Rave Sports Blindside
Suggested Retail Price: $219
Ease of Setup: One Boston valve for easy inflate and deflate plus two small push-in valves
Material: Polyester cover made with Stay-Brite Technology that repels dirt, water and safeguards color and a Skim-fast bottom for a slick and fast ride.
Dimensions: 76 by 86 inches
Number of Riders: 2
Number of Handholds: 6
Ways to ride it: Lying Down or Sitting
What sets it Apart: Looking at your friend face-to-face allows you to experience their energy and it’s not something every tube offers. It creates a blindside when you use the backrest, hence the name. If you can believe it, this tube is even more fun that it looks once you hit top cruising speed, but a tow ball to deflect spray would be beneficial.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “This tube handles great on bumps.”—Lexie
“The only thing I would change is the handles. If they were further out, instead of right by the circle for your feet, it would be easier to hang on. But the hole in the middle makes it more comfortable for your knees because you can bend them instead of trying to figure out where to put them.”—Heather
Fun Factor: 3.5 out of 5 stars
www.ravesports.com/ 800-659-0790
Rave Sports Nighthawk
Suggested Retail Price: $299
Ease of Setup: One Boston valve on the main bladder and a large push-in valve on the top bladder
Material: Heavy-duty gauge PVC with a heavy-duty nylon cover
Dimensions: 77 by 80 inches
Number of Riders: 3
Number of Handholds: 6
Ways to ride it: Kneeling or Lying Down
What sets it Apart: Riding virtually on top of other people in a triangle formation isn’t something you see everyday. But the Nighthawk makes it easy. It’s unique because the top rider gets a different experience than the two people on the sides, making it easy to mix-and-match riders of all ages. Plus if you wedge yourself into the middle element, you will feel safe and secure.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “This tube is a blast. It’s kind of weird at first because you feel like you have someone on top of you. But then you realize the middle part is keeping you on the tube.”—Lexie
“A tow ball to keep the spray down is a must for the person on the top. It’s extremely easy to steer from the sides and the person on the top gets more of a flying feeling than on most tubes.”—Savanna
Fun Factor: 4 out of 5 stars
www.ravesports.com/800-659-0790
WOW X03 Xtreme
Suggested Retail Price: $499
Ease of Setup: Surprisingly easy with one speed valve under a zippered cover.
Material: Tuff Shell nylon cover with heavy-duty PVC bladder
Dimensions: 84 by 70 by 64 inches
Number of Riders: 3
Number of Handholds: 6
Ways to ride it: Kneeling or Lying Down
What sets it Apart: It’s a floating circle, which immediately draws people in. Our dock watchers were definitely most intrigued by this towable. You naturally feel more safe when you have something over your head to keep you enclosed, but the driver of the boat can take that as a challenge to see how much the tube will take. After a hard stop, it immediately filled with water every time, which may make little ones feel uneasy. But the teenagers won’t be able to get enough.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “An adrenaline rush for sure because it’s fun and scary at the same time.”—Heather
“This tube made me want to hold on for dear life because we were going so fast that hitting the water would have been painful.” —Lexie
“The circular shape makes you feel safer than your average tube.”—Karly
“The rash guards are in the right spot to keep it super comfortable.”—Savanna
Fun Factor: 5 out of 5 Stars
www.wowwatersports.com
WOW Bazooka
Suggested Retail Price: $199
Ease of Setup: Two separate speed valves under zippered covers
Material: Tuff Shell nylon cover with heavy duty PVC bladder
Dimensions: 60 by 54 inches
Number of Riders: 1
Number of Handholds: 4
Ways to ride it: Kneeling, Lying Down, Sitting or Standing
What sets it Apart: It uses a Flex-wing system to allow the rider to steer back and forth over the wake quickly and jump the wake while the boat driver simply heads straight. This tube is meant for a teenage demographic or older because it takes a little bit of muscle to keep it on track. For only $199 it’s completely worth it because of the variety of ways you can ride. Your family will never complain of being bored, that’s for sure.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “When you kneel on it, you have more control.”—Heather
“This tube is for a more experienced rider because you can easily fall off if you lose control.”—Savanna
“I like how you can pull up the sides to make it feel tighter around you.”—Lexie
Fun Factor: 4 out of 5 stars
www.wowwatersports.com
WOW Syco
Suggested Retail Price: $499
Ease of Setup: It has a Speed Valve for fast inflation, plus we loved the zippered valve covers that all the WOW tubes use. It completes the look plus keeps the valves neatly tucked away.
Material: Tuff Shell full nylon cover with heavy-duty PVC bladder
Dimensions: 104 by 70 inches
Number of Riders: 3
Number of Handholds: 10
Ways to ride it: Kneeling, Laying Down, Sitting or Standing
What sets it Apart: This tube allows you to ride it in every position imaginable. How can that not be fun? With only one person riding it, the tube seemed to be all over the place. But with two people, they work together to balance it out and enjoy the ride of a lifetime.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “I love all the handles because you can sit in a ton of different positions. It really makes the tube limitless.”—Lexie
“I would buy this tube because it has the most options on how to ride it.” —Heather
“This tube makes tubing so fun. It’s perfect for daredevils because you can really push it.”—Savanna
Fun Factor: 4.5 out 5 stars
www.wowwatersports.com
Gladiator Switch
Suggested Retail Price: $219
Ease of Setup: One Boston valve on the main tube, but each of the pillows that fit inside the tube have to be blown up separately. Quick and easy with an automatic pump.
Material: 840-denier nylon, 30-gauge vinyl
Dimensions: 70 by 75 inches
Number of Riders: 2
Number of Handholds: 8
Ways to ride it: Lying Down or Sitting
What sets it Apart: They call this tube the Switch for a reason. You can use it as either a deck tube or a cockpit tube and it’s super simple to transition it. Two inflated bladders securely fit in the openings if you prefer the tube to be flat. For littler people, you take the cushions out so you can sit down within the protective wall barrier.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “This tube is great for a family that has small kids because you can take out the inserts to make it feel safer. But teenagers will love it too because when you ride on top, you feel like you’re flying through the air.”—Savanna
“This tube was a lot of fun because if you are sitting inside of it, you don’t have to use a lot of energy to hang on so it’s more relaxing.”—Lexie
Fun Factor: 3.5 out of 5 stars
www.overtons.com/ 800-334-6541
Sportsstuff Rockin’ Mable
Suggested Retail Price: $349
Ease of Setup: Simple with two Speed Safety valves
Material: Double-stitched heavy-duty full nylon cover
Dimensions: 66 by 62 inches
Number of Riders: 2
Number of Handholds: 12
Ways to ride it: Kneeling over backrest or Sitting depending on the tow position.
What sets it Apart: This tube comes with dual tow points, which create two separate riding experiences. It can be towed forward or in reverse. At slow speeds, the towable is a relaxing sofa ride on the water. But when the driver decides to pick it up, the tube floats effortlessly across the water. The Mable has been around for awhile and the Rockin’ version proves that Sportsstuff knows what it takes and plans on delivering every time.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: "This is a very versatile tube and you can ride it lots of different ways so it won’t get boring.”—Lexie
“Families with young kids and teenagers will like this tube because you can make it as challenging or easy as you want.”—Savanna
“This tube is one of my favorites because the back rest makes if comfy.”—Karly
Fun Factor: 5 out of 5 stars
www.sportsstuff.com/ 800-624-1297
Sportsstuff Wacky Whopper
Suggested Retail Price: $499
Ease of Setup: Super easy because of Speed Safety valve for convenient inflating and deflating
Material: Double-stitched 840 denier nylon cover and 30 gauge vinyl bladder
Dimensions: 94 by 70 inches
Number of Riders: 3
Number of Handholds: 6 plus 4 large rows of 5 flat webbing handles that stretch the length of the towable
Ways to ride it: Lying Down or Sitting
What sets it Apart: This extremely unusual shaped towable attracts attention on the water. Being shaped like a wave, it’s easy to believe that it will skid across the water effortlessly and that’s exactly what it does. The Wacky Whopper is the perfect name for this crazy fun tube.
Final Thoughts from the Testers: “You skid across the water like you’re on a surf board. It’s awesome.”—Karly
“The wave effect and the handles make it easy to hold on during a hard turn.”—Savanna
“It’s unique and comfortable and it’s longer than your average tube so
I felt completely comfortable sprawling out.”—Lexie
Fun Factor: 4 out of 5 stars
www.sportsstuff.com/ 800-624-1297
The Dream Team—Girls Do It Best!
Savanna Brown, Age: 21
Favorite Tubes: Gladiator Thunder, Nighthawk
Background: Experienced boater and tuber
Lexie Tew, Age: 21
Favorite Tubes: XO3 Xtreme, Airhead Tremor
Background: Intermediate boater and tuber
Heather Huntsman, Age: 18
Favorite Tubes: XO3 Xtreme, Wacky Whopper
Background: Intermediate boater and tuber
Karly Owens, Age: 13
Favorite Tubes: Rockin’ Mable, Bazooka
Background: Novice boater and tuber
Airhead Tremor
Suggested Retail Price: $521
Ease of Setup: A little more complicated than we expected, but definitely not complex. There are two speed safety valves and the second one is beneath the neoprene pad.
Material: Tough 30-gauge PVC bladder, fully covered with an 840-denier double-stitched nylon cover.
Dimensions: 89 by 89 inches
Number of Riders: 4
Number of Handholds: 8
Ways to ride it: Sitting or Kneeling in cockpit; Sitting on top of upper chamber.
What sets it Apart: It was the most expensive tube we tested, but it’s worth it. This towable is a take on a traditional tube, but it feels much safer and is perfect for just floating next to the boat or cruising behind it. The round backrest and thick air chamber below give it a ton of bounce on the water.
Final Thoughts from the Testers:“This one caught my attention very first because it looks like a floating hot tub.”—Lexie
“The tube makes being with four people very easy and fun.”—Karly
“It stays in the wake and kind of bounces you. It’s a different feeling than a more average tube, which makes it way fun.”—Savanna
Fun Factor: 5 out of 5 stars
www.sportsstuff.com/ 800-624-1297
Gladiator Thunder
Suggested Retail Price: $239
Ease of Setup: With only one Boston valve, the setup is extremely easy. You don’t have to juggle it around to make sure you have inflated everything. One and done makes this a win for us.
Material: Double-stitched heavy-duty full nylon cover
Dimensions: 60 by 68 inches
Number of Riders: 2
Number of Handholds: 8
Ways to ride it: Lying Down
What sets it Apart: At first glance, it looks like a traditional circular tube. But once you start moving, the sides come up like protective wings. Not only does this allow younger ones to feel more secure, but it creates an aerodynamic feel on the water. This isn’t your traditional tube; it’s a huge step up.
Thoughts from the Testers: “The handles allow you to steer it into the waves very easily. It catches air, but the sides make you feel safe.” —Savanna
“The handles are soft so they don’t cut into your hands as you are squeezing on tight.” —Karly
Fun Factor: 5 out 5 stars
www.overtons.com/ 800-334-6541
A towable is an investment in a good time for the entire family. The only people who won’t be excited are the barefoot skiers because one look at your awesome new tube will let them know there’s going to be a huge wake involved.
Wakeboarding is one of the most thrilling sports you can ever participate in. It doesn’t get much better
than being out on the lake, strapping on your life jacket and riding the wake. Some are just learning the sport. Others have known how to wakeboard for awhile and choose to just cruise behind the boat. Then you have the diehard wakeboarders whose main goal while in the water is to see how much air they can get and how many tricks they can land.
Regardless of your skill level, you are the one who chooses what kind of experience you have. There are many factors to consider such as the wakeboard itself, rope, tower, board rack and gloves.
Wakeboarding is one of the most thrilling sports you can ever participate in. It doesn’t get much better
than being out on the lake, strapping on your life jacket and riding the wake. Some are just learning the sport. Others have known how to wakeboard for awhile and choose to just cruise behind the boat. Then you have the diehard wakeboarders whose main goal while in the water is to see how much air they can get and how many tricks they can land.
Regardless of your skill level, you are the one who chooses what kind of experience you have. There are many factors to consider such as the wakeboard itself, rope, tower, board rack and gloves.
Roswell Wake-Air
Roswell Wake-Air manufactures and sells wakeboard towers and accessories as well as marine audio. There are two different types of wake towers that Roswell has to offer: Classic 51 and Area SI 52. The Classic 51 Tower has an aluminum finish and is pre-wired for speakers. It is a single tow head and is fully collapsible. The Classic 51 is priced at $1,499. The Area SI 52 Towers has become a popular aftermarket add-on. Priced at $2,849, it is designed specifically to work with the lines of your boat. The Area 52 SI is a sleek addition to inboards and outboards alike. The Area 52 SI comes pre-wired for speakers and lights, adding accessories right away or down the line. The tower’s protective clear coat has been thickened to increase the longevity of the polished aluminum finish.
There are two noted benefits to purchasing a tower. First, it is much easier to get up with. Secondly, you are much more likely to get greater air than you would otherwise.
“The horizontal pull from tying the rope to the back of the boat requires the rider to use all of his strength and coordination to get onto the water’s surface,” says Jeremy Edgar, a representative with Roswell. “The upward pull helps not only the beginners, but the advanced riders too. As you progress into jumping, the higher rope removes the downward pull that happens when you tie the rope to the back of the boat and thus you are able to jump higher.”
(www.roswellwakeair.com / 780-962-0868)
Airboom
Airboom specializes in wake towers and wake tower accessories. Owner and founder Ron Stack, who is also a pro wakeboarder, invented the world’s first vertical pylon called the “Air Boom” in 1994. At Air Boom, they are dedicated to delivering the most functional and safest boating products in the world and they also pride themselves in customer service.
Air Boom offers two towers: a 3D tower and a 4D tower. Priced at $1,999, the 3D towers are popular among boaters and can fit any type of boat. A 4D tower is a little fancier and therefore is price at $2,500.
Air Boom ships its towers anywhere and they are available in 13 different colors.
(www.airboom.com/951-244-4526)
Nash Sports
Nash Sports has been an industry leader for over 50 years and offers some of the best recreational sports products available.
Nash Sports offers a variety of different styles that are fitting for the whole family. The cost of the wakeboards range from $220-$350, depending on what you’re looking for.
“Ronix has become a popular brand and is the ‘Ferrari’ of wakeboards,” says Steve Schultz, a representative with Nash Sports. “I know a lot of people who like Ferraris, but not a single person who owns one. On the other hand our boards are more like the ‘Honda Accord’ of the wakeboard world. Affordable, dependable, and many more people own them.”
What it comes to the various styles of wakeboards, Schultz feels this is a topic that he could spend all day talking about.
“A high-end board with custom fit bindings will be the top performer,” adds Schultz. “For a recreational boater they are much better off getting a good solid board that has universal fit bindings so that the whole family can enjoy it.”
(www.nashmfg.com/817-926-5223)
Liquid Force
Liquid Force is a popular go-to among avid wakeboarders and they specialize in wakeboards as well as bindings. At Liquid Force, they are constantly developing new boards and bindings.
“I would recommend a wakeboard that appeals to the rider visually and financially, yet has a simple hull design with multiple fins,” says Tim Walters, a sales representative with Liquid Force. “If your board looks good to you, you can afford it, and if it is user-friendly, then you have hit a home run.”
As far as the actual board itself, Walters recommends the Trip Series wakeboards to people who are just beginning to get into wakeboarding because it is very reliable. The Trip wakeboards retail at $269.99.
“It offers smooth, predictable riding because of its efficient continuous rocker, molded in fins, and variable edge rail,” adds Walters. “Also, it always features bright and exciting artwork as well as an affordable price.”
Bindings are a very important function of any wakeboard and are very critical. It is far better to put a good pair of bindings on a mediocre board, than a mediocre binding on a good wakeboard because this is how your body is attached to the board. Bindings at Liquid Force cost $209.99, but if you would like to purchase the board and bindings together, they offer a package deal for $339.99.
(www.liquidforce.com/760-943-8364)
Aerial WakeWorks F250 Tower
Most likely, your boat didn’t come standard with a tow bar and now that you have a house full of teenagers, you want one. It’s not too late. The new Aerial WakeWorks F250 pontoon wakeboarding tower from Aerial Wakeboards features a mounting feet design, quality construction, a folding frame and an easy install process for pontoon boat owners. Does it get any better?
This new wakeboarding tower is designed specifically for pontoon boats. The WakeWorks F250 uses an easy mounting feet design so that it can be installed on over 90 percent of the pontoon boats built in the past 20 years.
The F250 pontoon wakeboarding tower is manufactured with 2.25 inch diameter (2.5 inch diameter for the top cross bar) high-grade polished aluminum tubing to reduce flexing. The F250 is about 6 feet tall, from deck to tow point, and folds to approximately 60 inches to make it easy to store. The tower features two tow points and integrated fender cleats. This awesome tower is backed by a five year warranty.
For added functionality, the F250 is compatible with most universal wakeboarding accessories, including the complete line of WakeWorks racks and speakers.
Aerial Wakeboarding is one of the leaders in wakeboarding towers and accessories. The company has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality towers and offering superior customer service to dealers, installers and riders. The suggested retail price is $1,795.
(www.AerialWakeboarding.com/949-916-0602)
TurboSwing
The TurboSwing is a semi-circular stainless steel tow bar that turns every outboard powered boat into a fun day of water skiing, wakeboarding or tubing on your favorite lake. It is a unique product that offers an unprecedented water sport experience.
The TurboSwing provides perfect directional stability and response and a tow rope that always remains above the wake. This setup makes movement and tricks much smoother.
The TurboSwing can be mounted on and removed from any outboard motor rapidly and simply, without damaging the boat. The TurboSwing can be easily adjusted in height and provides an additional 10 to 20hp pulling power.
The curve of the bar lets the skier move from side-to-side across the back of the boat. Also the tow rope is behind the motor so there is less chance of it being snagged in the prop.
The price varies depending on the model of you boat. The company’s dealer network will be able to quickly help you determine your needs.
(www.monstertower.com)
