Need advise - what fins for float tube?

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10-08-2010, 12:32 PM
tlerm

4 Attachment(s)

Need advise - what fins for float tube?

I recently acquired float tube for a sweet price (thanks to dpenrod for alerting me to the craigslist posting). But I have no fins. I have a Cabela's gift card so I will probably get them there. Here's what it looks like my options are. If the right deal came along I would also consider picking them up used.

Outcast Step-in Fins $35

Attachment 6089

Creek Company Lightweight Fins $29.99

Attachment 6090

Creek Company Float Tube Fins $44.99

Attachment 6091

==================

But I have no idea which one of these would be best. I have used fins similar to the last pair before but I had trouble getting my size 11 wading boots shoved into them. Is there some other kind of shoe that would be better to wear than my standard wading boots? The boots are a bit bulky and restrict the movement of your feet. What do others wear in the float tube?

Also I will need a pump of some kind. Is this one ok for $24.99?

Attachment 6092
10-08-2010, 12:44 PM
tlerm

1 Attachment(s)

Well shoot. I just noticed that the description on the pump said that it will not work on Caddis float tubes, which is of course what I have. I have the Caddis Navigator II.

I can't tell if this one at Bass Pro will work or not. I may have to actually go to Bass Pro to find out.

Attachment 6093
10-08-2010, 01:18 PM
Lotech

tlerm,
Out of the options you posted I would recommend the Outcast Step-In fins. Looks like they come with fin tethers and that's a big bonus. As far as the two-way pump goes, you may have to go to Caddis for one.
10-08-2010, 01:30 PM
Uncle Jesse

The Creek Co. Float Tube Fins are more like what I wear, but I wear "flat boots" with them. If you are planning on wearing wading boots with slip resistant soles they will probably not work with flats boots they are great do not come off easily. As a matter of fact I have to use both hands to pull the off.

As for the pump if your tube happens to have an automotive type inner tube it will not work, otherwise it's a matter of matching hose ends to bladder fittings. I have a coleman that I bought at Walmart I think and a small pump I picked up at Goodwill. I carry the smaller pump with me to top off the tube and release air when I place it in my pickup, Georgia sunshine can over pressurize a bladder. Wait until you get to the top of the mountain to air up the tube also.
10-08-2010, 01:30 PM
Bamboozle

If your budget will allow, buy a pair of adjustable Force Fins. They are worth every penny and then some. BTW - you can find them for less $$$.

As far as footwear goes, I wear the Chota Kick Boot Bootie which happens to be on closeout. They are super comfortable.

Pumps are a crapshoot. I have a Bravo 6 which I've had for years that even has a pressure gauge built in and I love it. It's better than any pump I've tried.

Have fun and make sure to wear a PFD!
10-08-2010, 02:04 PM
dpenrod

tim, i have the outcast step in fins and they work fine with my wading boots. i have a pump like the one you picture that i used on the caddis i bought and it worked fine. you can call me if you have any questions.
10-08-2010, 02:15 PM
Mato Kuwapi

I have some that are very simular to the cheapest pair up there...minus the stiff heal cup. (so they are very flat and fit nicely into a back pack or the tube when I'm hauling it around in the back country. I haven't seen any like them for sale but I'm pretty sure that the Lightweights are the remake of them. They were given to me years ago and they do me just fine. I wear my wading boots with them. I don't wet wade on in the tube because I'm one for staying in the water for hours at a time. They are easy to get on and off.

From what I remember, your tube has the tire type valves (pin inside) in it so none of those big pumps will work. That's probably why it came to you at such a good price, because they are a pain in the you know what. Your best option is to buy a pump you can plug into your car (lighter) if you don't already have one. You can get them at places that sell automotive parts / tires etc. If you don't have a car lighter outlet than your really up a creek...except for a hand tire pump. Have fun!
10-08-2010, 02:53 PM
tlerm

I know about the Force Fins, unfortunately they are out of range of my budget at this time. If float tubing becomes my preferred fishing mode I may upgrade one day.

I guess I don't have a lot to lose in trying one of those step-in fins. I think I'll give one of those a try. My main concern was find a pair that works with my boots.

It did not occur to me that I should look at the air valve before I bought a pump. I didn't know that some float tubes had unusual air valves. I'll take a look at that air valve tonight and then see what my options are. From what dpenrod says, though, it makes me wonder if the air valves on all Caddis tubes are the same. I can't remember if the float tube you got was the same one as mine or not.

That's ok though. I would still have bought the tube. I got the float tube for $40 bucks, and even though the guy said that it had been used, it sure doesn't look like it. I'm just trying to get into float tubing on-the-cheap. If I really like it I may sell my canoe and upgrade my float tube etc.

Thanks for all the help everyone!
10-09-2010, 12:37 AM
Orthoman

I would second the Force Fins.

I was recently in Alaska with a small group of guys. One had some inexpensive fins similar to what you are showing. He broke one of them --- very hard to replace where we were -- and nearly ruined the trip for him. He was nearly out of business -- the Force Fins although expensive are worth the investment.

Just my 2 cents.
10-09-2010, 05:09 AM
Beaver

tlerm,

I have several Caddis tubes. The pump that is in the first picture will work just fine. I have that pump. If you check the diameter of the pump's hose with the diameter of the valves on the tube they will be the same. Go to a hardware store and buy some clear plastic tubing with the same inside diameter. Put one end of a 4 inch piece on the valve and the other on the hose and you're good to go. The tubing is cheap. Any questions let me know. Have to second the PFD and the force fins. I have a pair of neoprene booties that I wear float tubing that work great. Really didn't like the feel of wading boots while tubing. Good luck.

Beaver
10-09-2010, 05:23 PM
ducksterman

Years ago I had a tube with the tire type valves...bought an adapter so I could use the type of pump you pictured...so if you have the tire type valve you should be able to find an adapter.
10-11-2010, 10:44 PM
Greg H

I have 3 inflatables from different companies. I agree that the pump will work fine but that the nozzle is the concern. Most pumps come with three nozzles and one should fit. You can buy others at Cabela's, Bass Pro, Canadian Tire (Canada) - or where water toys are sold. I also agree (and use) a few inches of clear plastic tubing to connect the pumps to the valves.

If you are packing your tube in, then the hand pump is useful, but if you are inflating near the car, one that plugs into the dash is great - and you can do other stuff while the tube inflates.
On my tube that has car-tire style valves, I use a narrower tube connected to the narrower nozzle. To make life easier I just removed the valve stem, and bought some plastic (nylon) valve caps. Air goes in faster without the stem in the way, and a tight cap does not leak air.

I use the Creek Company fins and bought a second pair of waders (stocking-foot) for them. I also agree with the booties -–whether you wear them with the fins or not, they are great for walking to the water (carrying you stuff), when you are concerned about your neoprene feet.
10-12-2010, 01:17 AM
Mojo

I know you said you can't afford the Force Fins, but if you (or anyone else) eventually want to get a great pair of fins, Flip Fins are probably the best I've used. Been float tubing and kickboating for 20 years now and started out with some old Brownings. I've had the Outcast Step In Fins (not with Outcast's name on them) Still have the backpacking type- shown as the Creek Company lightweights in your post, Turtle Fins and the adjustable Force fins. Out of all these the FF were the best. Then this year I got the Flip Fins for my birthday. After the first time in the water, I sold the Force Fin's immediately. Whether fishing from a tube or 'toon these fins excel. They're wider and longer, easier to adjust and lighter weight. $160 from Northfork Outdoors. Another plus is you can walk in them and they're less expensive than Force Fins.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...doors/fins.jpg
10-12-2010, 01:10 PM
tlerm

Well, I checked the air valves on my tube this weekend, and they are not the tire type valve, so that is good. The valve looked like it should work with an adapter with most any pump. I'll probably take one of the bladders with me when I buy the pump. Unfortunately, it may be a week or two before I can get to the store.
10-12-2010, 01:18 PM
Normand

3 Attachment(s)

post a picture of the valve and maybe we can save you some time.

is it a boston valve?

Attachment 6150

or a halkey roberts valve

Attachment 6151

you may need an adapter for the halkey roberts

Attachment 6152

then you can use the pump that is mentioned in a previous post
10-12-2010, 01:32 PM
tlerm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normand

post a picture of the valve and maybe we can save you some time.

That is such obvious thing to do... that I didn't think of it. Doh! Thanks for the idea, I will take a pic tonight and post it.

BTW, it is not any of the valve types you showed, but it is also not a tire valve stem type.
10-12-2010, 01:37 PM
tlerm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaver

tlerm,

I have several Caddis tubes. The pump that is in the first picture will work just fine. I have that pump. If you check the diameter of the pump's hose with the diameter of the valves on the tube they will be the same. Go to a hardware store and buy some clear plastic tubing with the same inside diameter. Put one end of a 4 inch piece on the valve and the other on the hose and you're good to go. The tubing is cheap. Any questions let me know. Have to second the PFD and the force fins. I have a pair of neoprene booties that I wear float tubing that work great. Really didn't like the feel of wading boots while tubing. Good luck.

Beaver

Hey, that plastic tubing idea may just be the ticket. I think that might work. That would sure make for a cheap and expendable adapter.

Like I said before, I just need to find some time to take the dang thing with me to the store, and I might answer the question right away.
10-12-2010, 03:18 PM
ducksterman

Just for the record...you don't need a special adapter for the Halkey Roberts...a piece of garden hose works just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Adaptor002.jpg
10-12-2010, 03:28 PM
Gemrod

I have the original force fins with the fixed strap over the foot and the adjustable strap for behind the foot. I bought a pair of Univerwsal Force fins for my wife....who is now in heaven. I also have a cheap pair of fins like the last pair in the photol I prefer the last pair in the photo. I sold off the Universal fins. I have two pair of the cheapies and have had the cheap Wal-Mart $35 ones. Still have somewhere...I think...unless I gave them away. Don't remember where they are...cause do not use them. I much prefer the pair that looks longer than the force fins, the last pic in your list. I mentioned I have two pair. I had a dead battery in my little 8' foam filled boat. While struggling to put on the fins one strap broke off the fins. So quality and hardiness may not be the best. But I MUCH prefer them to force fins. Bugman says he can fix my busted pair easy with a pop rivet. Hoping he does. If not, I think I can put a grommet on and be as good as it can get.

Valves,

Wish I could see a pic of your valve. Would think no need to pack bladder along. Use a digital caliper and take a picture....and you have a pic of the valve with you at the store. Which will tell you if it is a summit valve, a schraeder valve, or a Boston valve. And the ID and the OD.

Shraeder valve, do NOT like....same as a bicycle tire or a car tire. I already tried a mountain bike small manual air pump. Don't waste money on that idea. Not enought capacity for a pontoon. No workie. The "D" cell battery operated Coleman with proper adapters would be good. Can air up quick, and keep it in the toon. My toon ALWAYS loses tightness when I get on the water and would perform better if aired up to max. I have a way of doing that....and you can too if you have a schrader valve....with a battery operated pump and the adapters needed.

Summit my second unfavorite valve. It has a spring inside that you can depress and turn to lock in place and will let all the air out. That part is nice. Sorta. Or you can simply think on way home that sun is too hot, toons too tight, and with the simple push of a finger deflate a bit. BUT...it takes a real pump to air it up. A boston type valve sorta with a spring in it. Can't...at least I can't air one up with a hose and my mouth. The spring is just too strong.

Boston valve my favorite. uh....the schraeder obviously has a deprssing air valve to put air in or let out. The Boston valve, and the summit valve have a flap inside. So when you force air in the air cannot come back out if you remove a hose or pump. I have the Boston valves on my toon.

I purchased boat sump pump hose...I think it is....from Wal-Mart and not all that cheap. About $8 if I remember for something like 5' of a white corregated or ribbed hose. I cut it off at 2/3's length. It is in one foot sections but all one hose. What I mean is every foot is about a one inch section of straight plastic tubing...all same material...but not ribbed....then ribbed for a foot, then flat for an inch, etc.

anywhoooo....I used a two foot section for a couple of my inflatables. But found out on my Water Skeeter Backer Packer Lite the valves are a tad behind the seat. It has Boston Valves so I can air up by mouth with the hose. So a three foot section more convienent on that one.

So....I have had all the valves. I have sold the 8' Water Skeeter. It had summit valves. I have sold off the two WC GRiggs toons which had Boston valves. I kept a two foot section of this hose in one of the pouches on the side in the Griggs inflatables...which also had Boston valves. . When the cold water caused the volumne to shrink, I could very easily blow them up to tight with the hose and my mouth. I have the same boston valves now on my Creek Co toon and on my Water Skeeter Back Packer Lite inflatables. Like them that way.

The Boston Valve type should air up with the pump you are showing. Well, on second thought maybe not. When I got my first water skeeter the pump that came with it did not have the adapter...(summit valve adapter)> So I had to jury rig it to work...and think I just used that white hose I bought at Wal-Mart. Anyway .... I don't have a pic of your valve so can't say. I think I simply cut a small V out of two places on the white hose and it will cram down inside the Boston valve. Then I think I affixed it to my hand pump....or the hand pump hose....with a nylon tyrap. Your valve might be a shraeder valve if they are saying that pump won't do the job. I'm betting it has Boston valves...but if so, they would not be saying the normal toon pump won't work. I am a bit confused. Wish I could see a pic of your valve. But if you have Boston Valves I think you are luck.

Anywhooooo....that pump can be found at Wal-Mart for $10 in the bicycle section. Or $20 dollars in the fishing/camping section.

Now things may change in their store. But that is the way it has been here. I purchased one of the $10 ones just to donate to our fly club for the auction.

Sorry for length of msg. Just trying to help out.

The above have just been MY experiences with fins and valves. But perhaps helpful info. I dunno....

Oh...also on the wading boots and fins thing. I used my foam soled river boots with the cheap Wal-Mart fins. NOT A GOOD THING>
I then bought a pair of Force Fins and a pair of neoprene booties. I use chest waders with stocking feet.....the neoprene booties, and Force Fins much better than the river boots and Wal Mart fins. But the longer pair of Creek Co fins to, stocking foot waders/neoprene booties my favorite way to do it. The river boots far too big, clumsy, hard to push through the water with fins.

The booties the way to go...unless of course your waders have a built in boot. Not my favorite way to go......

jsut fyi
10-12-2010, 03:45 PM
Gemrod

aaaahhhh....several people typing a post while I was. I didn't have the benefit of reading them all before I made my comments, so some of my words may have to be taken with a grain of salt. I have never had or seen the Halkey Roberts valves.

Nice going Duck....

Most of what I posted is pretty true though. You will no doubt figure out what works for you valve pump wise as well as fins choice.

Good luck.
10-12-2010, 03:46 PM
Normand

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksterman

Just for the record...you don't need a special adapter for the Halkey Roberts...a piece of garden hose works just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Adaptor002.jpg

seems to me that the "hose" = "adapter"??

the madison pontoon boat made by classic accessories years ago was equipped with the "boston valve" and was also supplied with a short length of clear tubing "adapter" to properly use the double action hand pump shown in the first post.

the odc super sport by the creek company also was equipped with the same valve and clear tubing "adapter"

i currently have outcast super fat cat float tube that is equipped with the summit 2 valve and the "adapter" similar to the one shown in my previous post.

as long as i dont lose the "adapter" that came with my float tube :lol: i wont have to go crazy trying to find a 3-4 inch long of god only knows what diameter of garden hose to use as an "adapter" ;):D
10-12-2010, 04:06 PM
tlerm

Holy cow, lots more---and lengthy---posts. I don't think I will have a long enough lunch/break time today to read and digest them until I get home tonight. Very helpful discussion for me.
10-12-2010, 05:09 PM
ducksterman

;)Norm....key word was "special"...[which incidentally I have]...just trying to point out something simple:cool:
and that's what they make electrician's tape for...note it on the green hose:D;)

One thing I like about simple "adapters " is that I can stash them in every pocket and scatter around the garage...etc.:lol:
10-12-2010, 06:24 PM
Uncle Jesse

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksterman

Just for the record...you don't need a special adapter for the Halkey Roberts...a piece of garden hose works just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Adaptor002.jpg

That's a redneck special adapter.
10-13-2010, 12:19 AM
tlerm

Here's the promised picture.

This is what my valve looks like.

http://thenelsonhouse.net/gallery2/d...1/IMG_2411.JPG
10-13-2010, 05:27 AM
Beaver

Tim,

I have 4 caddis tubes with that valve ( 1 navigator 2 and 3 nevadas). I bought 2 feet of tubing and cut it into several sections. If you can't find the tubing let me know, I can send you one of my extras. The tubing works the best, the inside diameter fits over both the valve and the end of the pump hose.

Beaver
10-13-2010, 01:48 PM
tlerm

I should have no problem finding the tubing. Lowe's and Ace Hardware have lots of it.

I found a Coleman pump at Walmart for $10. With the tubing I think it will work great.
10-13-2010, 02:52 PM
Gemrod

ooooops.....never seen that valve. Sorry I waste your time. The White tubing hose (sump pump hose) I mentioned would not work.

When I get around to it though, I make a post with mine. With a Boston Valve mine works perfect. Not trying to stick my lapel out and brag.
Just to help others with something that seems to work for me reall good.

I can completely air up the toons on my Backpacker Lite, and I can top it off, or my 8' footer with this little white hose, and just my mouth blowing air into it. It fits so snugly in one of the compartments, so it just stays with my boat. It is really handy when on the water and you loose volumne. Pretty easy to just pull it out, cram one end into the valve and just blow. I have tyrapped a summit valve adapter onto the hose backwards....and that wrong end of the adapter fits into the boston valve as you hold it and blow. And I also have one on my "other" boat that I found out I don't need the adapter. I just cut a kinda proper sized V notch in two sides of the end of the hose, because this is soft plastic it allows the oversized white hose to just cram down into the valve....and blow.

I kinda busy cleaning house for upcoming company. But in time.....I make a post. Just to help others. It works perfect on a lotta toons.

Meanwhile super. You got the answer. I think from my fooling around with mine.....the tube you buy be perfect.

'tis a good part of this website. You can solve a lot of problems on here. Glad you good to go Tim. I was wanting to help, and thought I could...but never seen that valve before.....so I didn't know anything about it. Sorry. I coulda saved my breath, and saved you some reading time. Oh well. Maybe the white hose help a few others out.
10-13-2010, 05:05 PM
tlerm

Gemrod, that was absolutely NOT a waste of time. I'm expecting this to only be my first float tube and/or pontoon. Learning about the different valve types and peoples experiences with them was very interesting. Having virtually no experience with them before it would not have occurred to me to consider valve type in my purchase. Heh, I haven't even used this tube that I bought, and I am already talking about the next one.

Great discussion.
10-13-2010, 06:31 PM
ol' blue

Just be sure you have tethers to go with your fins. It is a cheap insurance policy.

I have a pair of fins, and a pair of heel cup things with paddles on the outside. You swing your legs and they move you forward instead of backward. I don't recall the name, but they have their merits, too.

You are going to be ready for the Bluegill fish-in next year, aren't you?
10-13-2010, 09:13 PM
tlerm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol' blue

Just be sure you have tethers to go with your fins. It is a cheap insurance policy.

I have a pair of fins, and a pair of heel cup things with paddles on the outside. You swing your legs and they move you forward instead of backward. I don't recall the name, but they have their merits, too.

You are going to be ready for the Bluegill fish-in next year, aren't you?

I sure hope to have used it by then. I'm kinda slow in getting all the accessories acquired.
10-14-2010, 05:07 PM
ducksterman

For the tethers just go to a $1 store and pick up some nylon dog collars..the ones with the plastic buckle snaps...they work great and the price is right....
10-14-2010, 05:11 PM
ducksterman

BTW the valve you pictured ...I forget the name...but their claim to fame is that they are capable of blowing up by mouth.
10-15-2010, 12:42 PM
tlerm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksterman

For the tethers just go to a $1 store and pick up some nylon dog collars..the ones with the plastic buckle snaps...they work great and the price is right....

Another good tip to investigate. Thanks.
10-19-2010, 01:29 PM
ol' blue

The other gadgets I was talking about are called paddle pushers. I don't think they are made anymore. Some like them, some hate them.

http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/1532...ws/reviews.htm
10-23-2010, 08:22 PM
Trigg

I use the Caddis fins like these http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4...Tube-Fins.html.
Wear them over my size 12 boots with no problem. Cost effective. They float, so no retaining strap required, but they cinch up well, never had one come loose. I did over tighten one and broke the metal strap buckle, but all in all, very functional and have stood up to heavy duty wear. I'm sure they're not as great as the Force Fins, but for $150 difference they're plenty good enough for me.
11-03-2010, 01:10 AM
danbob

Force Fins!

I started out float tubing with them, and was shocked when I tried a pair of 'regular' fins last summer. Ugh!

I don't need no stinkin' retainer dongles with Force Fins.....they stay on even if the giant muskie chews your heel strap off. Never found any other fin that can do that.

DANBOB
11-04-2010, 01:10 AM
Uncle Jesse

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksterman

For the tethers just go to a $1 store and pick up some nylon dog collars..the ones with the plastic buckle snaps...they work great and the price is right....

I got me a couple of large reflective dog collars from the dollar stored to wear as a belt when I walk in the early morning, don't want to be road kill, the buckles break pretty easy on them, just don't put too much trust in them although the probability of losing a fin and breaking a buckle at the same time are probably not that high.