Airhead slice tube - be careful

NH_boater · 08-10-2012, 09:19 AM

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.

SanPan · 08-10-2012, 10:41 AM

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.

4Fun · 08-10-2012, 12:24 PM

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.

Dave R · 08-10-2012, 12:34 PM

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.

NoBozo · 08-10-2012, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanPan

But when I get a smart azz adult I just break out the slice.

I like your style SanPan. Welcome to the Forum.

NB

mas1992bc · 08-10-2012, 03:49 PM

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?

Just Sold · 08-11-2012, 06:42 PM

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.

mas1992bc · 08-11-2012, 07:07 PM

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.

Grandpa Redneck · 08-11-2012, 07:46 PM

Big Bertha, is rated for 1-4 riders

any of the Slalom series(for 1,2,3,or 4 riders)
this is the slalom solo for 1 rider

CGI3 · 08-11-2012, 08:58 PM

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??

Dave R · 08-12-2012, 05:54 AM

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.

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

SAMIAM · 08-12-2012, 07:58 AM

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.

NH_boater · 08-12-2012, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Just curious, what kind did you end up getting? Is it better in this regard?

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.

mas1992bc · 08-14-2012, 06:40 PM

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?

Dave R · 08-15-2012, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

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.

Dave R · 08-15-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGI3

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??

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...

webmaster · 08-15-2012, 06:21 AM

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.

Dave R · 08-15-2012, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webmaster

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!

Belmont Resident · 08-15-2012, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

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.

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.

Dave R · 08-15-2012, 08:00 AM

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.

Belmont Resident · 08-15-2012, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

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.

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.

ossipeeboater · 08-15-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

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.

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

NoBozo · 08-15-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

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.

"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.

NB

Grandpa Redneck · 08-15-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandpa Redneck

Big Bertha, is rated for 1-4 riders

any of the Slalom series(for 1,2,3,or 4 riders)
this is the slalom solo for 1 rider

Here is one of the Chariot warbird

ishoot308 · 08-16-2012, 06:32 AM

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

Dan

Happy Gourmand · 08-16-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

"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.

NB

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

Grandpa Redneck · 08-16-2012, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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

Dan

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!

08-10-2012, 09:19 AM	#1
NH_boater Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 298 Thanks: 14 Thanked 147 Times in 62 Posts	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.

08-11-2012, 06:42 PM	#7
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	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. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

08-11-2012, 07:46 PM	#9
Grandpa Redneck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: White Mountain Area NH Posts: 155 Thanks: 310 Thanked 112 Times in 59 Posts	Big Bertha, is rated for 1-4 riders any of the Slalom series(for 1,2,3,or 4 riders) this is the slalom solo for 1 rider __________________ Freedom Lovin' gun crazy Redneck

08-11-2012, 08:58 PM	#10
CGI3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 91 Thanks: 135 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	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??

08-16-2012, 06:32 AM	#25
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 5,932 Thanks: 2,290 Thanked 4,942 Times in 1,917 Posts	Chariot Warbird I have a Chariot Warbird! Those tubes are the best!! Super safe and hard to tip! Dan

08-10-2012, 10:41 AM	#2
SanPan Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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.

08-10-2012, 12:24 PM	#3
4Fun Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 283 Thanks: 1 Thanked 66 Times in 38 Posts	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.

08-10-2012, 12:34 PM	#4
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 246 Thanked 736 Times in 438 Posts	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.

08-10-2012, 03:49 PM	#6
mas1992bc Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Tewksbury, MA Posts: 71 Thanks: 24 Thanked 102 Times in 19 Posts	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?

08-11-2012, 07:07 PM	#8
mas1992bc Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Tewksbury, MA Posts: 71 Thanks: 24 Thanked 102 Times in 19 Posts	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.

08-12-2012, 05:54 AM	#11
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 246 Thanked 736 Times in 438 Posts	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. The picture was taken in Maine. Yes, that's a waterproof camera mounted to a bike helmet. The video is funny.

08-12-2012, 07:58 AM	#12
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	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.

08-14-2012, 06:40 PM	#14
mas1992bc Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Tewksbury, MA Posts: 71 Thanks: 24 Thanked 102 Times in 19 Posts	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?

08-15-2012, 06:21 AM	#17
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,434 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 441 Thanked 3,726 Times in 824 Posts	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.

08-15-2012, 08:00 AM	#20
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 246 Thanked 736 Times in 438 Posts	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.