The Best Towable Tubes In 2023
Our Top Pick After 17 Hours of Reviewing and Testing:
Fast inflation and deflation with the patented speed safety valve
Full nylon, heavy-duty cover
Unique backrest
Multiple grab handles
3 person towbale tube
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If you’re in the market for a water sports activity that is fun for the whole family and doesn’t necessarily require any athletic ability – then towable tubes are the best product for you. The only ability you need to know is how to hold on (and swim, in case you get flung off). Compared to wakesurfing or water skiing, a towable tube is an easier option to enjoy water sports.
The 9 best towable tubes for boats in 2023:
- 1. Sports Stuff Super Mable Tow Tube
- 2. Airhead Hot Dog Boat Towable Tube
- 3. WOW Sports Macho 2-Person Towable Tube
- 4. Sports Stuff Chariot Warbird 2
- 5. Sports Stuff Poparazzi Tow Tube For Boat
- 6. Airhead Slash II Boat Tube
- 7. Airhead Switchback 4 Rider Towble Tube For Boating
- 8. WOW Sports Big Bubba Hi-Visibility Towable Deck Seat Tube
- 9. WOW Sports Big Ducky 1 to 3 Person Towable Tube
Everything from the materials and build quality to the shape of the tube can affect how you use the tube and how much fun you have. So, with the sheer number of products currently on the market, we understand that it can be hard to know which tube is best. In our best towable tubes review, we’ve compiled a list of the nine best towable tubes. Along with that, we’ve included a tube buying guide and FAQ section that is sure to help you find the best towable tube for your adventures.
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#1 | SportsStuff Super Mable: Two towable points - front and back | Riders: 3 Riding Position: Tube with Backrest Rating: 4.9 Dimensions: 75 inches x 73 inches x 30 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#2 | Sportsstuff Poparazzi: | Riders: 3 Riding Position: Lying Down Tube Rating: 4.7 Dimensions: 77 inches x 80 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#3 | Airhead Switchback 4 Rider: Great for Families | Riders: 4 Riding Position: Tube with Backrest Rating: 4.7 Dimensions: 88 inches x 70 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#4 | Airhead Hot Dog Boat: Suitable for 1-3 riders | Riders: 3 Riding Position: Inline Sitting Rating: 4.7 Dimensions: 103 inches x 44 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#5 | WOW Sports Macho: Great option for one rider | Riders: 2 Riding Position: Side By Side Rating: 4.6 Dimensions: 74 inches x 62 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#6 | SportsStuff Chariot Warbird 2: Double-Webbing Foam Handles with Knuckle Guards | Riders: 3 Riding Position: Tube with Backrest Rating: 4.5 Dimensions: 78 inches x 90 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#7 | Airhead Slash II: | Riders: 2 Riding Position: Inline Kneeling Rating: 4.6 Dimensions: 58 inches x 48 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#8 | WOW Sports Big Bubba Hi-Visibility: Extra secure ride | Riders: 2 Riding Position: Tube with Backrest Rating: 4.7 Dimensions: 66 inches x 60 inches x 42 inches | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#9 | WOW Sports Big Ducky: Great option for kids, teens, and adults | Riders: 3 Riding Position: Sitting Rating: 4.5 Dimensions: 86 inches x 74 inches | ]CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
Towable Tubes Reviews
1. Sports Stuff Super Mable Tow Tube
Top Features:
- Fast inflation and deflation with the patented speed safety valve
- Full nylon, heavy-duty cover
- Unique backrest
- Multiple grab handles
Specifications:
- Tubes inflated dimensions: 75 inches x 73 inches x 30 inches
- Tubes deflated dimensions: 79 inches x 78 inches
- Tubes Weight: 20 lbs.
- Tubes Rider Capacity: 3 Riders
The checkered flag on the Sports Stuff Super Mable Towable Tube speaks for itself when it screams for speed. The towable tube has a backrest, so you can be sure that riders won’t be flung into the water as soon as the boat accelerates. The bright orange of the tube allows it to stand out in the water while towed, thus increasing the safety factor. There is a tow point from the front or the back to get different experiences.
The 3 person Sports Stuff Super Mable Tow Tube allows riders to ride in multiple positions and have handles to hold onto. It’s made with heavy-duty K80 PVC bladder and nylon covered, double stitched cover that’s complete with self-bailing drain vents. This tube is good for children and adults, as the tube offers a comfortable backrest, grab handles and the tube is very spacious. We and others think this is the best towable tube for boating you can buy today.
- Features a front riser
- Comfortable EVA foams
- Adjustable backrests offer plenty of comfort
- Reports of handles of the tube starting to fray after a couple of months
- Heavy (even more when it’s wet)
- Quite large which makes putting away harder
2. Airhead Hot Dog Boat Towable Tube
Top Features:
- Deluxe nylon covered handles
- Seat pads and heavy-duty Kwik Connect
- Neoprene knuckle guards
- 30 gauge vinyl air chambers x3
Specifications:
- Tubes dimensions: 103 inches x 44 inches
- Tubes Weight:
- Tubes Rider Capacity: 3 Riders (510 lbs.)
Airhead’s Hot Dog towable tube has the ability to allow three riders at a time, with each having separate handles and seats to hold onto. It’s towable by boat through the heavy-duty Kwik Connect, which connects the tube to the boat very easily. The three 30-gauge vinyl chambers are protected through an 840 denier, double stitched nylon cover.
Airhead towable tube also makes a two-rider version of this model, however, this tube will be best if you’re looking to ride two adults. The Hot Dog Tow Tube comes with a one-year limited warranty, which gives you peace of mind in case anything happens. This tube is perfect for providing hours of fun for children and adults. The good design layout and the use of high-quality materials are sure to provide hours of entertainment out on the water.
- Unique knuckle guards
- Quality nylon cover material
- Rigid construction
- Pricey
- Poorly designed valve area
- Prolonged use might cause a knee rash (similar to rug burn)
3. WOW Sports Macho 2-Person Towable Tube
Top Features:
- Tube has multiple seating options for riders
- Nylon hardness to prevent riders from hitting the water
- Comfortable ride
- Fast inflation and deflation through speed valve
Specifications:
- Tubes inflated dimensions: 74 inches x 62 inches
- Tube Rider Capacity: 2 Riders (340 lbs.)
World of Water (WOW) Sport’s Macho 2-Person Towable Tube allows up to two riders to sit, kneel, or lay in the cockpit. The cockpit design features a heavy-duty, UV protected Flex-Sit material that allows it to be ultra-comfortable and form-fitting. The fitting on the seat keeps the riders from hitting the water. The tow rope is attached to the front which ensures the safety and stability of the rider(s).
The Macho 2-Person towable tube by WOW Sports towable tube includes a full nylon cover and a heavy-duty zipper and 12 double foam handles. These handles ensure that riders can use various seating methods to enjoy their time out on the water fully. The speed valve ensures that you have faster inflation and deflation to spend more time on the water.
- Easy clean up and pick up (included tote bag)
- Multiple seating options
- Versatile use
- Reports of stitching loosening after a couple uses
- Quality could be better
- Over or under inflation might cause damage to the PVC bladder
4. Sports Stuff Chariot Warbird 2
Top Features:
- Wide wingspan design ensures stability and tight turn capabilities
- Fast inflation and deflation with the patented speed safety valve
- Quick connect tow system
- Rear and front tow points
Specifications:
- Tubes inflated dimensions: 78 inches x 90 inches
- Tubes deflated dimensions: 80 inches x 96 inches
- Tube Weight: 45.8 lbs.
- Tube Rider Capacity: 3 Riders
The Sports Stuff Chariot Warbird 2 towable tube is constructed with a heavy-gauge PVC bladder. It also comes complete with two tow points, with one in the front and the other in the back. The aluminum quick connect tow point system allows you an easy setup. The heavy-duty nylon cover is sure to last you a few summers. The design of the wingspan is purposely kept wide so that the rider has more stability and capability of meeting tighter turns.
The high back design of the seating on Sports Stuff Chariot Warbird 2 Inflatable towable tube ensures that the rider(s) will be comfortable cruising behind the boat. The riders will have a blast with the different seating possibilities with the tube featuring a typical chariot design. The double webbing foam handles, including the knuckle pads, ensure the rider’s comfort (s).
- Great for just lounging
- Wide wing span makes tight turns easy
- Aluminum quick-connect system
- Two people riding together tend to bump into each other
- Very large
- Needs to be folded up after use otherwise the inside might get messed up.
5. Sports Stuff Poparazzi Tow Tube For Boat
Top Features:
- Tons of comfortable handles.
- Good amount of riding options.
- High rise tower on the rear deck.
- EVA foam knuckle and knee guards.
Specifications:
- Tubes inflated dimensions: 77 inches x 80 inches
- Tubes deflated dimensions: 72 inches x 68 inches
- Tube Rider Capacity: 3 Riders
If you’re looking for a ‘cool’ water tube, then the Sports Stuff Poparazzi Inflatable Towable Tube is a great option. It comes with the Sports Stuff patented aluminum quick connect two system that gets you out on the water fast. Their patented safety valve ensures that you won’t spend too long inflating and deflating the tube. The knuckle guards are made of foam filled, heavy duty, nylon-wrapped handles around a neoprene base. The foam knee and knuckle guards ensure that the riders can stay comfortable for longer – which means a longer time out with each ride.
The Sports Stuff Poparazzi Towable Tube is perfect for children and adults of all ages. If you really try, you could even have up to six kids (roughly 3rd graders) on here, but be advised, the recommended number of riders is three. It’s hard to perform tricks on this tube due to the sheer size, but it allows more people to be out together and can be great for a leisure ride around the water.
- Suitable for people of all ages
- High maneuverability
- Great for relaxing and thrilling rides
- Some reports of it losing air quickly
- Heavy
- You have to attach the tow rope before inflating
6. Airhead Slash II Boat Tube
Top Features:
- 4 nylon-wrapped handles
- Neoprene knuckle guards
- 30 gauge PVC bladder
- 840 denier, double stitched nylon cover
Specifications:
- Tubes deflated dimensions: 58 inches x 48 inches
- Tube Weight: 11.25 lbs.
- Tube Rider Capacity: 2 Riders
Built for two riders, the Airhead Slash II towable tube is the perfect option for carving turns. The semi-cockpit design can protect the rider(s) from falling into the water. The aerodynamic design is what sets it apart from other products. It features plastic fins that are sewed onto the sides of the cover. The design is also great as it allows you easily re-enter the tube from the back, allowing you to get back in anytime you fall out – prolonging the fun.
The vibrant and bright colors and exotic design make the Airhead Slash II towable tube stand out from the crowd. The 840 denier, double stitched nylon is fairly durable. The reinforced fabric works to keep the tube strong and durable. It’s a great choice for calmer lake waters, rather than anything rough.
- Nylon covered for less air resistance
- Nylon handles and sidewalls for protection
- Easily connect to the boat with the built-in Kwik Connect
- The zipper is not durable
- Placement of zipper might cause it to rub and scratch legs.
- The tube has a likelihood of quickly deflating
7. Airhead Switchback 4 Rider Towble Tube For Boating
Top Features:
- High-quality material construction
- Double stitched, rugged nylon cover
- 2 speed safety valves
- Kwik Connect
Specifications:
- Towbale Tubes inflated dimensions:
- Towbale Tubes deflated dimensions: 88 inches x 70 inches
- Tube Weight: 27.49 lbs.
- Tube Rider Capacity: 4 Riders
As a renowned company, Airhead did not disappoint with this Switchback 4 Rider towable tube. The construction is sure to help take your enjoyment to new levels. It’s built with Four riders can ride this at one time, with two kneeling at the back and two sitting in the front. Regardless of which way you choose to ride this, you’re sure to enjoy your time out with friends and family.
Due to the nylon material construction and double stitching, you’re sure to get a durable product that will last you a while. The quick connect and speed safety valves ensure that your enjoyment will be at max level. The design of the towable tube also features multiple boarding straps that make re-entering the tube easy. In addition to that, the side panels and comfortable backrest will help to keep you in place.
- Easy inflation and deflation with the speedy safety valves
- Impressive chariot style
- Several styles of riding available
- Reports of leaks after a couple months of use
- The more people are on this, the higher the likelihood of heads bumping together.
- Not great for older/bigger children or adults.
8. WOW Sports Big Bubba Hi-Visibility Towable Deck Seat Tube
Top Features:
- Reinforced back and front tow points
- EZ tow connector on the front
- The extra high backrest keeps you on even with fast, bouncy rides.
- High-quality material construction
Specifications:
- Towable Tubes deflated dimensions: 66 inches x 60 inches x 42 inches
- Tube Weight: 27.66 lbs.
- Tube Rider Capacity: 2 Riders (340 lbs.)
WOW Sport’s Big Bubba towable tube Hi-Visibility Deck Seat is the perfect starter towable tube for the family. It’s great for just about anybody to ride on. The tube comes with a flat base that allows a smooth and minimal drag ride. The flat base is also great for going fast on the water. It features secure deck seating that includes a very high backrest and sidewalls that help keep the rider safe and secure.
The Big Bubba Hi-Visibility Deck Seat towable tube includes tow points in the front and the back so you have the option to ride chariot-style (kneeling), laying down, or just sitting. The construction includes EVA foam knee pads and seats and the eight doubled webbed foam handles and four flat handles. After you’re done speeding through the water, you can use this as a relaxing floating water couch.
- Spacious for two people
- Hard to tip over
- Decent quality
- Some reports issues with the zipper
- A few reports of the tube losing air fast
- A couple issues with water filling up the bladders
9. WOW Sports Big Ducky 1 to 3 Person Towable Tube
Top Features:
- A custom tail shape that secures the saddle seating
- EVA foam riding pad
- Side bumper system
- Heavy-duty 3-point tow system
Specifications:
- Tubes inflated dimensions: 86 inches x 74 inches
- Tubes deflated dimensions: 94 inches x 76 inches
- Towbale Tubes Weight: 15 lbs.
- Tubes Rider Capacity: 3 Rider (510 lbs.)
This WOW Sport’s Big Ducky 3 Person Towable Tube is constructed with a soft, custom tail shape that secures the saddle seating. The side bumper system keeps riders on the tube even if/when the ride gets extreme. The three-point, wide webbed, heavy duty tow system gives riders different riding styles. It also features double webbed foam handles and knuckle guards that ensure comfortability for the rider(s).
The Big Ducky towable tube comes complete with a full nylon, heavy-duty cover that has heavy-duty zippers. It ensures that the heavy-duty, PVC bladders and the speed valves for fast inflating and deflating are zippered and padded. The large, winged deck area is a great space for riders to lay, kneel, stand, or sit down. Like other products on this list, this product is also backed by a year by the manufacturer.
- Well-built and manufactured
- Vibrant colors
- Offers a thrilling ride
- Can be a bit challenging for adults
- Takes a bit of balancing
- Pricier than some
Buyer’s Guide
Just like any other product, there are various factors and features that you should consider before you purchase your first or upgrade towable tube. If you simply just walk into a sporting goods store or you pick out the cheapest one that you can find, it could mean that you don’t have as much fun on the water. Not to mention that it could be quite dangerous in terms of the quality of a product. You should expect to invest a bit of money into your towable tube so that it can meet expectations and last you for a while.
So, let’s get into the factors you should consider when buying the best towable tube.
How Many People Can Be Towed In a Towable Tube?
All towable tubes come with a set number of riders that it can safely carry. This can be anywhere from 1-2 to 3-4 riders on one tube at a time. If you’re buying this for use by a family, then it’s important to think about how many people will generally be on the trip with you. If you’ve got children, they are also likely to bring their friends.
However, on the other side of that, the 1-2 rider towable tube will be smaller than the 3-4 rider tube. This means that it’s easier to pack away and bring on shorter trips that not many people are going on. The larger towable tubes can build up speed quite quickly and get out of hand just as quickly, which will be something that the driver would need to keep in mind.
Quality of Build
This might be one of the most important aspects of your tube. If it is not of a high standard, then it could malfunction while you’re on the water, which could injure your loved ones. A towable tube that has been built properly and efficiently should last you family years to come.
The standard material that you’ll find in most is high-quality nylon that covers a high gauge bladder. Generally, for a solid construction, you’ll find 420 denier nylon is used. This material is great for protecting the bladder and still feeling comfortable while you are perched on. The best material possible is the 840 denier nylon.
The PVC bladder is normally a one-chamber 26 gauge PVC bladder chamber. They can get up to three chambers of 30 gauge. The high number ones are generally for the larger tubes so that the air is distributed throughout the towable tube. A single chambered bladder usually has a quick inflation and deflation feature that allows you to get on the water faster. As bladders are made of PVC bladder material, they usually have welded seams.
Knuckle Guards
This feature allows you to have a lengthier and more enjoyable time without having to worry about your hands getting sore or painful after a while. This piece of equipment has padding on the inner part of the handles to protect your hands from bashing the body of the inflatable. If these were absent, you could end up with scrapes or bashed knuckles.
Padding
This generally is a standard piece of equipment that comes in most, if not all, floatables. The EVA padding in the towable tubes makes your ride a bit more comfortable than if they were not there. It’s bound to get bumpy while you’re on the water, but strategically placing padding will ensure that you don’t even notice it there. Many companies test out where people’s knees or elbows usually rest on a towable. Using that data, they add pads to these areas to make the ride more safe and comfortable.
Inflation
This has to be one of the most overlooked aspects of an inflatable. Most do not come with or have PSI indicators to tell how much air you need to put into the tube. Factors like cold or hot days can play a part in air retainment throughout the day. You should always make sure that you have properly inflated the tube using an electric pump. If it doesn’t skim over the water, then it is probably underinflated. If that is the case, it can appear sluggish and take more effort to pull, which might cause further damage.
Ensuring that the cover of the tube does not have wrinkles in it should signify that it has enough air. Ensure to do this before you are on the water as it’s easier to take the excess air out and add more in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When you’re thinking about getting a towable tube, you might find yourself asking some questions. They could be anything from confusion about terminology or what the best features to have are. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q. What Material Is Often Used To Make The Best Towable Tubes?
A. Generally, the best towable tubes are made from anywhere between 600 Denier polyester to 1000 denier polyester, along with 26 oz. to 28 oz. UV protected PVC. This is the same material that you’ll find in inflatable military boats and ocean-going inflatables. Every single seam in the construction would have been heat-welded to offer you with the most durability possible. Some might have even been double welded at key stress points.
Q. What Is Neoprene? Why Is It Used?
A. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber and is used to cover knuckle guards and handles to provide users with a more comfortable and protected grip. The higher the rider capacity of an inflatable tube, the more handles will be required. It is also used for knee pads to protect the knees of the riders from chaffing.
Q. What Do I Need To Know About 30 Gauge Versus 60 Gauge Bladder?
A. The gauge of a bladder refers to the thickness inside of the tube. The higher the number, the thicker the inner tube.
Q. Can I Use My Towable Tube In Salt Water?
A. Towable tubes are made for use in fresh and saltwater. However, if you use the towable tube in saltwater for longer periods of time, you should remember to rinse and dry it thoroughly before putting it away.
Always remember water sports can be dangerous and to be safe and wear a life vest.