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As the weather looks like it’s about to warm up, we all start to get the urge to hit the water. There are even some who are so keen to have fun, they will take their inflatables out come rain or shine. Airhead is a popular brand for water enthusiasts of all ages.
We are going to look at two towable tubes for boating, the Big Mable vs Super Mable. We will consider their size, capacity, ease of use and value for money. After looking at all of the specifications sides by side in a comparison chart, we will add some pros and cons of each and finally decide which is the best buying option.
There are plenty of similarities between the Big Mable and the Super Mable, so we will start here.
Big Mable vs Super Mable – Similarities
Quick Glance
Here are the specifics of the Big Mable and the Super Mable side by side.
Speed Limits
The Big Mable and the Super Mable are suitable for speeds of up to 20 miles per hour with adult riders and up to 15 miles per hour when used with children.
Materials
The bladders of the Big Mable and the Super Mable are made of heavy-gauge PVC. The tubes are then fully covered with a heavy-duty double-stitched nylon cover. This helps to ensure the riders are comfortable and that the tubes are durable.
Tow Points
There are two tow points on the Big Mable and the Super Mable, one on the front and one on the rear. This means you choose whether you want to ride the tubes facing the front or the rear. The tubes are connected with Kwik Connectors.
Valves
The Big Mable and the Super Mable come with patented Speed Safety Valves. This design allows for fast inflation and deflation. The one-way inflation means no air escapes when you are putting the cap on. The valves have double safety locks. To deflate, you just need to take the cap off.
Booster Ball Compatible
You can use the Big Mable and the Super Mable with the Airhead Booster Ball. This is a 60ft tow rope with an inflatable buoy. When the tow rope is kept out of the water, there is less drag, rope spray, and submarining.
The similarities end here so we will now move on to the differences between the Big Mable and the Super Mable.
Differences Between Big Mable and Super Mable
Appearance
Both of these Airhead tubes are bright orange with yellow, black, and white features. The sporty design is the same, but the size is different.
Big Mable
It’s the smaller of the two at 66 x 69 inches. There is no information about how much the tube weighs.
Super Mable
Again, there is no information about the weight of the tube; however, it is 78 x 79 inches.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable
Read next – Super Mable vs Super Mable HD: Which Rider Towable Tubes are Better?
Tube Capacity
As well as the weight limitations, both of the tubes have limitations in terms of the number of people they can carry. You should also bear in mind that both the Big Mable and the Super Mable are for children over 13 years old. Any younger and they should be with an adult.
Big Mable
You can use this tube for one or two people.
Super Mable
As it is larger, you can use this tube with up to three people.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable
The Handles
There are handles strategically placed for different riders and different positions.
Big Mable
There are 2 neoprene handles on each of the sides. There is one more on the backrest and two on the base. All of the handles have knuckle guards.
Super Mable
The handles are also neoprene with knuckle guards but there are 10 in total, 2 on each side, 2 on the backrest and 4 on the base.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable
Read next – Big Mable vs Big Brawler: Which Towable Boat Tubes are Better?
Value for Money
Considering the excellent materials, the durability, and the amount of fun you can have, they are both great value for money.
Big Mable
Naturally, it is the cheaper model. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Super Mable
Depending on offers, you might find this inflatable tube at around $70 more and with the same 1-year limited warranty.
The Winner Is- The Big Mable
Read next – Big Mable vs Big Betty: Which Towable Boat Tubes are Better?
Pros and Cons
We will look at a couple of pros and cons before the final verdict.
Big Mable
Pros:
- Inflation and deflation are quick and easy
- The nylon cover is strong
- Large enough to fit three teens
Cons:
- There are some cases of the tube submarining
Super Mable
Pros:
- It feels safe and stable
- There is space for 4 teens
- Good handle options
Cons:
- It’s heavy when wet
The Final Verdict
The main thing that Big Mable and the Super Mable have in common is the amount of fun you can have, kids and adults. We must stress again that the tubes are meant for teenagers and not younger children. Nevertheless, most people feel they are stable and safe enough for children with an adult. The design and material are also very similar so there was no obvious winner here.
Logically, if you have 3 adults, you will want the Super Mable. But bear in mind that this tube will take up a lot of space on your boat. You also have the additional weight and cost. For this reason, we felt that if the Big Mable is big enough for your needs, this is the perfect inflatable tube for your family.