Help Me Decide

Gentlemen,

I need your help. I am military moving back to SD for a three year tour. Last time here I purchased an ODC420 to fish out of and had zero problems.

I can not find the 420 any more (only lightweight version)so I am looking at the Outcast. I have read most of the posted reviews but they are a bit outdated. Not against the lightweight version if it is durable enough.

I am looking at the SFC but it is over $400 and when you add a bottom machine (hook 5), mount (float tube fanatics) etc. it is at $1000. I see the FC4 LCS on Amazon ($229) but it is not listed on Outcast's web page. Amazon also has the FC4 Deluxe for $299 but again not listed on Outcast's web page.

I am 5' 8" a bit shy of 180. I will fish almost every weekend over the three years. Looking for something dependable from a company with good customer service. Your guys are current and on the water a good bit so what would you suggest?

I really am partial to the U-Boat style tubes as I have used several different styles and this best suits me.

Thanks in advance. Ray

I am 5' 10' at 200 pounds even. 
I have fished my Cumberland for 4 years and am quite happy with it. There are a few threads here about their phenomenal customer service as well. The price is what made me pick the Cumberland over the FC 4. Everyone seems to agree the Outcast is a bit better as far as quality.

If you like the Outcast products look at the FishCat 5 Max, its is a little bigger than the Cumberland or the FC4.

The Creek Company has not been good to us as a group as far as customer service in the past.

I hope this helps.

I have a couple of friends with Cumberland's that have had a few minor bladder leaks. What is your experience and what model do you use?

I did look at the FC 5 but it looks like the pocket opening is a single zipper and looks small. That was my only complaint with my 420.

I did find the FC on the Outcast web page so I have a bit more information. I see most of the FC's are rated for 250lbs. Even with my bottom machine, rod holder, rods/reels and other gear I will be short of that.

Capt Ray wrote:I have a couple of friends with Cumberland's that have had a few minor bladder leaks.  What is your experience and what model do you use?

I did look at the FC 5 but it looks like the pocket opening is a single zipper and looks small.  That was my only complaint with my 420.

I have had no problem with the bladders in 4 years. I did have a  stitching issue on the front seams and Classic Accessories sent me a new tube immediately, great customer service. In fact I sewed up the seams myself and I still use that tube. 



This one
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As far as storage I have a Plano 3600 sitting on top of a Plano 3700 in each pocket. Two 3700 size boxes will not fit.

One final note, I still have the brand new Cumberland in the box as a backup tube.

cruise craigs or even Costco has the Cumberland with fins for $150

FISH CAT 5 MAX just came out a week or so ago and is a beast of a tube , I have seen it in person , much larger then my Fish cat 4 deluxe and it has plenty of room too put a 3700 plano box and a 3600 in a pocket .. it is much wider now and has a weight limit of 300# , plus only weighs 15.5 lbs compared to a cumberland at 18lbs .. If i was going to pull the plug I would seriously look at the FISH CAT 5 MAX priced at $299 , the tube is a tank ! You cannot go wrong either way and both companies have great customer service .

This is coming from a guy who owned an ODC 420 as well I had no problem with the toughness of the tube just the stitching and terrible customer service

Called my buddy Alonzo in SD and he is still using the same Cumberland that had had when I was stationed there in 2013 with zero issues.  Given I will only use it for three years I think that is the way I will go.  After that I return to Florida and you sure don't want to float tube around these parts.

Thanks gentlemen.