Trying to decide which tube

Hello folks,
I’m trying to decide which tube to buy for fishing lakes ponds and a few rocky rivers. I’m a big guy 270 and 6’1 so I’m looking at the Cumberland and the caddis premier as well as the fish cat 5 max. I’ve read lots of reviews but I’m looking for a tube that is durable, can be carried in to some lakes that are in accessible by vehicle, and is a good casting platform.
I’ve seen a lot of good things about the Cumberland but I’ve also read that it is not as puncture resistant as the fish cat. This concerns me. I don’t mind spending more for something that can be used hard and will last for several seasons.
Id love some input. M not finding much info about the fat cat 5 max.

Thanks!

I say the Cumberland and as long as you care for it she will last you for years.  Not very portable but you might want to check out the Maxxon XPW 240 this is a durable and very fishable platform.  We sell it through the forum.  Just my 2 cents.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I am 5' 10" and 200 pounds and the Cumberland is just fine. I fished with a guy who was 6" 4" and 260 or so and he fit just fine in a Cumberland. I am going on 5 years with my Cumberland and no punctures.

That said, the Fish Cat 5 Max is just a little bigger than the Cumberland and appears to be built better. I do think all the Outcasts look sturdier than the Cumberland, but can not say for certain. The Outcast Prowler is even bigger than the Fish Cat 5 and has plenty of room. Also, the Prowler and will fit fully inflated on your back if you need to walk a ways.

The bladder-less tubes like the Maxon XPW 239 and 240 are in a league of their own as far as heavy duty construction goes.

You don't say how far you would need to walk and that leaves a few questions about carrying the tube inflated or deflated.

I hope this helps.

Yes great help for sure. I think the farthest distance I’ll be walking is about a mile on a nice open and wide trail. I do need to be able to carry the boat as well as a pair of fly rods and some other fairly light gear. I intend to carry the tube inflated but it’s been my experience (perhaps cheaper tubes?) that once the bladders hit cold water they need a bit of topping off to bring them back to “full”. So I guess I’ll have to carry a hand pump as well. My old caddis had a valve that allowed me to add air by blowing air from my mouth into it as needed. My biggest concern is possible rock abrasion in one of the rivers I’ll be floating. That Maxxon boat looks awesome but appears to be a bit more than I’d like to carry.

I have taken my Cumberland down the Kern River about 12 times in one day and I had a blast. No problem with the Cumberland. Fun and very satisfied with it. My Cumberland is 4 or 5 years old and is holding up fine I did take 2 years of from fishing tho and just started taking it out again. No problem with it at all

Look up Savage Gear 170.......GT

GT wrote:Look up Savage Gear 170.......GT

Wow. That looks like a great boat! I never considered using oars. It also appears to be inline with the durability I’m looking for and the cost isn’t that much more than the fish cat.

The oars don't work for me, but the tube is crazy tough. I have dragged it over rocks, sand, don't have to worry about snagging the cloth (outer layer) on tubes like the fish cat, cumbie, sfc..........I have fished mine mainly in salt for the last 2 years, seams are done well and I like the removal able bags, easy to load your gear. I also like the inflatable seat, a must for long hours in the tube. Whatever you chose, it will get you on the fish...........tight lines.............GT

A bit on the pricey side i have the 7bass expedition. Very well built less likely to puncture on rocks and i too am roughly tthe same height and weight. I've tried a lot of other tubes and was never really very buoyant causing me to tire quickly. with the seven bass i cruise around no problem.  I can put all the gear i want, cooler, trolling motor and battery and still kick around just fine. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

The 7-Bass Expedition is an excellent float tube and well constructed!