10-08-2013, 05:31 PM
Jack:
There is some variation in the manufactured weights of maybe + or - 2# as there have been minor changes to the models over the years, and the foam seat is lighter than the inflatable- therefore the range. My green one weighs 9# with seat bladders vs. 14# for the grey PVC coated with bladders.
But the VOLUME when packed is significantly different for the lightweight vs. the original PVC coated. I can get 2 inflatable seat lightweights complete in an airline carry on bag vs. maybe 1 or the heavys. I replaced the valve panel with my own made from a flex plastic binder cover; the ones pictured used on the older model will crack if the tube is rolled up. The latest sale design versions have a valve panel made from bladder type material which can puff out if not lined up right, so I also replaced those. Also you can make your own backstraps from nylon webbing and hooks to carry while inflated: http://creekcompany.com/product.php?prod...250&page=1
Ten times a year use is very minor compared to at least 200 over the last 4 years with my lightweight. The green has faded some, and there is some fabric wear on the bottom from going over rapids, but I don't drag on bare ground. Resew of a short section of pocket seam that was starting to unravel has been the only repair.
Part of the weight capacity rating is because of heavy riders sitting in water with legs displaces water, lightening the load and making for a very stable configuration. The seat bladders increase weight capacity and are adjustable. The seat bladders make this the most comfortable tube/toon I have ever had, plus areas above my waist don't get soaked by spray in rough conditions due to the "V" design. I weigh 175# and added a foam topper for additional comfort and so that I can sit dry 4" above the water with no wicking into hindquarters (no waders).
Pon
[quote Jackalope]My hold up now is that Creek Company's website says the ODC weighs 12lbs, but everywhere else says 16lbs.
Also their ODC 420 lightweights says 8 lbs on there website, but everywhere else says 10 lbs.
I sent them an email asking about the discrepancy's, will see what they come up with.[/quote]
[signature]
There is some variation in the manufactured weights of maybe + or - 2# as there have been minor changes to the models over the years, and the foam seat is lighter than the inflatable- therefore the range. My green one weighs 9# with seat bladders vs. 14# for the grey PVC coated with bladders.
But the VOLUME when packed is significantly different for the lightweight vs. the original PVC coated. I can get 2 inflatable seat lightweights complete in an airline carry on bag vs. maybe 1 or the heavys. I replaced the valve panel with my own made from a flex plastic binder cover; the ones pictured used on the older model will crack if the tube is rolled up. The latest sale design versions have a valve panel made from bladder type material which can puff out if not lined up right, so I also replaced those. Also you can make your own backstraps from nylon webbing and hooks to carry while inflated: http://creekcompany.com/product.php?prod...250&page=1
Ten times a year use is very minor compared to at least 200 over the last 4 years with my lightweight. The green has faded some, and there is some fabric wear on the bottom from going over rapids, but I don't drag on bare ground. Resew of a short section of pocket seam that was starting to unravel has been the only repair.
Part of the weight capacity rating is because of heavy riders sitting in water with legs displaces water, lightening the load and making for a very stable configuration. The seat bladders increase weight capacity and are adjustable. The seat bladders make this the most comfortable tube/toon I have ever had, plus areas above my waist don't get soaked by spray in rough conditions due to the "V" design. I weigh 175# and added a foam topper for additional comfort and so that I can sit dry 4" above the water with no wicking into hindquarters (no waders).
Pon
[quote Jackalope]My hold up now is that Creek Company's website says the ODC weighs 12lbs, but everywhere else says 16lbs.
Also their ODC 420 lightweights says 8 lbs on there website, but everywhere else says 10 lbs.
I sent them an email asking about the discrepancy's, will see what they come up with.[/quote]
[signature]