Hey guys, I like throwing tubes in the 2.5" to 2.75" size range. In the past, I've used a lot of the Berkley Power Tubes and have had good success with them as far as putting fish in the boat and they held up ok for as soft as they seemed. However, this past year I was running into a lot more durability issues than before and having tube heads popping through the head of the bait many times even on the first fish. Maybe they had a few runs that didn't have quite as thick of walls or something, but I'm looking for your recommendations on your favorite small tubes. 

On 1/13/2023 at 10:25 AM, WIGuide said:

 I'm looking for your recommendations on your favorite small tubes. 

 BPS Tender Tube #71

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Phantom_Weighted_Tube_Hooks_4pk/descpage-OWTH.html  (3/0 1/16 oz) 

I use Gizits . Years ago I found the 2.5 inch ones  on clearance and bought a whole bunch . Been using that inventory ever since .  They are a dark root beer color, almost black . I usually touch up the last 1/4 inch of the tails with a chartreuse marker . They work in dirty and clear water .

Strike king bitsy tube 

If you need it to be a tube then the zman tubez will do what you want.  Another option if you don't mind a solid body is the ticklerz.  They are 2 3/4", tube body shape with a little taper to the body, and tentacles out the back. Great little baits for finicky fish.  And of course a fish won't hurt Elaztech.

I absolutely love tubes and use the <3” sizes quite a bit. Below are my favorites, I usually order direct from the manufacturer so I can get bulk packs, though smaller count bags are available. 
 

Chunky small tubes:

Right bite baits 2.5

 

Skinny small tubes:

big bite 2.5

mizmo bass teasers

 

Above are my usuals, but also consider get bit baits, river rock baits, and ISG

 

 

 

The small size Maxscent tubes have worked really well for me the past couple years. The aren't as durable as Z-Man, but I find they last longer than the standard Power Tube.  

Canyon-Plastics 2 1/2” Mini Gitzit, 99 colors to choose from.

 

Tom

I like the tubes Hawghead baits sells. 

 

Allen 

I like the Dry Creek 3" DS tube, it just doesnt have a solid head and isnt very durable.

When I got back into fishing about 20 years ago I went on a tube buying spree.  I have around 30 packages of the old Zoom Small Tubes in different colors.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I've got a little stock to burn through yet, I'll start checking out some of these as replacements. I wish Z-man made something in between the TRD Tubez and the Ez Tubez as that'd make it pretty easy as far as durability is concerned.  

Intimidator has good durability. Standard circumference.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/search-tackle.html?start=0&count=30&searchtext=intimidator

 

Net Bait finesse tube is pretty unique. Nice and fat for a 2.5" tube. Body is a little shorter in proportion with a longer ratio of tentacles. Something the fish haven't seen if dragging on a tube jig head. You can fit goby head in these little guys. 

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/NetBait_STH_BaitFuel_Finesse_Tubes_8pk/descpage-NBFTT.html?from=basres

I agree completely w/ @Fat Ika. I tried the NetBait STH Finesse Series in the 2.5” size last year and it was by far my best producer for smallmouth bass. I highly recommend them.