Towable tubes are a great way for all the family to have fun on the water. Unlike wakeboards or skis, they require very little skill from the rider and, provided the boat driver knows what they’re doing, they can be as safe or as exhilarating as you wish. But choosing the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Quite apart from the obvious limitations of size and price, you need to have a good idea of how the shape and style affects its towing characteristics and whether it’s suitable for the size, age and experience of the intended riders.
The only way to find out was to put them to the test, so we brought together nine of the most popular makes and models and submitted them to a rigorous series of tests at the hands of five fearless riders and one experienced boat driver. Their remit was to rate them all for comfort, thrills, versatility and value. Here are their findings…
AIRHEAD SLICE
As the name suggests this towable is shaped like a slice of cheese, with a thinner back end making it easier to clamber onto from the water. This beginner-friendly focus continues throughout the design, with comfortable neoprene pads and knuckle guards, although its small diameter meant our shins were left hanging off the back, bouncing across the waves.
While the Slice was easy to slide outside the wake at speed,
