Although winter is slowly winding down and spring on the horizon, there is still a ton of snowfall out west. We get a fair amount of snow here in Northern Michigan but dearly lack the terrain features to really enjoy alpine skiing. So we’re packing up and heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to make some turns over spring break. When ever we travel to ski, the discussion of renting skis on-site or lugging our own equipment to the destination comes up. Traveling with all that gear can be cumbersome as well as exposure to damage or loss by the airlines. For this trip, we decided to bring our equipment. And solving the problem of potential damage is the Sportube rigid ski case.
Sportube Video Demo:
This hard plastic telescoping case allows safe transport of up to three pairs of skis, depending on which model you select. We decided on a Series 1 and a Series 2 Sportube. Allowing some flexibility when we travel as a family or alone. The Series 1 can fit a single pair of skis and poles and the Series 2 holds two pairs. The Series 3? You guessed it, three pairs of skis will fit. To further secure your gear, a handy TSA lock is also available. These plastic cases are also a perfect option if you decide to ship skis via UPS or FedEx. Providing superior protection over a cardboard box in the hands of potentially destructive delivery services.
Maneuvering through a busy airport to the check luggage counter is no sweat with the Easy Pull Handle and built in wheels. Making transport a one handed operation similar to a travel golf bag. Additionally, long molded handles are located along the top of the case for ease of loading in and out of vehicles. Or if you’d just rather carry the Sportube off the ground. I found this handy when negotiating stairs. The telescoping design is a huge improvement from the old one-size-fits-all ski cases. Cases that are built for the longest possible ski. Since everyone in our family rides different ski lengths, the design of the Sportube allows us to telescope the case to snugly fit each personal pair. Velcro straps and padded interior ends further secure the skis within the Sportube reducing the potential for damage.
Sportube Series 1 Features:
- Adjustable from 48″ to 83″ (122cm to 212cm) for a one size fits all solution (These are internal dimensions)
- 168mm (6 5/8″) Width x 140mm (5 1/2″) Depth (These are internal dimensions)
- Wheels improve maneuverability
- Padded at both ends for additional protection
- Lockable for added security
- Hard plastic shell for uncompromising strength, durability and protection
- 5 Year Warranty
- Includes Easy Pull Handle
- Mountable to Any Roof Rack for quick and easy transportation to your destination
- Ship via FedEx/UPS without the need for a box
- Airline Friendly
- Weighs approx. 8 lbs empty
- MSRP $159.95
With modern alpine ski equipment easily exceeding $1000 per pair, the cost of the Sportube seems like a no brainer to me. Especially when you look at the Series 2 or 3 and the potential investment inside. The airline baggage handlers don’t give two shits about the well being of your equipment either. I’ve experienced this on a recent heli-skiing trip where the airline completely lost my luggage. And a golf trip where I ended up with a broken driver shaft. Potentially ruining a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a well planned vacation. Both resulted in serious obstacles and personal expense. Although the Sportube can’t prevent loss of luggage, it will 100% prevent damage. And that’s half the battle.
Sportube Series 2 Features:
- Adjustable from 48″ to 83″ (122cm to 212cm) for a One Size Fits All solution (These are internal dimensions)
- 280mm Width x 152mm Depth (These are internal dimensions)
- Wheels improve maneuverability
- Padded at both ends for additional protection
- Lockable for added security
- Hard plastic shell for uncompromised strength, durability and protection
- 5-Year Warranty
- Easy Pull Handle includedInternal straps hold equipment secure
- Ship via FedEx/UPS without the need for a box
- Airline friendly
- Weighs approx. 12 lbs empty
- MSRP $219.95
Sportube not only manufactures cases for skis, fishing rods, water skis, spear fishing, snowboards and even bikes. They also offer some pretty sweet heated boot bags. A travel boot bag is the next item on my list to replace my well travelled Swix bag. Because no-one likes putting on a frozen boot.
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