"I recently purchased the new Snowbee float tube as the choice in the UK is limited compared with other countries such as the USA. My previous tube had a very low seating position and as I am only 5'5" I found I occasionally got soaked down the back of the waders if I slid forward and if I wore a waistcoat this got wet. Being short I also found I did not have much height clearance on the sides, which was made worse if I put anything in the side pockets. I had seen the advertising for the new Snowbee tube and as it looked just what I was looking for (unless I imported one from the USA) I ordered one as soon as orders were being taken (keen or what?).
Having used the tube a few times I can say I am very happy with my choice, as I sit much higher (so do not get a wet back or waistcoat, am more comfortable, have plenty of clearance for my arms, and have better visibility over the water). I was concerned that being higher I would be more affected by the wind, but having spent a windy day on a reservoir recently, found my concerns unfounded.
Overall, I have a higher more comfortable position, feel I am going faster and do not seem to get as tired or suffer from cramp as much. The tube also has luggage space behind the seat and I found this was ideal for keeping my net instead of trying to strap it to the side. My bass bag clips to the side of the tube using the two D-rings and there is plenty of room in the side pockets. There is also another pocket on the back of the seat. The tube is compatible with a standard hand pump (no adaptors required) and it was very quick to inflate and deflate. Due to the design which uses a high denier PVC underside, the tube can be wiped down afterwards and dries very very quickly - I did not get any water pooling in my car boot on the way home. There are two air bladders (one in each arm), and the valves seem good quality. The seat comprises of two thick foam blocks with a thinner block as the back rest, which must be inserted before the tube is inflated. The line tray relies on a bar which fits into a pocket on the end of each arm, with two bungee clips which clip onto D-rings adjacent to the back of seat. Once afloat you feel very secure and the line tray works very well.
I did find there were a few minor issues: -
1) There were no instructions to say how to insert the foam in the seat. I did work this out relatively quickly, but it is a tight fit and I was concerned I would stress the stitching. I have been told it is a tight fit for safety reasons, but it would help to have a picture on the instructions!
2) The bar for the line tray on the front is a tight fit too - you have to sit down to fit the bar, and once you do the sides of the tube pull together. I have to push the arms apart with my knees to get it to fit. Getting out of the tube is not a problem, as the tube comes out easily when you start to stand up. However, once I am in the tube I feel safe and comfortable, and the line tray works very well.
3) The tube takes up more room packed away due to the foam. Some similar tubes in the USA have either foam or an inflatable seat - the ones with the inflatable seat pack away smaller, but the ones with the foam are more comfortable as the arms do not pull together as much. I believe you are also safer with the foam as it cannot deflate and it is very buoyant (which may help with the higher seating position).
4) There is no carry case, and the instructions say to keep it in the cardboard box. I bought two large cotton bags off eBay which do the job perfectly.
5) I initially thought one of the bungee clips on the line tray was broken, as it was shorter than the other and one end did not have a retaining tab. On enquiring I found it was designed this way - this is for safety reasons. It would be nice if the instructions pointed this out!
T o summarise I believe this is the best design of tube in the UK for me, I am very happy with my purchase, and I would recommend this tube."
Richard Shaw