the Original Swim and Snow Tube, 45" XL

I think when I bought this, the average star-rating was higher than it is now. I revisited looking for tips on using the tube with the recent snowfall. I started getting nervous when I read all of the recent lower reviews for the tube. Here's my impression after using the tube for a few hours:1) used a nice bike pump to fill without too much effort2) does have a large opening, but still workable; not all that bothersome; basically you need to lay down flat on the tube which is not that much of a challenge3) we really didn't have too much trouble getting it work on snow; if you've never been sledding before, you need to know that you have to make your "run" first and pack down the snow; I was doing this with a the top of a plastic tub before I realized that just sitting on the tube and having my husband push me was more effective (and plus then I didn't do the work ;-) once the run is reasonably packed down, you should glide pretty well (without any cooking spray or other wax); after several runs, the tube was going pretty good, I think; my husband thinks the plastic coasters might be faster, which could be true, but the drawbacks seem to be that coasters are pretty cheap and flimsy and that they can be a little wild and toss you; the tube is comfortable and easy (we didn't flip over once).So, I think the tube is great. I'm happy that it deflates since we live in a one bedroom apartment. That's another drawback to coasters. I think I might invest in another one so that I don't have to share with my husband! They seem pretty durable to me so we'll see how long they last, but so far they seem to be exactly what was promised. (Also, the nozzle thing is not in the way at all, the cover provided works well and was completely unnoticeable.)

I grew up with an innertube and it gave me years of joy and fond memories. I wanted my kids to have the same experiences but could only find the plastic/latex ones...until NOW.Tube in a Box was exactly what I spent years looking for! (It's just like the kind they have at snow tubing parks that they rent for big bucks.)Plus they have adult sizes accomodating up to 290 lb people, perfect for us "Big Kids".I got 2 of them as soon as I found them online wanting to test them out the following weekend with the family. They arrived on time, and took them to the slopes where they worked like a charm. SO much fun and actually pretty comfy...Not as rough and hard a ride as a sled, but bouncy like a boat or an old Cadillac. The rubber cap on the air stem was a very good idea -The old fashioned ones used to poke you.It stings a little to purchase multiple tubes (I only got 2 for the kids but now I need one for myself and the missus!) and I wish they had covers with handles for these already included in the price, but once you're on the snow and you see the kids happily experiencing something you remember fondly, it makes it worth it. Plus, the tubes should last quite a bit since they're much more durable than cheapy vinyl tubes and it's far more cost effective than renting, so I guess it's a good investment after all.BOTTOM LINE: I recommend these highly!I'm going to get 2 more.(It never occured to me to use them in rivers...we might have to try that on the Colorado sometime.)

It's hard to write a fascinating review of a rubber tube, but I'll try to at least lay some facts. First, I bought the 45" tube not really knowing how that would relate to the user, whether a kid or an adult. 45" is definitely a teenager to large adult size. It was perfect for my 6' 4" 230lbs. Some folks seem to have problems inflating their tubes. I did not. I used a typical, cheap 12v bike tire pump which took like 30 minutes. I did see some minor bulging as it started to inflate, but I simply pressed down (sat, stood, pushed etc) on that area and it all kind of evened out. I went ahead and over-inflated it and then I proceeded to jump on it while it was on the hard dining room floor. It easily held my weight and showed no signs of being anywhere near bursting. I probably could inflate it a lot more but it's good enough for a river. Final dimensions were, 47" outside diameter, 12" height of the tube when flat on the ground and 21" inside diameter. Attached are some pics to show you.

Pros:These are great tubes and just what I had wanted to buy for tubing down hills. I was tired of spending $10-$20 per inflatable tube at the stores only to have them last a day or two before they got a leak. These, which are rubber, are much more durable and if they ever get a hole, you can use a bicycle patch kit to repair them. Unlike the little patch kits on those vinyl tubes, the rubber ones actually work. The ride is also very smooth and comfortable and they would be wonderful in a lake or river too.Cons: They really don't slide down the hill as fast. If you are on a steep hill, it is OK, but the backyard and park runs like so many of us have aren't quite enough. I've heard about and tried waxing or soaping them to make them slick, and it might work a little bit, but they are nowhere near as fast. If you really want them to be as fast as they can be, you'll end up having to buy one of those hard bottom covers for it like the ski resorts have on their tubing hills (which could be as much as $50 more)

It's lots of fun. Can fit 3 nine year olds and still bounce. Got it for it's sturdiness. Has not disappointed; it's one of the two remaining floats to survive the summer with lots of punishment. Kind of wish I would have gotten the even larger size, but our pool is pretty small so this is probably the best. Love that the inflating piece has a cover to avoid scrapes.Don't love the idea of paying $45 for a float, but seems like it will last awhile.