Airhead slice tube - be careful
 

Just a heads up to tubers, especially for younger kids. I purchased an airhead slice and in the first few minutes of using, this thing submarined very quickly and very deep, bringing a frightened nine year old down with it. I know folks will say you started too slow, or the kid was too far forward, or the tube was under-inflated. Maybe she was not all the way back but start and inflation was both good and I think body position was good too. She was too confused or too afraid to let go.

After the fact research turned up a large amount of this exact complaint on the airheads, especially the slice. Shame on me for not researching this first.

I have since replaced it with a tube with a great reputation and we are back to having fun

Two points. The airhead slice was very frightening to us so please be careful if using this tube. I am sure the older kids don't mind but a younger kid will not like the experience of submarining unexpectedly. This tube has a reputation for subbing.

Second point. Kudos to Gillian Marine for understanding and taking back the tube.

Thanks for the heads up. I thought it was only me submarining the kids. Dam right, I tend to sink it when I turn in a slower motion on corners even if no one is on it. I did sink the smaller kids, I was shocked more. I do have a different type of pull toy that is safer for smaller children. But when I get a smart azz adult I just break out the slice.

That's interesting. We have owned an Airhead tube for many years and I thought it was just normal for tubes to do that if there was too much weight on the front. Our 5 YO went for a submarine ride this year and now has no interest. 8 yo loves it. He knows to lean back when going idle speed. They are good quality tubes though.

I can see how that would be scary. My kids try to submarine our tubes (at low speed)... Nice to hear about Gillan taking it back with no hassle too.

I like your style SanPan. Welcome to the Forum. :D NB

I have a slice after returning several others and ended up learning that all tubes in this style submarine when pulled too slow. Once I learned that, I always start full throttle and keep my eye on the tube. In addition, I also keep my speed between 20 and 25 mph. I've taken many, many kids on it, including my 7 year old niece, and it won't submarine if you go full throttle when starting. I agree though that it is scary and dangerous when it does happen, and it isn't the best kind of tube for very little kids. Just curious, what kind did you end up getting? Is it better in this regard?

Not a Slice but very interesting. Saw this in Paugus Bay just outside the Weirs Channel. Get inside and see how far you can walk in it.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...78505003_n.jpg

I would be sick in that thing in about 5 minutes :). By the way, my Slice tube died today. The nylon cover ripped right off it while using it! We had to retrieve the nylon and the white inflatable from the lake! The kids are sad now. If anyone has a good tube recommendation, let me know! Thanks.

Big Bertha, is rated for 1-4 riders
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...tures013-1.jpg

any of the Slalom series(for 1,2,3,or 4 riders)
this is the slalom solo for 1 rider
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...ictures048.jpg

Just let go!!
 

I still havn't figured out why so many people hold on to the tow rope when they fall off tubes, skis, kneeboards, etc. I've seen people skimming along at 30+ miles per hour for a few hundred yards half submerged before they let go. I must admit sometimes I find it a bit amusing...Is it just me??

Our O'Brien Super Screamers (seen below on the outside) have been great. They are basic, flat, round tubes for 1-2 people and they are ruggedly built. O'Brien also makes a bigger, 4 person tube (seen below in the middle) of the same style.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...77252192_n.jpg

The picture was taken in Maine. Yes, that's a waterproof camera mounted to a bike helmet. The video is funny.

http://www.squidoo.com/paparazzi-tube

These are a BLAST......stand,sit or lie down.The person standing can steer and do tricks.Also,it's easy for the driver to deliberately dump somebody if they want put a "showoff" in their place.:laugh:

We got the obrein swift. The obrein tubes are known to be quite stable and resist subbing. Airheads are prone to submarining, from my research.

Dave R: LOVE the waterproof camera on the helmet. I wish I thought of that a LONG time ago. I have to try that! What kind of camera is it?

It's an Olympus Stylus Tough. A really nifty point and shoot. It's made to be dropped and submerged.

Sorry about the water drops on the lens.

<object width="1280" height="720"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/3964563884462"></param><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/3964563884462" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" width="1280" height="720"></embed></object>

My 15 year old daughter discovered the hard way on Sunday that once you are hanging off the tube, you should just let go. If anyone finds a bikini bottom in Alton Bay, lemme know...

Dave, I saw your comment about the Facebook video. Just click on the video's title on your timeline and open it up. Under the video there is an "Embed Video" link. Click that and copy and paste that code into your forum message and the video will be displayed. We'd love to see it.

I figured it out while you were typing, see above... Thanks!

Gopro
 

My wife has done some awesome video using the Go Pro line.
She has three that she has used to do all kinds of video of boating, snowmobiling, ATV'ing and the latest White Water Rafting. There are a lot out there but from the research she did the Go Pro line had the best features for the applications she wanted to us it for.

Go Pro is definitely better suited for this sort of stuff. The camera I have is better suited as an all-purpose point and shoot. I fabricated the helmet mount on a rainy afternoon just for laughs. Was worth it.

Any time you engineer something that works it is worth it. :rolleye2:
First because you designed it for that purpose and 2nd because it worked, even if it only worked that one time.
I miss being in engineering but I like working for and by myself so much more.

call airhead and they will send you a new cover if it was bought recently

"YOU didn't Build That"...someone else Did That. "BHO."

BTW: Due to the Large Voter turnout expected in this election, The days for voting have been expanded to provide TWO days for the voting.

Republicans should VOTE on November 6th. Democrats should vote on November 7th. This will relieve the pressure on the voting places. :look: NB

Here is one of the Chariot warbird

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...2/IMG_3413.jpg

Chariot Warbird
 

I have a Chariot Warbird! Those tubes are the best!! Super safe and hard to tip!

Dan

Great...it will be easier to vote twice!! :laugh::laugh:

Yep, very hard to tip at speed, but they do tip easy if you go from WOT to idle, with the riders sitting way back, if you slow down quickly it flips over backwards!