RT one (well two of them as fell appart so quick). Got my fish cat 4 deluxe now.
I liked the design of the TR but materials were not upto scratch. Zips bursting, plastic clips snapping, etc.
If built using better materials I'd recommend, if not then avoid. Another thing for anyone who gets one, I found if had seat base pumped up too much would constantly be slipping forward, always having to shuffle back. Had to have it pretty squidgy to prevent this.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 16/02/2013 at 11:13
(http://i47.tinypic.com/2zfsbgj.jpg)
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 16/02/2013 at 12:08
Hi "Terrier"
Welcome to the forum :z16
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Jim Eddie on 16/02/2013 at 18:02
Hi Moray

Welcome to the forum

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 16/02/2013 at 18:52
The snowbee tube (and vision) looks exactly the same as the RT one. Had the RT one (well two of them as fell appart so quick). Got my fish cat 4 deluxe now.
I liked the design of the TR but materials were not upto scratch. Zips bursting, plastic clips snapping, etc.
If built using better materials I'd recommend, if not then avoid. Another thing for anyone who gets one, I found if had seat base pumped up too much would constantly be slipping forward, always having to shuffle back. Had to have it pretty squidgy to prevent this.

Welcome to the forum  :z16

I've got the Guideline tube, fishes very nice but again, build could be better. There is definitely a market for a well made high riding tube.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 16/02/2013 at 20:21
There is definitely a market for a well made high riding tube.
...... that is sensibly priced  :z16
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 18/02/2013 at 08:30
Welcome to the forum  :z16

I've got the Guideline tube, fishes very nice but again, build could be better. There is definitely a market for a well made high riding tube.

Cheers

Ben

..and where is Steve Parton when you need him!
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 18/02/2013 at 22:30
Heard Steve was making another (and final) batch of his tubes.

Like I say I felt the design is good of the new snowbee tube, just the quality that might let it own. Contacted snowbee to ask them if made with better materials than the RT but got an answer that said thy can't compare it against other manufacturers products!?  I'm sorry but I take that to mean its the same  :z6
Certainly not got anything against snowbee though - got two of their prestige rods, boots, gloves, bags, etc
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 18/02/2013 at 22:42
..and where is Steve Parton when you need him!

Hi Rob,

I agree, his tubes are well put together but they are of the Shakey arse dragger captain slow, I want bigger legs design.  I want something like a Guideline but with A1 top build quality.  The Outcast tubes are good but too damn heavy to carry far.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Jim Eddie on 19/02/2013 at 07:02
Heard Steve was making another (and final) batch of his tubes.

Like I say I felt the design is good of the new snowbee tube, just the quality that might let it own. Contacted snowbee to ask them if made with better materials than the RT but got an answer that said thy can't compare it against other manufacturers products!?  I'm sorry but I take that to mean its the same  :z6
Certainly not got anything against snowbee though - got two of their prestige rods, boots, gloves, bags, etc

Moray

I was not impressed by the quality of the bladder material of the previous  Snowbee model. So if there is no improvement in quality I would steer clear.

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 19/02/2013 at 08:31
Hi Rob,

I agree, his tubes are well put together but they are of the Shakey arse dragger captain slow, I want bigger legs design.  I want something like a Guideline but with A1 top build quality.  The Outcast tubes are good but too damn heavy to carry far.

Cheers

Ben

Well you are the chap with connections. Get Orvis to bring over some of the US model or better still, a pontoon boat :)
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Allan Liddle on 19/02/2013 at 21:59
Arse in the water maybe slower to get around, but much easier to control, safer and allows you to fish more consistantly in big water.
Pontoon boat?  Aye great for a flat calm, and much as i would love to get conditions like this every time, sadly they are in the minority in Scotland.

Still think Shakey Expo Arse Dunker the best.   :z4 :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Euan Innes on 19/02/2013 at 22:11
Yup, what he said  :z16

I love my Shakey, a lot more than the Red Oktober 1. Big waves are not a problem as are strong winds - the lower you are the less the wind bothers you. It's really easy to steer and hold by the shore or over good lies.

Build quality is the best out there, even though I have removed all the bells, whistles, straps and d-rings that are un-necessary for my tastes. Now I have a streamlined, tangled-line free tube that allows a much easier c&r.

My only complaint? Difficult to float out in shallow water without dragging yer ass, but once you're in deep water - superb!

Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 19/02/2013 at 22:45
Allan / Euan,

Not buying the easier to control thing even in a wind.  First tube I was out in was an Shakespeare bidet thing and I hated it, I would never have bought one, was hard work.  That day we fished Assynt last year when it was so windy it wasn't possible to walk with the tube on your back, the Guideline did not feel like it was getting blown about uncontrollably and that was fairly extreme wind.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/02/2013 at 22:59
All down to personal preferences :wink

I have even seen this at Haddo, some folk like to be down in the water, others want to be sitting above the water.

It's the same with boats, a lot of folk can't do without their aluminium boat seats, I hate sitting so high in a fibreglass boat in a wave, bloody dangerous things :z6

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 20/02/2013 at 08:18
All down to personal preferences :wink

And that's the truth, I remain unconvinced that there is one all-round design that is the best because it all comes down to what the individual is comfortable/happy with. I have no doubt that there's pros and cons to all designs but what pleases me most is that a 'new' tube has made it onto the UK market.
Let's face it, there's hardly a glut of quality designs out there at the moment.

H  :cool:
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/02/2013 at 09:24
Ben,
Your a scientist, there are calculations on drag coefficient that clearly show an item in water has considerably more drag than when in air.

It is beyond arguement that if you are sitting low in the water you will be less effected by wind than if you sit high in the water.

HOWEVER, by sitting higher in the water, you have less drag beneath the surface, so, given certain conditions, it would be easier to paddle against the wind than if more of your body is in the water.

What this means is that a tube like a Shakey will drift less in the wind, but a tube like your Guideline will be easier to paddle about...up to a certain point.

There are things like Boundry Layers, Hydrodynamics, Adverse Pressure Gradients and Vortex's etc that affect things too...but they hurt my head!

As a note...the chaps I know up in Inverness that have Guidelines for their Pike fly fishing have drogues to slow them down in the big winds.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 20/02/2013 at 09:41
..... It is beyond arguement that if you are sitting low in the water you will be less effected by wind than if you sit high in the water.

That's broadly true Rob but is not beyond argument, much depends on what is physically beneath the water line and fundamentally how that is 'orientated'. Trust me on this one  :wink

HOWEVER, by sitting higher in the water, you have less drag beneath the surface, so, given certain conditions, it would be easier to paddle against the wind than if more of your body is in the water.

Yup that's a reasonable statement, but, again.......much depends on what is physically beneath the water line and how that is 'orientated'.

As a note...the chaps I know up in Inverness that have Guidelines for their Pike fly fishing have drogues to slow them down in the big winds.

Really :? :! :shock custom made small drogues I trust.....

H :cool:
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/02/2013 at 12:39
That's broadly true Rob but is not beyond argument, much depends on what is physically beneath the water line and fundamentally how that is 'orientated'. Trust me on this one  :wink

Yup that's a reasonable statement, but, again.......much depends on what is physically beneath the water line and how that is 'orientated'.

Really :? :! :shock custom made small drogues I trust.....

H :cool:

Hamish, I am talking about float tubes and humans...as that is what the post is about ;) If we were talking ships, subs and stuff that is meant to be in/below the water I would totally agree with you, but humans are not designed for float tubing :)

Same goes for the second point.

As for the drogues, nope, off the shelf Fox Rage drogues. These are smaller than normal drogues and take the form of a "windsock" rather than a parachute. I believe they were originally designed for European tubers fishing the large Italian and German reservoirs when "drop shotting" for Pike, Zander and Perch.

I personnaly would not like to use a drogue as I think you could end up in all sorts of difficulties if not carefull.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 20/02/2013 at 12:44
Hi Rob,

Quote
You're a scientist, there are calculations on drag coefficient that clearly show an item in water has considerably more drag than when in air.

Did I state anything to the contrary Rob? 

Quote
It is beyond arguement that if you are sitting low in the water you will be less effected by wind than if you sit high in the water.

What Hamish Rob but, I would have thought that common sense, no?  You'd need to balance the additional effort require to move a bidet tube around against the reduced effort required to move a higher riding tube and take into account any possible greater effect of wind on the latter.  I think you'd find it to be about the same.

Quote
HOWEVER, by sitting higher in the water, you have less drag beneath the surface, so, given certain conditions, it would be easier to paddle against the wind than if more of your body is in the water.

Personally, I have found this to be the case and when sitting and fishing I am far more comfortable in a higher position.

Oh, fixed yr grammer for you mate.  That'll be my good turn for February.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 20/02/2013 at 12:52
Drogue and Float tube in the same sentence sounds suicidal  :shock :shock

These days I certainly prefer sitting that bit higher, my personal preferrence. Move about quicker, stay warmer, better vision, easier casting.
And have been out in some fair choppy days and felt 'safe', even if my belly didn't feel that great at the end of the day!
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 20/02/2013 at 12:59
I have no doubt that there's pros and cons to all designs but what pleases me most is that a 'new' tube has made it onto the UK market.



If your speaking about the snowbee one, a new design it is not!
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 20/02/2013 at 13:21
Rob - I am referring to float tubes and their users, not submarines or ships, as I am well aware that this is (loosely) what the thread is about. To ensure I haven't entirely lost my marbles I can confirm that this thread on the new Snowbee tube is in the sub-forum titled 'Float Tubing' and not 'Merchant Shipping' so I therefore feel I am posting in the correct place.

To be honest I can't really be arsed going over this (as I am suffering from nicotine withdrawal symptoms and am a bit 'crabbit') but, before you say anything further, consider different tube designs, human anatomy and how the occupant is sat/positioned in different tube designs and what their leg positions and lower body positions are likely to be.
Then consider the first two points that I posted previously...... carefully.

It is agreeable that a 'new' tube is on the market.

H :cool:
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 20/02/2013 at 14:23
New, if new is classed as different colour and badges
Design been around since 2010
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/02/2013 at 14:56
This lot do tubes too...but I think they are Sparton ones from old stock?

http://www.pikeflyrod.com/boat-tackle/201-piketrek-floattube-float-tube.html



Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Allan Liddle on 20/02/2013 at 19:35
Yup accept that argument guys, end result as Mike and Hamish point out is the fact it's really down to personal preference.

For me i like the sitting low in the water but equally accept that there are advantages to sitting high, the imrpved vire for one.

Personally i've never felt comfortable on pontoon boats but to be fair i've not spend nearly as much time on them than in a low rider, but enough to know they're not for me.

What it has highlighted for me is the fact i've always felt anglers (who have tried them) fell into two camps on the float tube front, you either like them or not.  But now there's the added 'depending on what kind it is' thought added to the equation. 

Life's hard......................... :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Euan Innes on 20/02/2013 at 21:58
Quote
This lot do tubes too...but I think they are Sparton ones from old stock?

http://www.pikeflyrod.com/boat-tackle/201-piketrek-floattube-float-tube.html

Sure looks like a Sparton to me Rob.  :z16

Tubes are like Marmite - you love 'em or hate 'em. Like Bamboo and carbon fibre, vinyl and mp3, Alfas and Volvos. I could go on. What is good that folks like us fish from them and someone has come up with a new tube on the UK market.

Quote
To be honest I can't really be arsed going over this (as I am suffering from nicotine withdrawal symptoms and am a bit 'crabbit')

Some say that emotions can't be conveyed on the interweb but I now think differently. I think it has to do with tone.....  :z7

 :z1
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Alex Burnett on 20/02/2013 at 22:15
Drogue and Float tube in the same sentence sounds suicidal  :shock :shock

Hamish...Would Life-raft Sea-Anchor work well on a Float Tube as a drogue?

Alex
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 20/02/2013 at 23:00
Hamish...Would Life-raft Sea-Anchor work well on a Float Tube as a drogue?

Alex

Alex, what have you done?!

H, can we have the short answer please?  :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 20/02/2013 at 23:25
H, can we have the short answer please?  :z4

Twat  :z7

Hamish...Would Life-raft Sea-Anchor work well on a Float Tube as a drogue?

Alex

That's all a drogue is (a sea anchor) so in principal a 'sea anchor' from something like a 1-2 man life-raft would be around the required size for a float tube and something from an 8-12 man life-raft would most probably be ideal for most drifting boats.
So yes, it should work.

H :cool:
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 21/02/2013 at 08:27
That's all a drogue is (a sea anchor) so in principal a 'sea anchor' from something like a 1-2 man life-raft would be around the required size for a float tube

Which is basically the drogue I spoke of earlier...
http://www.fishingmegastore.com/fox-rage-drogue~14465.html
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Alex Burnett on 21/02/2013 at 08:46
Alex, what have you done?!

H, can we have the short answer please?  :z4

Stirred the pot!!!!! :wink :X2

Quote
That's all a drogue is (a sea anchor)

That's why I asked the question.

Something like this might also work:

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2uhs60o.jpg)
Dimensions of triangular large opening is 12" x 12" x 12" with the sock length of 28".
Overall length from the narrow end to the D ring is 5 feet.

 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4

Alex
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: terrier on 21/02/2013 at 18:00
That's not the picture of a drogue I had in my head  :X1.       Can see that working

I was only thinking of a para type drogue, and would have though if you'd stick it on the back of a tube on a windy day you'd be upside down in little time.


Would still need to be fairly careful when you attached to tube though?? Too far back on tube and if it got caught on rock or were out on choppy waves still a risk of getting flipped over from behind or attach too far forward and it's in the road of your legs/flippers.
Or am I just over thinking this ???
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 21/02/2013 at 19:07

Something like this might also work:

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2uhs60o.jpg)
Dimensions of triangular large opening is 12" x 12" x 12" with the sock length of 28".
Overall length from the narrow end to the D ring is 5 feet.


Can you get them at 6ft, we could get one for Rob :z16

S
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Allan Liddle on 22/02/2013 at 13:59
You could always just eh, move yer feet, pretty sure the fins slow you down.  :wink :z4 :z4
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Mike Barrio on 22/02/2013 at 14:00
You could always just eh, move yer feet, pretty sure the fins slow you down.  :wink :z4 :z4

Yep :z16
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Will Shaw on 02/03/2013 at 16:47
Re: the high/low in the water thing:

I have the Guideline drifter and if memory serves you can adjust the ride height to suit by adjusting some of the straps that run underneath the pontoons. Am I right? (Mine's in the shed just now and I can't be arsed to run out and check!)

FWIW I really like the high seating position, but yes it does spin in the wind!

Cheers

W.
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Ben Dixon on 02/03/2013 at 21:54
Re: the high/low in the water thing:

I have the Guideline drifter and if memory serves you can adjust the ride height to suit by adjusting some of the straps that run underneath the pontoons. Am I right? (Mine's in the shed just now and I can't be arsed to run out and check!)

FWIW I really like the high seating position, but yes it does spin in the wind!

Cheers

W.

Correct re the straps Will!!  I find the Shakey bidet also spins in a wind though!

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Hamish Young on 03/03/2013 at 08:30
Odd, I've not had the problem of a shakey type tube spinning on me when fishing in a breeze.
Then again, to be fair, I've not done much in that design as it really was not intended for someone who carries as much 'casting ballast' as I currently do :roll

Going back to the drogue thing, I'd say it would be worth a try but have a knife handy to cut the line if you need to.
I've never felt the need for a drogue (that I can recall) as the pontoon style Caddis tube I have has been incredibly stable in a drift even in the worst water conditions, as Allan says a wee bit of gentle 'finning' has always seen me right.

H :cool:

Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: Euan Innes on 03/03/2013 at 09:40
What you need are big ass fins. The diver size ones that I have are like anchors in a big wind and gentle finning make the Shakey really stable and controllable. At the end of a long day on a big loch you can really motor back to the car too.

The whole tube thing, sitting high or low in the water, is only part of the package. What you have on your feet is just as important and can make or ruin a days fishing. The wee flippers that come with most kits are pretty crap and it is worth spending money on a good set.

And like trimming a boat, weight distribution and bladder inflation pressures also play a part. Too much air and the tube will not sit right, too little and you have no control and you fight the tube. So many variables! But once you get all that sorted, there is nothing finer. The day on Loch Nam Bollocks during last years Highland Fling, might have been fishless but it was the best float tube day as far as control goes. The Red Oktober 2 was perfect, but it took work and a lot of trial and error to get it there.

Nothing finer that a good day in a tube  :cool: :z16

 :z1
Title: Re: New Snowbee Tube
Post by: buzzerman on 03/03/2013 at 13:34
There is good and bad about both styles. Used both Sparton tubes bullet proof but if you fish all year round being sat so low in the water it's pretty damn cold. That's where the higher sitting tubes have the advantage. Would not like a drogue seems to me a hazard the art of finning does not take long to master.