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STAR Inflatables was founded in 1993 by an innovative paddler named Wayne Dull. After many years of success and firmly establishing the STAR brand, NRS bought STAR Inflatables to augment its inflatable boat lineup. The Star line enables NRS to offer inflatable boats at a better price point giving a broader range of customers access to high-quality inflatable boats at reasonable prices.
The STAR Makara River Tube and STAR Karma River Tube are comfortable, impeccably designed, and durable tubes built with high-quality materials and components. These tubes are built to last and STAR Inflatables backs that up with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. That’s longer than any of their competitors including their parent company NRS, Inc.!
Design and Construction of STAR River Tubes
Welded Seams: Welding seams is a process of using pressure and heat to permanently bond the seams of inflatable boats. Eliminating glue when constructing seams protects manufacturers and the environment from toxins and also creates a stronger more durable seam.
Leafield C7 Air Valve: Leafield C7 air valves are commonly installed in inflatable boats used in demanding applications. Leafield valves are made from high-strength, ACETAL (POM) plastic parts that provide chemical and ozone resistance, and its seal is designed to wipe the sealing surface clean as it operates. This reduces the risk of leakage due to dirt contamination.
Handles: STAR river tubes have two sturdy, ergonomically, placed handles that make lifting and carrying easy, improve re-entry, and provide stability on bumpy rides.
Designated Back Rest: Due to the placement of ergonomically handles there is a specified back when riding in one of these heavy-duty river tubes.
D-Rings: STAR river tubes have one D-ring located on the front of the tube for attaching miscellaneous gear or connecting tubes for a party barge.
Mesh Floor: STAR river tubes feature a raised, reinforced PVC mesh floor. The mesh floor provides comfort for the rider while shielding the rider from scrapes with rocks, limbs, and other debris.
Repairability: Leaks in a STAR river tube can be repaired with permanent Tear-Aid patches.
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STAR Karma River Tube
The STAR Karma River Tube combines a traditional tube with premium materials, quality construction methods, and a superior design.
The STAR Karma river tube is asymmetrical. It has a wider back and a narrower front, seven-sided heptagon shape, and the larger 13.5″ tube at the back diminishes to 11″ on the front. These design features enhance the stability of the tube keeping it upright when waves get bumpy.
- Constructed with durable PVC-Free 840Dd Nylon Tarpaulin TPU with a reinforced, PVC mesh floor.
- Welded seams
- Reliable Leafied C7 air valve
- Ergonomic handles for comfort and security
- An asymmetrical shape features a wider back and a narrower front
- 3-year retail warranty, 1-year commercial warranty
Specifications for the STAR Karma River Tube
| Best Use | Pools and Calm Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Cockpit Type | Sit-on-Top / Open Cockpit |
| Person Capacity | 1 |
| Seating Configuration | Solo |
| Occupant Size | Up to Average Adult |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Total Diameter | 44″ Heptagon (seven sides) |
| Interior Diameter | 20″ Heptagon (seven sides) |
| Tube Diameter | 13.5″ Max Tube Diameter, Diminishing to 11″ on the Front |
| Load Capacity | N/A |
| Number of Air Chambers | 1 |
| Air Chamber Material | PVC-Free 840Dd Nylon Tarpaulin TPU |
| Air Valves | 1 Leafield C7 Air Valve |
| Seam | Welded Seams |
| Floor | Reinforced PVC Raised Mesh Floor |
| Inflation Pressure | N/A |
| Inflation Time | Under 5 minutes |
| Number of Handles | 2 Ergonomically Placed Handles |
| D-Rings | 1 D-Ring |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty: 3-Year Retail, 1-year Commercial |
STAR Makara River Tube
The STAR Makara River Tube improves on the traditional tube design with premium materials and quality construction methods.
- Constructed with durable PVC-Free 840Dd Nylon Tarpaulin TPU with a reinforced, PVC mesh floor.
- Welded seams
- Reliable Leafied C7 air valve
- Ergonomic handles for comfort and security
- 3-year retail warranty, 1-year commercial warranty
Specifications for the STAR Makara River Tube
| Best Use | Pools and Calm Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Cockpit Type | Sit-on-Top / Open Cockpit |
| Person Capacity | 1 |
| Seating Configuration | Solo |
| Occupant Size | Up to Average Adult |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Total Diameter | 44″ Octagon (eight sides) |
| Interior Diameter | 20″ Octagon (eight sides) |
| Tube Diameter | 12″ |
| Load Capacity | N/A |
| Number of Air Chambers | 1 |
| Air Chamber Material | PVC-Free 840Dd Nylon Tarpaulin TPU |
| Air Valves | 1 Leafield C7 Air Valve |
| Seam | Welded Seams |
| Floor | Reinforced PVC Raised Mesh Floor |
| Inflation Pressure | N/A |
| Inflation Time | Under 5 minutes |
| Number of Handles | 2 Ergonomically Placed Handles |
| D-Rings | 1 D-Ring |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty: 3-Year Retail, 1-year Commercial |
STAR Makara Duo River Tube
The STAR Makara Duo River Tube is designed for two tubers and a spot in the middle with lashing points to keep your cooler or gear safely in place.
This tube is a vast improvement over the traditional tube design with premium materials and quality construction methods.
It has a total diameter of 102″ x 44″ wide, a 20″ interior diameter, and 12″ tubes.
- Dual air chamber construction for safety
- Constructed with durable PVC-Free 840-Denier Nylon Tarpaulin TPU with a heavy-duty mesh floor.
- Welded seams
- Reliable Leafied C7 air valves
- Ergonomic handles for comfort and security
- Two D-rings
- 3-year retail warranty, 1-year commercial warranty
Specifications for the STAR Makara Duo River Tube
| Best Use | Pools and Calm Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Structure Type | Inflatable |
| Cockpit Type | Sit-on-Top / Open Cockpit |
| Person Capacity | 2 |
| Seating Configuration | Tandem |
| Occupant Size | Up to 2 Average Adults |
| Weight | 12.4 lbs |
| Size | 102″ x 44″ (two 44″ diameter tubes connected by center section) |
| Interior Diameter | 20″ Octagon (eight sides) |
| Tube Diameter | 12″ |
| Load Capacity | N/A |
| Number of Air Chambers | 1 |
| Air Chamber Material | PVC-Free 840-Denier Nylon Tarpaulin TPU |
| Air Valves | 2 Leafield C7 Air Valve |
| Seam | Welded Seams |
| Floor | Reinforced PVC Raised Mesh Floor |
| Inflation Pressure | N/A |
| Inflation Time | Under 10 minutes |
| Number of Handles | 4 Ergonomically Placed Handles |
| D-Rings | 2 D-Ring |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty: 3-Year Retail, 1-year Commercial |
Conclusion
The big design difference between competing NRS and AIRE heavy-duty river tubes and these two STAR river tubes is that STAR tubes have no outer cover. The tube itself is constructed with durable 44 oz. 1000-denier PVC instead of a reinforced cover over a tube.
If you’re going river tubing in a location that has rocks, risk of downed limbs, or other debris that could puncture a tube, a heavy-duty river tube is the smart way to go. Whether you opt for a tube with or without a cover is a matter of preference. The 44oz 1000-Denier PVC material of the STAR river tubes is heavier than the outer shells of the NRS and AIRE tubes.
The taller back of the STAR Karma River Tubes offers greater back support, comfort, and the raked design offered greater stability in white water.
The ergonomically placed handles of the STAR river tubes are a plus when holding on in rocky water.
Outside these features, there is little difference in quality or function between STAR river tubes and those from AIRE and NRS.
Stay safe on the river!
Note: If you find it difficult to understand the materials and specs of these or other inflatable boats, check out Understanding Heavy-Duty Inflatable Boat Air Chamber Materials And Specs.
P.S. The Boating Safety Basics For Paddle Boaters will cover many of the safety basics that you need to know when tubing on a river.
Related Content: Difference Between River Tubes And Snow Tubes
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hey Steve Hood, just read ur piece on STAR river tubes and got a question. How do these hold up against sharp rocks and branches? Been through a few tubes myself and looking for something that won’t bail on me halfway through the ride.
Loving the approach STAR is taking by not using an outer cover, seems like a solid step towards reducing unnecessary materials. Nice to see companies thinking about sustainability.
While I appreciate the nod to sustainability, do we know if the material itself is eco-friendly? Durable PVC sounds good, but what happens at the end of its life?
good point, @SkeptiGal. Durability’s great but would also love to know more about the eco side of things.
STAR tubes without the outer cover is genius! Sounds like it’s gonna be a game changer for us who loves hitting the rapids. Can’t wait to try the Makara!
Intrigued by the specs mentioned for the STAR Makara Duo River Tube. However, there seems to be a lack of detailed information on dimensions and valve types. Precise specs are crucial for potential buyers to make informed decisions.
Looks like STAR’s making some solid tubes, but I’m just here to float and soak in the sun. As long as it can carry me and my cooler, we’re good.
I must say, while the notion of a durable 44 oz. 1000-denier PVC construction sounds impressive, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee superior performance. Many factors contribute to a quality river tube, including but not limited to material strength.
Loving the sound of these STAR river tubes! Looking for a durable option that won’t break the bank. Anyone knows if they come in different colors?
Regarding the STAR Karma and Makara river tubes, are there any safety features built into these designs? With kids, ensuring a safe ride is as important as durability. Appreciate any feedback on this!
Was on the fence about investing in a higher-quality river tube, but the durability of the STAR river tubes sounds worth it. Great article, Steve Hood! Excited to see how these tubes enhance my river adventures.