Noob Looking for Tube Suggestions

Hello! I am new to the site and have been trolling for a while. This site has tons of great information and has opened my eyes to all the different selection of tubes available. I have been wanting to get into tubing for a while now but have not been able to pull the trigger. Due to covid the lakes in SOCAL are PACKED! This made me want a tube even more as i would rather be in the water than to stand 12" from the fisherman next to me. Also most of these lakes do not allow private boats.

I have finally narrowed my self down to a few tubes and would like some suggestions and or feed back.

1. Cumberland (costco has a deal with the tube and fins for $150. Seems like most people start here.)

2. Seven Bass Element (I like this one because of the movable bag option and seems like a slightly better build. I do understand the issue with customer service as i have the same issue with JDM tackle and willing to take the risk for a better product.)

Could some of you provide some pros and cons on each model and some opinions on the products to help me make my decision? Any feedback is welcomed! Hope to see you guys on the water and Thank you!

I love my Cumberland. The seat rides very high. I am a very large guy, it fits me fine. Abused it for three years ( 200 outings ) before it developed a leak. I was able to get replacement bladders from classic accessories. Definitely the best bang for the buck.

Bullgill66 wrote:I love my Cumberland.  The seat rides very high. I am a very large guy, it fits me fine.  Abused it for three years ( 200 outings ) before it developed a leak. I was able to get replacement bladders from classic accessories.  Definitely the best bang for the buck.

I agree!!!

The Cumberland ........................ Best bang for the Buck

I've been looking at a lot of tube designs and figuring out the physics behind the designs.  Dollar for dollar, the Cumberland probably provides the most in quality and design.  The tube extends further to the front in its full diameter beyond the seat significantly more than the other popular brand, Outcast, and will be more stable when you lean forward. However, Costco is apparently out of stock and oversold.  

If you are going to compare the Cumberland and Sevenbass Element, on paper the Sevenbass is 11 inches longer. This is substantial. However, going by the photos, the extra length seems to be to the REAR of the fisherman while the Cumberland has a longer front. I would think that the Cumberland is more balanced of the two.  Also, Cumberland's rating is 350lbs while the Element is 300 lbs. I personally take weight ratings with a grain of salt unless the Cumberland tube diameter is larger.

One more note. For inflatables, I'm not a fan of the Element's black or dark colors as they absorb a lot more heat when it is sunny so the air pressure change through the day will be larger and quicker than lighter colors.

I do like the Element's adjustable storage bag though. Nicer design for sure.

If Classic can design a bladderless PVC design equivalent to the Cumberland - perhaps a bit longer - and offer it at the same value proposition, they will have another winner.

Just one person's thoughts.

Thank you all so much for the information. As I lean closer and closer to start this mission a cumberland, does anyone have any opinion on the seven bass hybrid type float tubes. I know they jump in price but are they worth the extra money to go up to the next level? All opinions and ideas are welcome.

So for the hybrids it is a jump in price. This is not for everyone but the move to a hybrid can be a good one for some.
First ask yourself how much do you fish from a tube. If it's just once in a while then the need is not there. Of course if it more like as everytime I fish I tube then it makes sense. Repairs on these hybrids are so much easier then the Canvas cover tubes. Also repairs are few and far between as most hybrids are bullet proof. The ability to modify a hybrid is a big deal as well. There are so many options.
But I think the big question is how often are you going to be using it. That question alone will tell you traditional or Hybrid.

I own a Cumberland and would buy it again in a heartbeat. It is a fantastic tube. I strap on a Deeper Chirp fish finder and it works great. There is nothing quite like fishing from a float tube. I'm trying to get my buddy interested in float tubing and that Costco deal sounds it might be a small enough of an investment for him to pull the trigger. I didn't see it on Costco's website. What part of the country is Costco selling the Cumberlands?

Not sure what area but I am thinking California. The deal is amazing but it's so good it t goes fast. Keep looking it should come back soon we all hope

For me it’s not so much about how much money that I can spend but more about how much do I really want to spend to catch fish. I fish five days a week in the salt water.

I catch lots of fish on my Cumberland and so can you on whatever it is that you decide to purchase!

Rockjaw wrote:I own a Cumberland and would buy it again in a heartbeat.  It is a fantastic tube.  I strap on a Deeper Chirp fish finder and it works great.  There is nothing quite like fishing from a float tube.  I'm trying to get my buddy interested in float tubing and that Costco deal sounds it might be a small enough of an investment for him to pull the trigger.  I didn't see it on Costco's website.  What part of the country is Costco selling the Cumberlands?

It was on the US website for about 3 days then it was gone. It seems it sells out super quick. I missed it

thank you all for your help on this. It looks like ill go the way of the cumberland. I missed the costco deal but this looks like either way the way Ill be going. Now just to find some waders fins and the other parts of the puzzle ill need to get it done.

You can't go wrong with a Cumberland!
I hope that you wont have to wait too long before getting one!

KendoPro wrote:thank you all for your help on this. It looks like ill go the way of the cumberland. I missed the costco deal but this looks like either way the way Ill be going. Now just to find some waders fins and the other parts of the puzzle ill need to get it done.

There is no doubt the Cumberland is a fish catching machine. I am sure you will enjoy.