RADAR ORION 3 ($229.99)
If you’re looking for the best bang for the buck, a strong argument could be made for a basic, deck-style inflatable like Radar’s Orion 3. An oversize version of Radar’s popular two-passenger model built to satisfy consumer demand, it doesn’t oer a cushy backrest, cute animal character, or any real bells and whistles. The Orion is just a classic 75-inch round inflatable with room for up to three riders lying side by side in a prone position and six padded grab handles arrayed across its front. Radar’s Marshmallow Soft Top, a comfy neoprene material, covers the upper side of the tube and all but eliminates riders’ elbows and knees chafing against the surface when bouncing along behind the boat. The convex shape of the aptly named Spoon-OVation bottom reduces drag. It also allows the tube to have a clean connection with the wake, grab air in the right conditions, and carry a lot of speed out into the flats.
While the Orion is certainly capable of a relaxing ride, the listed features mean this inflatable practically begs to slingshot (responsibly) across the wakes.
It’s one of the best sliders in the bunch and can be subtly influenced with body language. The only real downside is that the completely bolster-free deck surface oers little to keep the outside passenger in place when the Radar accelerates outside the wake.
With its single bladder, the Orion 3 was the simplest and quickest tube to fill, a bonus if you’re attempting to inflate it on board the boat or at the launch ramp. It’s two-piece Boston valve is simple to use, but don’t lose it.