Summertime is here, and what could be more fun than enjoying a refreshing swim when it is boiling outside? Well, the answer is swimming with the best towable tubes. These devices will guarantee that you have the time of your life, and trust us, they are not meant for children only.
Basically, these are inflatable tubes that are connected to your boat by a rope. While someone drives the boat at high speed, you cling to the towable tube, trying not to fall in the water and laughing your heart out. Yes, we know, it is simple, yet it gives you so much joy.
However, this summer activity can get dangerous and disappointing if you don’t have a reliable unit. For this reason, this buying guide does not only have a lot of useful information, but it also includes reviews on various towable tubes to help you make the right choice. Let’s get started.
Best Towable Tubes Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | SportsStuff Super Marble |
| View On Amazon |
 | Airhead Mach Towable Tube for Boating |
| View On Amazon |
 | Airhead G-Force Rider Towable Tube |
| View On Amazon |
 | Rave Sports Razor 2-Rider |
| View On Amazon |
 | Airhead HOT DOG 3 Person Towable Tube |
| View On Amazon |
 | Airhead Super Slice |
| View On Amazon |
 | WoW Sports, Thriller Deck Tube |
| View On Amazon |
10 Best Towable Tubes Reviews
Down below, you will find some of the top high-quality products available on the market these days. Their reviews are not arranged in any specific order, so you must decide for yourself which unit will be your ‘THE ONE.’
1. SportsStuff Super Marble
This stylish tube offers its riders a comfortable ride with the back support and the foam seat pads. It can also be used as a lounger for reading a book or sunbathing. The unique part about the design is that it has front and back tow points with different seating positions and durable handles with knuckle support for safe and varied ride experiences from relaxed to thrilling.
Another feature adding to the safety and efficiency of this tube is the heavy-duty blades and double-stitched full nylon cover with the self-bailing vents for draining. The safety valve makes it easy to inflate & deflate using a high air volume inflation device. Make sure to store this tube out of the water and sun when not in use for more extended periods to prolong the durability of the handles and seams.
Pros
- Light in weight for a 3-person tube (20 lb)
- Has front and rear tow attachments
- Very stable with seating cushions and reliable platform
- Safe for children and grandparents with backrest and side wings
Cons
- Large in size, hard to store in smaller boats
- The inner tube is not connected to the outer skin
- No separation between riders
2. Airhead Mach Towable Tube for Boating
The Mach 1 rider boating tube is very stable and comfortable since it is made with a cockpit design and has air-cushioned seats and knuckle guard handles. Riders sit up straight with legs bent as if seated on a beach chair. The speed safety valve makes it easy and fast to inflate and deflate.
It comes with a tube connector, and the gauge bladder is covered with double stitch nylon for durability. The tube has three chambers to fill and which can be easily inflated with a regular air pump. This is your go-to tube if you’re looking for a relaxing and smooth ride for your younger adults and is a perfect entry-level tube.
Due to its design, water does get in the seating area, which could make it a bit of a wet and cool ride. It also only comes in the color red.
Pros
- Safe for young kids due to the cockpit design
- The rope attachment is higher up, so riders don’t get easily splashed
- Light and easy to store
- Very sturdy handles with knuckle support
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy or tall adults
- The seats inflate separately from the tube
3. Airhead G-Force Rider Towable Tube
The first towable tube on this list has been tested for durability. Therefore, you can rely on it to ensure your safety and enjoyment during wild aquatic rides. It is designed with high-quality materials. The nylon of the cover is exceptionally dense and durable. This feature will provide you with just enough buoyancy to support the weight of the riders and to bounce.
There are six neoprene knuckle guards in total. The handles are made appropriate for long, heavy rides. This way, you can hold on to them without them hurting your hands. However, like any other towable tube, this one might chuff your elbows, especially when it is boiling. Nevertheless, the tube is made to accommodate the rider’s body.
When it comes to the people, make sure that the passengers don’t put their weight far too forward as the tube will submerge. The tube itself will correct that automatically and will navigate riders to the right seating position. This tube is easy to inflate and deflate with the Speed Safety Valve on the side.
Pros
- Six neoprene knuckle guards and handles
- Durable
- Buoyant
- Speed Safety Valve for quick inflation/deflation
Cons
- A bit too tight for 3 adult riders
- Chuffs elbows
- Submerges if riders put their weight too forward
4. Rave Sports Razor 2-Rider
The Rave Razor towable comes in a wide triangular shape with round edges. This shape makes it very stable to support the weight of two riders. However, two more significant adults would find it a bit too tight, so keep that in mind when purchasing. This is a reliable towable tube, and it will serve you well for several years. The materials are durable and thick enough to withstand abuse. The cover is made from heavy-duty polyester to provide you with great joy and buoyancy for a more extended time. For your convenience, there are four foam-filled handles with knuckle guards.
On the one hand, they will enable you to hold on to the tube. On the other hand, your hands will be protected from irritating rubbing. However, the machine might hurt your elbows when you go on long rides. The graphics of this tube are amusing. They cover the skim-fast bottom so you can show them off during quick and stunt-filled trips. Keep in mind that this product does not come with a tow rope so you will have to purchase it yourself.
Pros
- Comfortable handles and knuckle guards
- Cool graphics
- Slick bottom
- Wide shape provides stability
Cons
- Too tight for 2 adults
- Rough on elbows
- Does not come with a tow rope
5. Airhead HOT DOG 3 Person Towable Tube
This next towable tube stands out because it is different in shape and in the way you use it. The Hot Dog tube is made to support the weight of 1 to 3 riders in a horse-riding position. This makes the ride even wilder and a lot of fun. However, the main disadvantage of this type of tube is that it requires the strength of the core muscles of the person standing on it. This means that people get tired quickly after a few minutes of using it.
Nonetheless, it is made from materials that provide comfort. The nylon of the cover is dense and durable under sunlight exposure and massive abuse. There are three foam-filled handles with neoprene knuckle protection. Using them, you can stay stable and longer on the tube.
The product is easy to inflate and deflate. However, it lets out air quickly after some time of using it. This is inconvenient as you need to inflate it again over the course of the day. Keep in mind that this tube is quite big, even when deflated. Apart from this, it will serve you well if you prefer more adventurous rides over just lying on a tube.
Pros
- Fun and durable
- Comfortable handles
- Easy to inflate/deflate
Cons
- Lets air out after some time
- Requires core strength
- Quite big
6. Airhead Super Slice
The Super Slice towable tube impressed us with its thoughtful design. While the front where you put your hands is wider, the back area is narrower. This allows the tube to go up and bounce quickly with the weight of the riders.
Bear in mind that although the manufacturer has constructed the tube to support three people, space will be tight for more than two adults. Other than that, the tube provides security and comfort. The nylon-wrapped handles are equipped with knuckle guards. You can hold on to the tube during hard rides, and your hands will be protected.
The riding position can be taken after an easy mounting in the water. To prevent knee rubbing, there are neoprene pads stitched to the nylon cover of the tube. With the safety valve, you can quickly inflate and deflate the tube. One disadvantage of all tubes is that they let the air out. The zipper is also quite unstable and challenging to navigate. Overall, the tube is comfortable for the riders, and this is the most essential feature of it.
Pros
- Knee neoprene pads
- Easy mounting and comfortable riding position
- Kwik-connect
Cons
- Tends to lose air
- Zipper is unstable
7. WoW Sports, Thriller Deck Tube
The next towable tube has its size as the main advantage. It is wide enough to fit three adults or even four children comfortably. The front part is wider than the back. This allows you to comfortably hold on to the handles while your legs hang freely from the end. With this shape, it will be challenging to submerge the tube. The grab handles are equipped with neoprene knuckle guards to prevent rubbing of the hands. This tube comes with a reinforced towing system that will ensure a quick connection to your vehicle. The valve cover is zippered to provide security.
Nevertheless, the tube might lose some air. Bear in mind that this tube is quite stable and it does not whip easily. This means that it is excellent for children. However, it might not be as adventurous for adults who prefer massive bounces. The materials of this tube are high-quality. A nylon cover ensures that the tube will last you a long time.
Pros
- Double-webbed handles with knuckle guards
- Difficult to submerge with the wide front area and a narrow end
- Strong towing system
- Great for children
- Comfortably fits three adults
Cons
- Too stable for a wild ride
- Air leakage
8. SportsStuff Poparazzi
This next product on the list stands out for its innovative and versatile style. The Poparazzi towable tube allows for a variety of riding positions. You can stand at the back or kneel, sit and lay at the front. This feature provides enough space for three adults to mount it. The tube is covered with dense nylon. The stitches also might come undone after some time.
However, it is a stable tube that does not whip around. With enough speed from your boat, it will perform like any other tube, and it will easily slide over the water. There is foam on top of the nylon for knee protection.
The handles are double-webbed and are equipped with knuckle guards to prevent rubbing. The security valve will allow you to quickly inflate the tube without losing air before the valve has been closed. Bear in mind that this product is quite heavy to carry around. This tube is quite expensive compared to other tubes. However, its versatility pays off.
Pros
- Allows for multiple standing positions
- Knee and hand protection
- Secure valve
Cons
- Expensive
- Stitching might come undone
- Quite heavy
9. SportsStuff Stunt Flyer
This towable tube performs really well in the water. It is easy to be pulled behind your vehicle. Be informed that if the boat goes too slow, the tube will submerge. However, with this tube, you can quickly gain speed. This will provide you with an enjoyable and fun ride.
The tube comes with a reinforced towing system for quick mounting. The high-quality nylon cover is equipped with multiple foam body pads. This should give you enough comfort during your rides. However, they might not be able to prevent irritating rubbing of your knees and elbows entirely.
The double-webbed handles and knuckle pads enable you to quickly and comfortably hold on to the tube. The graphics of this tube are fun, and they will stand out in the water. For your convenience, there is a speed safety valve that will allow you to inflate and deflate the product quickly. Overall, this is a good tube for the price. Just remember to protect your knees and elbows. Otherwise, it will allow you to reach excellent speed without even realizing it.
Pros
- Easy to pull
- Reinforced towing system
- Multiple foam pads
- Stylish graphics
Cons
- Submerges if you go too slow
- Does not quite prevent rubbing of the knees and elbows
- Occasional air leakage
10. WOW Sports Bingo Inflatable Cockpit
The last product on our list impressed us with not one, but two tows reinforced tow points. This way you can connect the tube at the back or the front of the tube. You can either enjoy a chariot ride or a safer ride in a sitting position. Therefore, this tube is great for more extreme riders as well as for younger users. The materials included in the construction are comfortable and high-quality. The nylon cover can withstand a lot of beating.
There are several double-webbed handles with knuckle guards for the safety of your hands. The high backrest riser allows you to enjoy a comfortable position the whole way through. This tube is also kind to your vehicle. With a drop speed bottom, it will cause less drag on the boat. The tube comes in a variety of bright, fun colors that will be highly visible in the water.
One disadvantage is that the stitching might come undone after some time. Overall, it is an excellent tube for the whole family as it will provide you with enough buoyancy and safety.
Pros
- Two towing points – back and front
- Appropriate for riders of all age and interest
- Withstands heavy abuse
- Vibrant colors
Cons
- Stitching might come undone
What Is A Towable Tube?
Tubing is considered to be one of the most enjoyable water sports. Why is this so? Because no coordination or skill is necessary and you’re bound to have a great time if you have a good (and sometimes extreme), driver. You simply sit or lie on the tube while it is being thrown to all sides, including up in the air.
Tubing is a recreational water activity involving a tube usually made from polyester which helps it float easily. Various shapes of tubes can be used for this purpose like, for example, a donut, galleys, hot dog shapes, etc. Twin tubing can be achieved by connecting two tubes using a tow bar and a rope or a chain.
Towing tubes are designed to be pulled behind a boat. The only skills that are required are those of the boat driver. Depending on what the riders prefer, the driver can go slowly for a recreational float on the surface of the water, or he/she could speed up for a more adventurous ride.
It is advisable that riders know how to swim. However, with the right quality infant life vest, even youngsters can enjoy a fun ride. No matter the age, everybody must always wear a personalized flotation device (PFD). The life jacket needs to be fitted correctly and disposed of objects which may cause a fall. All top life jackets are designed to protect the body from internal damages and rough abuse.
The towable tubes are a unique way to have a wonderful time on the beach and to make memories with your family and friends.
Types
Of course, it is essential to know the main types of tubes when searching for a suitable product to satisfy your needs. In this section, we will introduce you to a variety of tubes.
Rider Capacity
Towable tubes can be categorized by the number of riders that they are constructed to transport. Logically, the larger the tube, the more passengers it could possibly carry. The more riders a tube can take, the stronger the materials and construction need to be. Regardless of capacity, tubes are constructed in a way that every rider can comfortably reach and tightly grip a handle in each hand.
- 1-Person Tubes
If you love high speeds and want to stand out, the single tube is a perfect choice. You can have fun and experience a fantastic adventure without worrying about your friends’ preferences. The 1-person tube allows for free wave movement and extremely high speed. Although it is intended for adrenaline experience, it is also suitable for children. Every family member or friend can take advantage of it and enjoy a pleasant ride thanks to its convenient design.
They come in a variety of shapes. The most common ones are tubes in the deck style that require a little more effort from you to stay on them and tubes in the cockpit-style which are more comfortable to ride as you don’t need to hold on tightly.
Flat deck tubes are the most appropriate for stunts, especially for those seeking adrenaline. Cockpit style tubes will allow you to sit back and relax. However, there’s still lots of fun to be had with these tubes! This is a convenient variant if you’re looking for something to satisfy children.
Pros:
- Smooth riding
- The lightning rod for quick and comfortable inflating
- Hook for fast connection
- 2-Person Tubes
These tubes allow you to share the fun experience with somebody else. These models also offer excellent entertainment at high speed despite the larger plate size. The fact that they are suitable for children is also another advantage. The journey is going to be even more comfortable with inflatable backrests. Again a wide variety of twin rider tubes is available. If you opt for a more challenging ride, you can choose tubes that require a kneeling position. If you prefer a more relaxed ride, you can choose a tube that will allow you to comfortably sit with your legs spread in front of you and your back leaning against a backrest (like a chair). These will stabilize you and will not require as much strength to stay up.
Pros:
- Inflatable backrests and seat bottoms
- Lightning valve for faster inflation
- Ideal for all ages
- 3-Person Tubes
These boats will surprise you with the ability to withstand the weight of up to 3 people and still provide lots of fun. Most of them have two rope attachment points and backrest. This way, you can decide whether you want the boat to pull the tube from the back or from the front. It should be noted once again that children can enjoy this experience as well. Unlike smaller tubes, you will almost certainly encounter durability problems if you don’t make an investment in good quality. That’s why we recommend that you are not attracted by cheap goods and that you pay a little bit more for long-lasting entertainment.
Pros:
- Suitable for kids
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Flaps a lot when riding through strong waves
- Multi-rider Tubes
The bigger, the better, right? Yeah, there’s nothing more refreshing than getting your friends all in one place, especially if you’re going high speed on a towable tube. But remember the more people on board, the more dangerous it becomes. As you can imagine, with 4 people traveling at high speed on limited space, hitting each other‘s head becomes easier. So it is advisable that you decrease the pace for the sake of safety and lasting fun. Also, bigger tubes bounce quickly but clumsily, and you will hardly enjoy it.
Pros:
- Difficult to reverse
Cons:
- Is not suitable for high speeds
Hot Dog Tubes
It is designed for one or more people to use at one time. On both sides, your feet cover the tube. This offers you a tighter grip and makes it harder to fall. The neoprene seats are meant to help you stay more compatible with the ride. It can be used by beginners in the towable tube sport.
Winged Tubes
The winged tube provides you with a comfortable sitting area in the middle for you and your friend/s. There will be inflatable wings for stability and comfort beside the shoulders of each rider who is sitting on the edge.
There’s no need for previous experience here. But if you’re from the extreme types, you’re going to love these tubes. They are easily maneuvered to help you perform a variety of tricks. Some of the tubes have a flat deck, while others may have seats.
Ride-on Tow Tubes
This was the tube type that the Jaws movie made even more popular. This torpedo-style enables you to sit on top and straddle. This type does not experience much “whip” in comparison to other models such as deck tow tubes or donut tow tubes as a result of its torpedo-shaped structure. However, because of the high center of gravity, the ride-on tow tubes can be quite unstable. This style is therefore not recommended for the little ones. However, this is perfect for you and your group of friends who want a feeling of adventure and excitement.
Ride-in Tow Tubes
Ride-in tubes are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. This type of tube can accommodate a maximum of four riders. This type’s most popular shape is that of a mini boat with seats. These seats assist in keeping you safer and dryer. This type offers more safety features than other tubes. It is, therefore, perfect for young children or riders. These features, however, don’t exclude the opportunity for a riding experience at a tremendously high-speed.
Features
When getting ready for the season of aquatic adventures, you need to know the essential elements of water sports products and life jackets you are planning on purchasing. Here we are going to introduce you to the main characteristics of the tubes.
Quality
Regardless of the number of people who intend to use the tube, the design of the tube‘s surface must be carefully considered. Inflatable towable tubes are made of high-quality nylon covers with heavy gauge PVC bladders to withstand long-duty abuse in the water. This provides enough durability for you to enjoy hours of water sports at high speed. Do not underestimate the relationship between higher price and quality. Sometimes, investing a bit more will pay off and turn out to be the cheaper and longer-lasting option.
Safety
Health comes first, of course, so you need to make sure that you purchase the right kind of tube for yourself and your loved ones. Choosing tubes with larger surfaces and backrests for a more comfortable ride among the vast variety of shapes is the best option. Also, these models function well at a lower speed, which helps you enjoy a peaceful ride. Besides, cleaning and disinfecting with a cleanser after every use is advisable for the hygiene of riders.
Good Equipment
Although the tubes and their ropes are designed for long-term use, they are under enormous strain. The ratio between the tube’s weight, water resistance, and the boat’s speed creates a lot of stress at all connection points. Since the ropes are selected separately, they should be of outstanding quality. Do not to underestimate this factor at all. Daily checks should be performed on the whole equipment. To prevent saltwater damage, wash your lines with fresh water after every use.
Maintenance
Taking proper care is vital for every product you buy. Our advice is that you follow the instruction of the manufacturer, but here are some tips for further maintenance.
- Rinse the tube with water after its use in saltwater.
- Use mild soap when cleaning the item.
- Check if you have inflated your towable tube the right way before entering the water.
- To prevent mold or mildew from growing, allow the tube to air-dry before storing it.
- Do not store the item in direct sunlight – the UV light will damage the surface and the color.
- Make sure you store the tube in a deflated state as this will prevent stretching of the nylon cover and it will also make it more difficult for it to be accidentally damaged while in storage.
- Under-inflation is the most damaging thing to let happen to a tube. The products are created with the purpose to sit on top of the water and skim the surface.
Safety Tips
As a fan of water sports, you want to get the most out of your towable unit, but do not forget about safety. Here are some safety tips for pleasant days.
- Do not leave the tube for under the sun, or it will expand. Release the air and place it in the shade. This will make it last longer.
- During inflation, tubes do not require high pressure. They are designed to be products of low pressure / high volume. You can use an excellent electric pump or a combination of a 12-volt pump with a hand pump to inflate the tube.
- You’re responsible for your safety on the tube as a passenger. Before the driver starts the boat, you should make sure that you are holding on tight. The other thing you have to decide is some signals to communicate with the driver and the other people around you. It can be challenging to hear when the boat gets up to speed, so hand signals are more convenient. You should also make sure that you are wearing your life jacket. You’re going to have a lot of fun as long as you’re safe.
- There’s no towing from the boat to the tube without a rope. The first measure you need to consider is whether the length of the rope is at least 20 feet. This is to ensure that carbon monoxide poisoning is not possible. The ideal rope length ranges from 50 to 65 feet.
Wrap Up
Well, your hard work has paid off as you have successfully arrived at the end of our buying guide to finding the best towable tubes. Even though soaring through the sea at high speed indeed sounds like one of the most fun water sports, this does not mean that it cannot be dangerous. That’s why our buying guide does not only offer useful information but also has reviews on towable tubes, that we consider to be of the highest quality.
If you enjoyed our article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Also, bear in mind that you can always send us an email or leave us a comment or message if you think that we have missed something in our buying guides.
Our team has created many other articles devoted to finding the most reliable unit so go check them out as well. Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!