Thread: questions about Sportube hardsided ski luggage.

I picked up a Sportube 2 ski carrier used a couple of years ago. I haven't used it since, as most of my ski trips have been road trips. I am wondering if I should keep it around just in case, or if I should pass it on to a deserving maggot. It is still in the plastic wrap it shipped in, and I don't really want to unwrap it untill I decide to keep it or not as it will be a pain to pack it back up to ship it.

How will it fit my rockered DPS w112s and w99s? I have BF inserts in both so I will be able to take off the bindings, I am wondering how the rockered tips and tails will fit.

How much other gear can you fit in the tube along with the skis? When I travelled with my softsided ski luggage with a full zipper, you could stuff a lot of gear and clothes in with the skis, both to protect the skis as well as transport the gear. Can you do this with the Sportube? I usually bring BC gear with me on trips so I have more crap to pack than a maggot who is only resort skiing.

I sold mine.

You should be able to fit your skis fine.

You can't fit much in the tube with skis.

It's a pain in the ass to pack it up.

It's likely to get opened by TSA/Customs and not get closed properly again.

I twice had it it appear at oversize baggage pick ups undone two halves separate and skis and gear completely unprotected.

Originally Posted by PNWbrit

It's likely to get opened by TSA/Customs and not get closed properly again.

I twice had it it appear at oversize baggage pick ups undone two halves separate and skis and gear completely unprotected.

They had a tough time with mine the first time too. After that, I use the TSA approved lock, and politely offer the agents my assistance if they want, standing by just in case they have trouble. No problems since. I found they were pretty easy to pack once I got the hang of it. The optional handle attachments, invaluable too.

After watching bunch of skis (in soft cases) roll off a baggage cart whipping around a corner at DIA, I will never fly without a Sportube. Well worth it IMO.

Another Sportube fan here. I was able to (barely) fit Cease and Desists and Caylors in the 2 ski tube for a trip. That load may have distorted it a bit. Caylors and Wrenegades fit fine so 112s and 99s will be a breeze. Without bindings you would be able to pack a decent amount of other stuff in. I loaded mine up with bindings on and could fit in my outer layers, poles, skins, and gloves. Not as much as soft sided but enough to get you well over 50 lbs.


As for rockered tips and tails... with bindings on you pack them binding to binding so it won't make a difference. If you're packing them without bindings they go one on top of the other and fit easy.

They are Ok, not great. Safety is great, but other features not always the best as stated already.

I sold mine in favor of soft bag for convienence. No issues to date. Key is tip to tail with ski bases facing out. You can stuff clothes in and still be all right on the weight. TSA does require staying and oversight for repack. Still have some issues with them not replacing locks and then I'm lucky if all gear is still there at pick up.

kinda like other things, some love some hate......

They are heavy. Airlines allow 50 lb, these are in the mid teens. The 2 pair ones were designed when skis were skinny and bindings weren't as big and the 3 pair one weigh almost 20 lb. Skis like DPS 112's with their high tips and tails will not for with ANY other ski. You are better off with a Dakine double roller.

I purchased a double sport tube this winter. While I like the protection, the double was only big enough to fit my Wootests and poles. As said above they are certainly designed for skinny race skis with no rocker in mind (not to mention two pairs mounted with Dukes). Also, it was the only bag/tube I could find in my local shops that could fit a 196cm ski.

I will probably have to unpack the Sportube and test it out by putting some skiis in it. My W112 and W99 both have BF inserts installed, so I am hoping to fit both pair of skiis inside with bindings removed, will see what happens, have a lot of other shit to do first.

Here are the packing directions in case you have any trouble. I also usually put a foam insert (the kinds new wrapped skis come shipped with) in between the bindings and the skis so they don't scratch my topsheets up during transit.

http://www.sportube.com/pages/pdf/Skiinstructions_1.pdf

FWIW I have fit 186 Lhasas and 183 bros together in my 10 (15?) year old double tube... it took some creative packing, but it worked.

You guys are doing it wrong... Again, I managed (with some sweat and tears) to fit Pillowfights and Caylors with their massive tip/tails and rocker in a regular Sport tube double.

I used to own Wailer 112s, I know what they're shaped like. I don't see what the issue would be with them.

I have the double. I picked it up used off gear swap not that long ago. I may be doing it wrong cause I can't fit my 185 sidestash and my 178 mantras. They have the bindings on. I just can't manage to get the two to sit nicely.

Originally Posted by Daywalker

You guys are doing it wrong... Again, I managed (with some sweat and tears) to fit Pillowfights and Caylors with their massive tip/tails and rocker in a regular Sport tube double.

I used to own Wailer 112s, I know what they're shaped like. I don't see what the issue would be with them.

You must be a miracle worker. What bindings were they mounted with?

Originally Posted by NmbrdDays

I have the double. I picked it up used off gear swap not that long ago. I may be doing it wrong cause I can't fit my 185 sidestash and my 178 mantras. They have the bindings on. I just can't manage to get the two to sit nicely.

If my 186 Gotamas (w/ Marker Griffon bindings) can fit with room to spare, your 178 Mantras should have zero problem fitting in there. Place your skis top to top, faced in opposite directions, use those big rubber bands to keep the brakes up, use the velcro straps to pull your skis tighter together, and voila. Now the real test will be if they can fit my Keepers. Haven't tried that yet, since I didn't have to fly at all last season.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

If my 186 Gotamas (w/ Marker Griffon bindings) can fit with room to spare, your 178 Mantras should have zero problem fitting in there. Place your skis top to top, faced in opposite directions, use those big rubber bands to keep the brakes up

Like I said too much hassle.... for negligible, maybe no benefit.

TSA checked bag screeners are trained to use zips. Just get a big padded Dakine roller.

Originally Posted by bennettc14

You must be a miracle worker. What bindings were they mounted with?

916s (caylors had MFDs and 916s which raised stack height a smidge). I don't think I have any pictures of the packing but I'll check.

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA

If my 186 Gotamas (w/ Marker Griffon bindings) can fit with room to spare, your 178 Mantras should have zero problem fitting in there. Place your skis top to top, faced in opposite directions, use those big rubber bands to keep the brakes up, use the velcro straps to pull your skis tighter together, and voila. Now the real test will be if they can fit my Keepers. Haven't tried that yet, since I didn't have to fly at all last season.

I have griffons on the mantras. I can get one pair in fine. It's the two that don't want to play nicely. The sidestash's may be a lil too wide.