If you are looking to get yourself a snow tube, it can be quite difficult to find something that is a good design that is going to hold you out for a while without popping on you.
The thing about snow tubes is that once you get a hole in them and patch it, it is likely only a matter of time before the patch stops working and you either have to decide to re-patch the hole and get yourself a brand new snow tube.
In order to stop you from having to do this as much as possible, we have come up with a snow tube buyer’s guide as well as a list of our picks for the top ten snow tubes available on the market so that you can make a more informed decision.
You can also see some of the great options that are available for you.
Snow Tube Overview
Size
One of the major factors that could affect your decision is the size of the tube. The larger the tube is, the more room you are going to have to be comfortable when you are sitting in the tube.
The nice thing about getting yourself a nice, large tube is that if you get a large size it will also sit nicer on top of the snow and your weight will disperse more evenly resulting in the ability to travel a further distance.
It is important to note that you don’t want to get too large of a tube so that you are unable to reach the handles on the unit as this may result in loss of control.
Cover
The most expensive tubes on the market, if you can afford them will offer the best durability.
These tubes will be covered in a vinyl material that will help to protect the tube from being punctured by sharp objects and the tube will last you for a longer period of time as a result.
You will also notice that the majority of these tubes are heavier and they are able to handle more weight thanks to the reinforced cover on the design.
Handles
One thing that should be, and is very important in your decision making is how the handles are attached to the tube and what the handles are like.
In order to get yourself a quality tube, you aren’t going to want cheap handles without reinforcement as it is very difficult to be able to patch these areas on the tube.
The best handles on the market will have the handles sewn into the cover that is reinforcing the tube and therefore the handle will put much less pressure on the tube itself resulting in the tube being more durable.
PVC
One material that you are going to find incorporated into a lot of the tubes on the market is PVC.
In order to make sure that you buy yourself something of good quality it is always a good idea to see if something like PVC is incorporated into the design so that you can have a better idea as to how well the design of the tube is reinforced.
The higher-grade PVC used in the design, the more durable the unit is going to be. Keep in mind that generally, the highest grade of PVC is going to be found on the more expensive units on the market when you are shopping around.
Valves
Depending on the tube that you purchase, one thing that you may notice a difference on is the type of valve that is used to blow up the tube.
Especially if you are going to be transporting the tube back and forth a lot it is a good idea to look for a valve that works with your vacuum or your air compressor as you definitely are not going to want to blow this big of a device up by your mouth unless you want to have some pretty sore cheeks.
Bottom
This is definitely one area of the tube that can be prone to wear and tear and is sometimes one of the first spots on a tube to pop a hole.
Covers that go around the bottom of the tube offer the best reinforcement on the bottom of the tube and you will be less prone to popping the tube if you find one of these.
Many tubes are designed in different ways and some tubes have a circular design with a hole in the middle which does actually help to limit the possibility of a hole being created.
There will be less material rubbing up against the snow on a regular basis and your weight will be spread out on different areas of the tube rather than be sitting on one spot all the time.
Accessories
The main and most important accessory that your tube can come with is a repair kit.
It is important to realize that you may not get a repair kit for a really cheap tube, or a higher-end tube as they are either built to try and prevent popping or they are too cheap of a price to include this within the deal.
It can definitely give you a bit of peace of mind knowing that you do get a repair kit with your purchase, but it is important to realize that it isn’t the end of the world as you can use tape for a temporary fix while you order a repair kit online.
One other thing that you may find incorporated into some of the higher-end models on the market is some kind of a tow strap that you can use in order to take the tube up the hill with ease.
It is important to realize that this is just a convenience factor and generally speaking you shouldn’t have too much of a problem carrying a tube up the hill as they are generally fairly lightweight in design compared to other types of toboggans.
Weight Limit
One way to tell the quality of a tube is to check and see what kind of a weight limit it has. The thicker the tube is and the more reinforcement that it has in its design, the higher the weight limit on the tube is likely to be and generally the safer.
It is important to make sure that you get a tube that is easily capable of holding your weight as getting close to the weight limit is generally not a good idea as this puts a lot more stress on the tube and it is much more likely to pop faster.
If you start to look at the very cheap units some of the units will have age recommendations rather than a weight limit and it is important to realize that these two are linked.
If the age restriction is for a four-year-old child then you won’t want to put an eight-year-old on the tube as it will likely pop or experience some other undesirable fate, due to the excess weight.
Best Snow Tube Reviews
1. Bradley Heavy Duty Rubber Snow Tube
The Bradley Heavy Duty Rubber Snow Tube tops our list because of the quality and sheer versatility of this beast! What do I mean? Well, not only is this a very capable snow tube, but as many people bought this tube for running the rapids or hanging out at the cottage.
If you look at the Amazon listing, you’ll see that quite a few folks have bought this tube to place in their swimming pool over the winter to break up the ice and also to keep the pool cover from excessive sagging from snow.
No other snow tube can boast this as one of its main uses! Please remember, that this tube is “NO FRILLS”. There are no fancy or colorful designs or covers. It’s just a workhorse tube for the hill, pool or lake!
Customer service is big with Bradley so you’re in good hands if you become a customer!
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Good for snow, water fun or pool cover support for winter
- Great workhorse
- Many size options
- Great name
Cons:
- No reinforcing cover included
- No designs/colors (if you’re into that sort of thing)
2. Flexible Flyer Cyclone Heavy Duty Snow Tube
If you are looking to get a top of the line tube then this is a great option for you. This tube is 48 inches in diameter, and 13 inches high when it is inflated and is quite capable of holding over 200 pounds.
The extra thick gauge PVC is a great feature to help prevent punctures, but the tough nylon cover adds to that protection so you can be about sure as you can possibly be that you have one heck of a tough tube in this Cyclone!
The deal includes an electric pump (cigarette lighter outlet in your car) and a repair kit! The handles offer a sense of security and help keep your butt in place on your way down the hill!
The slick bottom surface ensures you are heading downhill fast instead of “digging in” like some other tubes or traditional sleds. The tube is meant for ages 5 and up, and it weighs around 7 lbs.
Pros:
- The generous size is great for accommodating adults and larger kids
- Very slick bottom for fast travel downhill
- Very tough duty
- includes electric pump and repair kit
Cons:
- A high price tag will definitely be out of reach for some people
3. Trans American Swim and Snow Adventure Tube
If you are looking to buy yourself a cheap tube then this could definitely be a great option for you. It’s rated a 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon and it’s also rated as Amazon’s Best Choice!
This tube is available in a 32-inch size great for smaller children as well as a 36-inch, 40-inch, 45-inch size which is great for adults, and a 68-inch monster size!
We love the fact that this tube is designed not only with commercial-grade, latex-free rubber but also with UV protection so it’ll last longer than you might think in the outdoor elements.
The nice thing about this tube is that it is made so that it is fully capable of being used on top of the snow in order to provide for a fast toboggan ride as well as on the water as a flotation device or a pool cover support for winterized pools with a cover.
The unit features a rubber-coated valve design which is ideal for keeping water and snow out and keeping air in. With your purchase, you even get a one-year limited warranty on the unit to give you some peace of mind.
Pros:
- Available in 5 different sizes
- Can be used in the pool or on the snow
- Rubber coated valve for holding in air and keeping other things out
- One year limited warranty on your purchase
- Low price tag is very appealing
Cons:
- No canvas material covers the unit
4. Tube in a Box
If you like hollow tubes and want something simple and available in a huge variety of sizes then this could be a product that you may be interested in.
This tube comes available as large as a 68-inch size and comes as small as 36 inches in size in order to suit your personal needs.
This tube is made out of vinyl material and is built to be tear-resistant as well as resistant to UV rays so that the sun won’t ruin your tube.
There is a simple rubber valve on the tube in order to blow it up and it is built so that it isn’t very noticeable and so that it won’t rub against you when you are using the tube.
Pros:
- Rubber valve helps to keep air in and other things out
- Can come in a variety of sizes that range from 36 inches to 68 inches
- Can be used in the pool as well as in the snow
- UV ray resistant so that the tube doesn’t pop from the sun as easily
Cons:
- Price can be high when you get into the larger sizes
- No repair kit included
5. Aqua Leisure Single Rider
If you want to get yourself something really cheap then this snow tube could be a good option for you. This tube uses 16 gauge PVC in order to reinforce the tube in order to make it more durable.
There are two grab handles on the unit which are quite large and allow someone with wide hands to be able to grip onto the unit. This isn’t the largest unit on the market at just 32 inches, but it will hold one rider without issue.
To give you some peace of mind since this is a fairly cheap product, you do get a repair kit with your purchase in case you happen to puncture any holes in the product.
Pros:
- Made out of 16 gauge PVC
- Large handles are easy to grip
- Extremely inexpensive
- Regular simple rubber valve makes it easy to inflate and deflate
- Repair kit is included with your purchase
Cons:
- Only 32 inches round
- Some users complain of quality issues
6. Bibien Snow Tube for Adults and Kids with Backrest
The Bibien Snow Tube is no slouch as far as features and durability are concerned. Purchasers have given it a high ranking on Amazon and there are more purchasers for this tube than most others!
The 700-lb weight load capacity of this 48-inch tube is remarkable! It features a deeper center than most tubes which allows you to keep your balance better and that equals more fun and success on your downhill journey!
The 0.8mm thich PVC is tougher than most and it can stand cold temperatures to -50 degrees! The backrest is a very nice feature you’ll appreciate after a few hours – guaranteed!
The eco-friendly environmental protection PVC is a nice touch as well, and gives you peace of mind that you’re doing just one tiny thing to further stem environmental pollution once it’s discarded (which we’re sure won’t be for a few decades of course!!!).
A couple other awesome features: An included repair kit and heightened handles to allow thick gloves or mittens to hold on easily!
Pros:
- Made of extra tough/thick PVC
- Eco-friendly
- Heightened handles for ease of use
- Repair kit included
- Users rave of construction quality and durability
Cons:
- Some users complained of slow speeds downhill. Be sure to read all reviews before purchasing this one!
7. Super Tube Super Sled Snow Tube
Super Tube is a long-time outfitter of commercial sledding outfits and much of that experience has been applied to this tube! It’s built right here in America and it is by no means a “regular snow tube”. It’s a way tougher version of nearly anything you’ve seen!
This tough customer is built with overall specifications that are far better than most on the market and it’s meant to be towed (unlike nearly all others) to the top of the hill. It features 18 oz thick nylon, which is the same as those made for commercial tubing.
The super slippery surface is meant for fast descents, but that same slick material is built ultra-tough for protection! The tough handles are made with one continuous loop around the entire circumference of the tube.
That means they won’t fail by dislodging on one or more anchor points on any one of the 2 handles.
Probably the best thing we can tell you about this tube is not the perfect 5.0 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon, but the feedback from verified buyers on Amazon. They are beyond thrilled with the toughness of the tube as well as the efficiency of the slide!
Pros:
- Really fast
- On par with the toughest tubes on the market today (used by resorts and snow park operators)
- Ultra-durable
Cons:
- Price, price and, well, price – it’s around $140 as of this review!
8. Flexible Flyer Fireball
If you want to get a well-reinforced tube for a cheap price and the ability to hold a lot of people then this could be a tube that you might be interested in. This tube is actually capable of holding three people at one time.
The tube is made out of 18 gauge PVC and is designed to have a smooth bottom in order to improve the speed of the unit. This unit is 60 inches in size which is quite large but doesn’t give a lot of room when you get three people on top of the unit.
The manufacturer does recommend that you be at least four years old to use the unit which is something to keep in mind. To give you some peace of mind a repair kit is included with this purchase as well in case you encounter any popping problems.
Pros:
- Six handles on the unit allows for three riders
- Large 660-inch surface area
- Low price tag
- Comes with a repair kit
- Made out of 18 gauge PVC which makes the unit quite durable
Cons:
- Hard to control the unit with three people
- Can be squishy with three people on the unit
9. Slippery Racer Grande XL Commercial Inflatable Snow Tube Sled
This tube is arguably the king of all tubes on the market! It’s so NOT CHEAP in more ways than one! It’s super-duper commercial grade, and very heavy-duty.
It has a slick-coated hard shell polyethylene base that absorbs impact and gives you a really smooth sliding surface. It has a coating of a proprietary (exclusive) cold-resistant treatment called ICE VEX, and it’s great for ages 4 to adult.
The Slippery Racer Grande XL is used all over the world in fun parks and resorts. These 42-inch X-Large tubes are able to take a licking and won’t break or deflate even in the toughest conditions. Double-stitched handles round out this high-end tube.
I mentioned it wasn’t cheap on several levels, and of course, as you might guess, the price tag is the other area where it’s NOT CHEAP! In this case, you’ll get what you pay for!
Pros:
- The toughest tube we’ve seen!
- Heavy-duty handles
- Built for commercial use
- includes an inflatable seat cushion
Cons:
- The price tag is very steep on this unit
- The unit is fairly heavy
10. Toobski 109 Spider Snow Tube with 48” Cover
The Toobski is on the bottom of our list in this case only because of its price. It’s over $150 while many of our other choices are way under $50 and some under $20! That said, for pure quality, the Toobski can’t be beat.
The high price tag can be easily justified by the issue of safety, rider experience, and longevity (as far as tubes go).
There actually is a “thing” called “commercial grade” when it comes to downhill snow tubes since there are professional tubing operators. If there ever was such a thing (and there IS) as “commercial grade bottom”, this tube has it.
It’s made of seamless, UV fade-resistant 1000 denier polyester. The bottom sliding surface is seamless, ultra-low friction heavyweight vinyl with internal fiber reinforcing.
A carabiner is included to connect tubes together, or you can use the 75-inch strap (included) to strap tubes together! A storage bag is included and it also comes in a variety of colors. The oversized handles offer an easy grip and it offers a 43-inch diameter.
The inner tube is made of heavyweight butyl rubber and the whole package comes with a valve cleaning tool, a storage bag, a carabiner and tow rope.
This tube is an exceptionally high-quality tube that is totally unlike the $39 offerings, but we say get the cheaper one if that’s what it takes to get you on the hill!
Pros:
- Toughest tube you can get
- Fastest tube you can get
- Most cushioned and comfortable tube you can get
- Super high Amazon rating
Cons:
- Not as fast as a hard plastic sled
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Hopefully after reading out top ten list of the best snow tubes on the market, as well as our buyer’s guide you have learned some things about snow tubes to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Always try and think beforehand as to how many people you need to fit on the tube as well as a budget that you want to spend as these units do really range dramatically in price. Best of luck in your search and happy tubing!