Throwing your kids around on the water can be great fun for both parties. The kids absolutely enjoy this activity. The thrill of being flipped around in the water on a tube is like that of being on a roller-coaster.
Who would have thought being dragged across a lake and launched off into the air when you can’t hold on any longer would have been so fun?
There’s simply not a better water activity to partake in. I cannot stress to you enough how much fun this really is. In this article, I’ll be recommending the best towable tubes for kids.
Not all towable tubes will provide the same experience. Towable tubes can differ greatly, providing unique experiences. For example, some tubes will allow for more air when launched, whereas some will not glide as well. Some tubes require the passenger to take different positions, such as laying down or sitting down.
Depending on the age of your kid and their experience with towable tubes, you’ll want to purchase a tube which best suits them. For example, you don’t want to have a kid who’s still nervous about towable tubes and has never used one, to be using a tube which requires them to be lay down on their stomach. This can be terrifying if they’re not confident, and will ruin their experience. For a beginner kid, I’d highly recommend a tube which they can sit down in.
A good tip for beginner kids is to purchase a tube which will accommodate for two passengers. This will allow the kids to share the experience with their friend or relative. This should decrease their nerves and allow them to have a more enjoyable experience. If you plan to do this, I’d highly recommend that you keep the whipping of the tube to a minimum to reduce the risks of injury to the kids. If the tube is shaking around a lot, there is a chance that they could collide into each other and knock heads.
Some boats won’t be able to provide enough speed to accommodate for the most fun possible when using towable tubes. If this is the case, then I’d highly recommend you purchase a booster ball from Amazon. This ball will reduce drag and absorb shock. This will in turn, improved the fuel economy of your boat. The ball I’ve recommended is extremely high quality, built for long term durability.
A common mistake that some beginners make is that they forget to purchase a pump for their tubes. Many people believe that any old pump will work. This is not the case for many however even if your pumps work, it may not be good for your tubes. You need a high-quality pump which will inflate and increase the life span of your tubes. I’d recommend this pump from Amazon.
It may be a good idea to purchase multiple towable tubes. It’s always great to have some variety when participating in any activity. Doing the same thing over and over can be somewhat repetitive and eventually the thrill won’t be the same. Therefore purchasing a few different types of towable tubes may be a good idea.
Another reason I’d recommend having multiple types of towable tubes is because if multiple kids are going to be participating, they may be on different experience levels. Meaning that one tube may not be suitable for everyone. For example, one kid could be a confident tuber and enjoy going as fast as possible whilst being launched as high as possible. Whereas another kid may still be nervous and prefer going a bit slower than the other. This would mean that you’ll need to have at least two different towable tubes.
To make identifying the best towable tubes for your kids, easier. I’ve divided the list of the best towable tubes into three sections. The first being for beginner kids, the second being for intermediate kids and the third being for the experienced. This will allow you to purchase the most suitable tube for your children.
5 Best Towable Tubes for Beginner Kids (2022)
Aqua Pro 1 Rider Sit-In Style Water Towable Tube
If you are looking for a towable tube for tubing or recreational watersports, the Aqua Pro 1 is worth considering. This towable tube features an ergonomic design that will help you get the best tubing experience in any condition.
The Aqua Pro 1 comes with a heavy-duty nylon cover with double stitching to provide confidence and safety during various activities. The comfortable sitting position also enhances performance and safety, and you will have no issues tubing around rivers, lakes, or even oceans.
Features that we like
Besides sporting a heavy-duty construction, the Aqua Pro 1 has many useful features. While it took us a few moments to figure out its features, our tests revealed its capabilities. In short, the Aqua Pro 1 is one of the best towable tubes out there.
The Aqua Pro 1 features a patented reinforced tow harness, allowing effortless rope connection. This connection ensures that you can escalate your towing experience in more ways than you can imagine. Additionally, the padded grip handles offer the confidence and stability required while maneuvering through rough waters.
Pros
- Heavy-duty nylon cover
- Triple-reinforced tow harness
- Easy-grip padded handles
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Excellent sitting comfort
Cons
- It takes time to inflate using a conventional inflator
Overall, the Aqua Pro 1 is an excellent towable tube for watersports and undoubtedly worth considering.
WOW World of Watersports Mega Ducky
The Mega Ducky may look like an ideal proposition for kids but don’t let the looks fool you as it has got all the ingredients to impress even avid watersports enthusiasts. This giant inflatable ducky can accommodate five adults and features sidewalls and a backrest for a comfortable tubing experience.
This inflatable towable tube features high-quality materials in its construction and comes with multiple reinforced tow points. These multiple setups enhance stability and safety during various activities without compromising the excitement and thrill of tubing in open waters.
Features that we like
One of the significant advantages of this inflatable towable tube is its seating space. The giant ducky has an inflated dimension of 115 x11 x 65 inches, ensuring that your family or friends will have enough space to enjoy the ride. The heavy-duty material ensures stability and safety even with a single occupant.
The spacious cockpit design allows riders to sit wherever and in whichever position they want. You can lie on the deck, use the backrest for sitting conventionally or kneel at the front to experience the excitement. In short, this giant inflatable ducky will keep you engaged all the time.
Pros
- Multiple tow points
- Spacious deck for up to five adults
- High-quality construction
- Durable and secure design
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- A bit expensive
Whether you use it for recreational watersports or as a floating playground, this giant inflatable ducky will never disappoint.
Heavy-Duty Inflatable Towable Booster Tube
If you are looking for a compact towable tube that provides an excellent tubing experience, look no further than the towable booster tube from SereneLife. This inflatable towable tube offers comfort and stability far superior to many of its rivals in this price range.
This tube features EVA foam pads and air-cushioned walls for additional comfort and a secure riding experience. The wide seating area offers enough room for three adults, while children will have more space for floating playground activities.
Features that we like
Tow points are an integral part of any towable tube, and this glide tracker ensures that you get maximum gripping points. The tow points located at the front and back provide enhanced stability, while the comfortable grab handles keep your hands safe even during rigorous recreational watersports activities.
We tried this inflatable tube in various conditions, and the glide tracker never failed to impress us. The PU coating resists dirt, and the easy-to-use valve function ensures that you will have your towable tube inflated in no time.
Pros
- Air-cushioned side walls and EVA foam seat pad
- Multiple tow points
- Comfortable grab handles
- Dirt-resistant PU coating
- Enough space for three adults
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Value for money
Cons
- No tow rope included in the package
Comfort Shell Deck Tube
The Airhead is one of the most affordable towable tubes in the market, offering an excellent tubing experience without putting a hole in your wallet. Its durable PVC bladder wrapped in Neoprene foam offers extreme comfort during recreational watersports activities.
Features that we like
Despite having a compact footprint, the Airhead can accommodate three adults. It features six comfortable grab handles that enhance safety and stability, even gliding at higher speeds. The padded finish offers a comfortable ride, while the foam-filled handles prevent strains even after extended activities.
Thanks to the boarding straps, getting in and out is effortless, and the heavy-duty tow connection is robust and reliable. We never had any issues during our tests, making it a winner in this price bracket.
Pros
- Foam-filled grab handles with webbing
- Heavy-duty tow point
- Comfortable padding
- Enough space for three mid-sized adults
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- You may experience bumps at higher speeds
Overall, the Airhead is a budget champ, making it an ideal acquisition for beginners.
Airhead AHRE-503 Renegade
If cruising over lakes and rivers is your go-to plan in summers, the Renegade 3 will undoubtedly suffice your needs. This towable tube features two tow points that allow you to enjoy two different tubing experiences – front and backward.
Features that we like
The efficient design cuts through wakes without compromising comfort and stability, and the spacious deck offers enough room for three mid-sized adults. Additionally, the soft-foam seating pads and high backrest keeps you comfortable all the time.
You can find padded handles at convenient places, helping you to maintain stability during your rides. You also get soft-padded armrests for each rider, which aids stability and comfort during your recreational watersports activities.
In short, the Renegade 3 will suffice all your watersports needs with the advantage of experiencing it in two different positions.
Pros
- Comfortable grab handles
- Two different tubing experiences
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Enough space for three mid-sized adults
- Inflator pump and tow rope included in the package
- Value for money
Cons
- The deck is a bit firm
Overall, the Renegade 3 is an excellent product for recreational watersports lovers and is undoubtedly one of the best towable tubes in 2022.
5 Best Towable Tubes for Beginner Kids
SPORTSSTUFF 53-1780 Chariot Warbird 2
This is by far my favorite towable tube for beginner children. It has so many features and specifications which make it perfect for those who are still nervous about towable tubing and have very little experience. The Chariot Warbird accommodates for 2 people, meaning you could have two kids ride together – which should calm their nerves significantly and allow them to experience the activity together. This tube also has a very sturdy build, along with grips, making it very hard for anyone to fall out. This design will allow kids to feel safe therefore they can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
I believe that this is the best towable tube you could purchase for beginner kids or those who are still nervous about the activity. This tube is built to make them feel safe which is the most important factor required for beginners. If they don’t feel safe, then they won’t have fun. Therefore, I think this is by far the best towable tube you could buy for beginners.
SPORTSSTUFF 53-2213 Big Mable
This is another great towable tube for beginners. The biggest difference between this choice and the first is the fact that this tube doesn’t have a rounded wall and wings. This reduces the amount stability slightly however this makes for a very sturdy and sage tube. It’s very common to use this tube backwards, with many grips, this is made easy. Riding this tube backwards could increase the passenger’s confidence due to the large wall between them and the water. This is another top recommendation for beginners.
AIRHEAD HD-3 Hot Dog
This is a beloved classic tube, a favorite with the kids. The main attraction of this tube is the fact that it can accommodate for 3 riders. The more, the merrier. It’s always more fun to participate in an activity with others, which is why the hot dog is so popular. This also makes it great for beginner children as having other kids with them will make them more comfortable and calm their nerves.
The hot dog is very cheap, costing only a fraction of the price of some more complexed towable tubes. This is mainly because it doesn’t have all the features which make other tubes more stable such as the wall or wing.
The design of the hot dog towable tube allows for greater speeds which makes it perfect for those who’s boats lack the factor of speed. Due to its minimalistic design, the hot dog is nowhere near as stable as the Big Mable or Chariot Warbird. This means that you’ll want to be careful when picking up a lot of speed and throwing the tube about. If the tube is shaking around a lot, there is a chance that riders could collide into each other and knock heads. Also, due to the speed which this tube can reach, and the lack of stability – it’s more likely that a kid may fall off into the water, which could be scary for a beginner.
Airhead AHTM-4 Tremor
The Tremor by Airhead is another great tube for beginners. With a circular, horseshoe shaped wrap, riders will feel embraced and safe. A trend which you’re probably noticing by now is that the beginner tubes tend to accommodate for more than one person. This tube does exactly that, with a capacity of 1-4 people. There’s plenty of room for a small family. Though it’s not recommended, and I’d suggest you only fill a tube to its advertised maximum capacity, I’ve heard of people fitting up to 6 small children inside.
With many handles and knuckle guards, as well as soft knee pads, this is a very comfortable tube. I can assure you, you’ll have a ‘boat load of fun’ if you purchase this tube.
AIRHEAD AHM2-2 Mach 2
This is very inexpensive tube which has a lot to offer. Don’t be fooled by the price and thinking this is a low-quality tube because it’s great bang for your buck. This is a great tube for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want the full towable tube experience.
This is a very stable tube with a deep cockpit which kids almost sink into. This holds them in tight, making it very difficult for them to be thrown out. The inflated floors which the child sinks into is also very comfortable.
The Mach 2 also allows for 2 riders, so siblings or friends can experience the activity together. This will overall make the activity twice as fun. Experiencing something on your own is never as fun as enjoying it with one of your favorite people.
5 Best Towable Tubes for Intermediate Kids
Airhead Slash II Rope
The Slash 2 by Airhead is one of the best towable tubes for kids who have some experience with some confidence however are not completely ready to be thrown into the air yet. I’d highly recommend it for intermediate kids.
The durability of this tube is great. Advertised as being made from the highest quality materials – this tube lives up to this statement. If used in accordance to it’s weight capacity and with reasonable usage – this tube could last, you a year or two. This will allow you to get the best bang for your buck.
This tube has an advertised rider capacity of 3. This is more than enough people for a great time. Also, with a max weight of 500 pounds this could accommodate for 2 adults and a kid if you wanted to enjoy this tube with your spouse and kid.
AIRHEAD AHM2-2 Mach 2
Another great choice for an intermediate towable tube is the AIRHEAD AHM2-2 Mach 2. This tube had to be in my top 5 picks. If you haven’t noticed by now, Airhead produce some of the best towable tubes on the market. Airhead always produce well designed, quality products which work especially well for children.
I’ve already recommended this tube as great for beginners, however I believe it’s just as good – if not better for intermediate kids. This is the tube which I’d recommend you purchase if longevity is a big factor for you. This is because this tube is very suitable for different types of experience levels. It’s an overall great tube.
AIRHEAD G-Force
The G-Force by Airhead is a very popular tube which has been around for a long time. This tube is a lot different from all the other tubes which I’ve recommended so far.
This is a circular tube which requires riders to lay on their stomach. This is a great choice for intermediate tubers. When laying on stomach is taking tubing to the next level. When laying down, this activity becomes 10x as exciting. This is a very minimalist tube which doesn’t have any walls or seats. This takes away the sense of safety and makes the ride much more thrilling.
This tube accommodates for up to 3 riders. This is probably the sweet spot for tubes as anymore than 3 people will weigh down the tube, thus increasing the risk of injury and slowing down the towing boat.
SPORTSSTUFF 53-1661 Frequent Flyer
The Frequent Flyer is a ridiculously amazing towable tube. This tube will provide you and your kids with the utmost best fun. This is a very similar pick to the G-Force by Airhead. Though the Frequent Flyer is great – I’d still recommend the G-Force over it. Regardless, this is one of the best tubes for intermediate kids.
This is another circular tube which requires riders to lay on their stomach as opposed to sitting down. When laying down you feel more vulnerable than when you’re sitting down. Which will make the ride much more exciting. This tube also has a recommended rider capacity of 3 people. This tube can perfectly fit 3 adults.
RAVE Sports Diablo II
The Diablo 2 by RAVE is another great towable tube, especially for intermediate kids. Though it’s not as great as the other picks, it deserves an honorable mention. For sure a tube you should consider. This tube has a maximum rider capacity of 2 people. Which is great as it means that kids can experience the activity together without having to worry about too many people slowing down the boat.
5 Best Towable Tubes for Experienced Kids
Table could not be displayed.AIRHEAD Super Slice
The Super Slice produced by Airhead is without doubt, one of the best towable tubes for experienced kids. The main attraction to this tube is the speed which it accommodates for. As the name suggests, the tube ‘slices’ through water and allows for maximum speeds. This is essential for speed demons who love nothing more than being dragged across water at lighting fast speeds.
The Super Slice has a maximum rider capacity of 3 riders which is great for those who want to experience the fun with their friends. With 6 nylon-wrapped handles, there’s plenty of leverage to prevent riders from falling off into the water.
O’Brien Super Screamer
The Super Screamer by O’Brien is also a top pick for towable tubes for experiences kid, as well as adults. This tube is very similar to the Super Slice however I don’t believe that it can reach speeds as high as the Super Slice. Though, the Super Screamer has a more stable build and made from higher quality materials. Overall, if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of speed – this may be a better option over the Super Slice.
SPORTSSTUFF Gyro
This is the most unique towable tube in this article. I’ve decided to add something a little bit different to add some spice to this list. The Gyro by SPORTSSTUFF is a weird and whacky towable tube. After using the typical towable tubes for so long, you and your kids may want to try something new – and the Gyro is perfect for such a situation.
This is a bullet-shaped tube which spins the rider 360 degrees whilst they’re thrown around the lake. This is perfect for thrill seekers who love a heart pumping activity. Riders will barely be able to glimpse and eye at what’s happening whilst they’re being span around and thrown.
O’Brien Super LeTube Deluxe
Last but not least is the Super LeTube Deluve by O’Brien. This is one of the best towable tubes for experienced kids. O’Brien have some great tubes, perfect for experienced kids. Not only is it built from high quality materials, but it also can provide immense speeds. With a maximum rider capacity of 2 riders – this is great for those who want to experience the ride with someone else.
Conclusion
Every single last towable tube which I’ve mentioned in this article are great tubes. However, each one works best with specific experience leveled riders.
This article can apply for adults just as much as kids however whilst writing this I had kids in mind. Adults could easily begin straight off at the experienced tubes whereas a kid would be better off starting with the beginner tubes.
My name Is Larry Noel, the voice behind BoatCrunch.
I’m a boating enthusiast that loves nothing more than being out on the water. So much so that I’ve acquired a Degree in Marine Biology (MB) as well as a degree in Ocean Engineering (OE).
I’m very familiar with a wide range of different boats and I’ve owned a variety of different boats myself however I have a particular obsession with Pontoon boats. I’ve lived all across the United States and always kept company in the form of boats and now my loving family.
Comments 1
Can’t wait for my tubes to arrive, I bought the Airhead Mach 2 for my oldest son and a tube by wow sports which you didn’t recommend but it looked like a good deal