Sportsstuff Big Mable | 1-2 Rider Towable Tube for Boating

3.0 out of 5 stars

By GregoryDH - Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018

Fun while it lasted, but a one-summer toy. Replacement parts on backorder until spring 2019!

This towable is a lot of fun, and our kids and their friends enjoyed it. We've had Big Mable for a year and took it out maybe a dozen times. But a couple weeks ago the main tube that people sit on began coming apart on the inside, so that instead of staying flat it's inflating more like a balloon. We never abused it, overloaded it, or left it out in extreme weather. It just started ballooning, which makes it unusable. The company that makes Big Mable, "Sportsstuff" (aka Airhead) has replacement main tubes but they are out of stock until March or April of 2019! I'd like to keep using this, but there's still a lot of summer left and I need something now. If I order a different towable for this summer, we'll be done with Big Mable.

4.0 out of 5 stars

By Amazon Customer - Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2018

Newest Member of the Family!

We got this in the 2-person size and the Kids absolutely LOVE it! “Big Mable this, Big Mable that, Tell It To Big Mable,” etc., etc. Couple of notes: 1) “quick take off” (I.e., acceleration) obviated the tendency just about any towable has for torpedoing (“water plowing” is an issue with just about any towable, depending on boat speed, angle of pull rope, weight distribution at start, etc.) go slow and you’re gonna cause the front edge of the towable to “dig down” into water, etc.; and, 2) the 2-person is easily 1-and-a-half-again sized bigger than a single, round towable and easily carried overhead by someone with slightly above average upper body strength (if you can carry a big bag of ice over your head for 50 yards you can carry this thing) so, factor that into whether or not you’ll need two people to carry it with one on each side. Also, like any towable, after hours and hours of riding, kids knuckles start to get raw so, our kids learned to wear sports gloves they pick up on clearances (after baseball season, etc.) and never give it a second thought. Have used this behind a 19-Foot Sea Ray with 150hp outboard for 3 days straight now and it rocks!

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Mrs S - Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2017

Everyone loves it!

This thing is awesome!! A hit with the kids under 10, teenagers, and the kids over 50. Everyone has a blast on this thing and everyone at the lake talks about it. We even spun it around like a chariot and it was wild. We spend the money and got the inflatable ball to keep the line drag out of the water since we are towing from a fishing boat. So. Much. Fun.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By JH - Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2018

FUN In The Sun!

We pulled our teen boys around for a few hours hooked up to a jet ski the first day we used Big Mable. Of course, they declared Mable to be the most fun thing they ever did at our cottage. The kids got pulled around for 3 days over the weekend and float was easy to get in and out of the water in front of our cottage with 2 teens carrying it. We purchased a 50' ski rope but will switch to a 60'. FUN!!

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Woodrow - Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017

Big kids and adults even love it!

Kids got teenaged and I thought tubing days were gone. Bought this and they all love it. Adults do too. After one season we are still thrilled. Two suggestions. One - be sure the riders lean back, especially at the beginning and end of the ride. Second - put it inside when not in use. The sun and water rotted the straps on my old from a different maker after several seasons in the sun.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Life Out Loud - Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2016

We Love Mable

This is our second Big Mable. The first lasted for YEARS and could still be repaired if the company wasn't constantly backordered on common inflatable parts. We find that Big Mable is plenty big enough to pull two-three teens (including full grown males) without issue and is fun to use both forward and rear facing (chariot style). We have a number of tubes, wakeboards, skis, etc. and time and again we find Big Mable is the one we use the most on the lake. Great for all ages from the little ones tucked in safe to teens and adults looking for a thrill.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Shopping Awaits - Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2011

Tips to Survive on the Big Mable

I purchased this tube to replace a lay-down style tube that warped (bloated) in the middle. There was only 1 review when I bought this, but I took a chance and it was worth the risk and the price - so far :). Here is what I've learned/picked-up from using Mable. Survival Tip 1: This thing can get some major air (5ft!) when the water is very choppy from boat/pwc traffic (on the 4th of July weekend for example). This is really cool, until the rider comes down. So, a word of advice - from experience - if you get major air ***LET GO***! Yes, this may seem to go against your initial instincts to hold on for dear life. But, here is something to consider - you will have two outcomes if you hold on: A) you will get ejected after the impact OR B) you will get a good amount of whiplash. Our riders had some not-so-fun-and-painful landings/ejections when they held on, but were fine if they let go mid-air. If you are not going to provide a flat ride, and are looking to catch a good amount of air, your may want to inform your rider(s) of this. Survival Tip 2: Mable isn't a one-trick towable. Mable can fly and tip and flip! While Mable may seem bottom-heavy (and thus non-flippable), if you whip the tube out wide enough and fast enough (i.g. boat speed around 20MPH) you can lose your rider(s). I don't think we had any injuries from tipping or flipping, besides riders having the occasional collision while on the tube. Survival Tip 3: With adult riders and with Mable in the 'chariot' (kneeling) position, our boat wasn't strong enough to get Mable started unless the riders leaned back. So, tip 3 is to LEAN BACK when in the chariot position to get started. Afterwards, the rider can get comfortable without trouble. As a side note, when we had one rider and had speeds between 10MPH and 15MPH, Mable nosedived in the 'lounge' position. She would also sometimes drag or tip over without a rider, usually when the boat slowed down from lower speeds that were between 10MPH and 15MPH. General Tidbits: -Switching the position of Mable is really easy. -She also stays inflated very well - we didn't have to re-inflate after the initial inflation. -The handles and padded areas can rub on the rider(s) skin. If you want maximum protection for your skin, wear long pants when kneeling. Longer bottoms may also be a good idea for sitting too since regular swimsuits may ride-up. Gloves may be a good idea for extended rides, or you'll risk blisters. --- Overall, the Big Mable is an awesome tube. It handles all sorts of riders, it has held up well (over three months with at least 2 weeks of heavy use/abuse), and it is very very fun. It is easy to switch positions. --- Notes: Used only on fresh-water lake.