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As kids, we don’t think about water safety. It’s all about how wet you can get and how much you’re thrown around. Not many changes as an adult until you have kids yourself and you need to make sure your family is having fun in the water and keeping safe. Towable tubes from Airhead tick both boxes.
We are going to compare two very similar tubes from Airhead, the Super Mable vs Super Mable HD. We will look at specifications like the appearance, capacity, ease of use, and value for money. Once we have reviewed the specifications in a comparison chart, we will add some pros and cons before our final decision.
We will start with the features that the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD have in common.
Super Mable vs Super Mable HD – Similarities
Quick Glance
Here are the specifics of the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD side by side.
Capacity
While there are other purchasing options with the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD, we are going to talk about the 1-3-person capacity. The Super Mable is advertised as having a weight capacity of 510 pounds but there is no information on the Super Mable HD.
Booster Ball Compatible
You can use Airhead’s Booster Ball with the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD. This ball improves the overall performance of the tubes by helping to keep the tow rope out of the water, absorbing shocks and reducing drag. It can also help to improve fuel efficiency.
Tow Points
There are two tow points on the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD. You can tow them front facing with the riders sitting down or you can tow them from the rear so the riders can kneel as a chariot-style ride. They come with patented Kwik Connect attachments.
Valves
Another patented feature of the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD are the Speed Safety Valves. These valves allow are one-way, for fast inflation and no air escaping when you put the caps back on. To deflate, you only have to take the cap off, and the air expels.
Handles
The Super Mable and the Super Mable HD have 10 neoprene handles. They are strategically placed on the seat, inside the backrest and on top of the backrest so the riders have the ability to grab hold in different positions.
There are just as many differences between the Super Mable and the Super Mable HD, so let’s take a look at them now.
Differences Between Super Mable vs Super Mable HD
Appearance
The two tubes are the same size at 78 x 79 inches, which is very spacious. They differ in their color.
Super Mable
The main color of this tube is bright orange. It also has some yellow features and black and white checkers.
Super Mable HD
It has the same black and white checkers, but the main color is yellow with some orange features.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Maximum Speed Limit
The speed isn’t just for safety, it will also impact the performance of the tube. That being said, many people also use the tubes just to enjoying floating.
Super Mable
For children, you shouldn’t take the tube over 15 miles per hour. If you are towing adults, the maximum speed limit is 20 miles per hour.
Super Mable HD
There is no product information about the maximum speed limit.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable
Materials
This is one of the more noticeable differences between the two tubes and while they both use great materials, one is superior.
Super Mable
The bladder is made from heavy-gauge PVC. The bladder is then completely covered with a heavy-duty, double-stitched nylon cover.
Super Mable HD
The bladder is extra-thick, 40-gauge K80 PVC with 30-gauge K80 PVC backrests. There is a double-thick1680 nylon cover over the tube with an 840 denier nylon backrest cover.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable HD
Camera Mount
Ok, so this feature might not make or break the decision, but it does add to the enjoyment you can get out of the tube.
Super Mable
There is no camera mount on this tube.
Super Mable HD
On the front of the tube, there is a camera mount so that you can capture all the fun you have.
The Winner Is- The Super Mable HD
Read next – Big Mable vs Super Mable: Which Rider Towable Tube is Better?
Value for Money
We looked at the warranty as well as the price.
Super Mable
This is priced well and within the expected price range for this size tube. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Super Mable HD
The warranty is the same, but you may have to pay up to $100 more for this tube.
The Winner Is- The Super Male
Pros and Cons
Last but not least, we have some pros and cons of the two tubes.
Super Mable
Pros:
- It’s extremely stable and hard to flip
- Very durable when you take care of it
- Good tow points and easy to tow
Cons:
- Some cases of not holding air and handles coming off
Super Mable HD
Pros:
- There is a noticeable difference in the quality of the materials
- You can comfortably fit three adults
- Inflation and deflation are quick
Cons:
- It’s a little on the heavy side
The Final Verdict
Really, it comes down to how much you are able and willing to pay. Our overall winner today is the Super Mable HD. The extra investment is worth it, not just for the camera mount but also for the superior quality materials. It felt even safer and more durable. That being said, if the budget doesn’t allow for the Super Mable HD, you won’t go wrong with the Super Mable.