I posted this question in the tackle section in the "Tubes" thread but that thread withered out. Here goes:

What's your take on ribbed (ring) tubes ? I don't see them mentioned when a tube discussion pops up. I got some 4" green pumpkin ones from *** -

http://*.com/disctube and they look great. I figured I'd ask the smallmouth crew as you seem to use tubes more than most.

I've never used those before but throw them anyway...I'd like to hear how they do for you.

I'm always on the hunt for new baits.

I have never used those particular ones but I have used a Yum version that is very similar to those and have had great success flipping them for Largemouth but never with Smalllmouth they were a pretty big tube 4 1/2 or 5 inches.  

I have never used those particular ones but I have used a Yum version that is very similar to those and have had great success flipping them for Largemouth but never with Smalllmouth they were a pretty big tube 4 1/2 or 5 inches.

Yum does make a similar, 3 1/2" version, which I use very often when fishing for smallies. Great tube. Have pulled a lot of smallies over the gunnels with these.

UPDATE 7/19/09

These things work !! Went out last night to a sand quarry that is known for huge fish. My buddy had fished it his whole life and said it's the kind of place that you get skunked a lot, but when you do hook up it's worth it.

Had one of these rigged on a 1/8oz tube jig. Felt a subtle hit, set the hook and away she went. Had her going good. Then she jumped, did the head shake and she was gone :'( She was a beast, easily 7-8 lbs. Other boats were around, everyone saw it. Oh well, I'll be back.

So I guess I answered my own question about these baits.  

what are the ribs supposed to add?  Different vibration or just a different feel for the fish when it bites?

They trap and release air bubbles, plus I guess it's a different feel for the fish.

Ribbed for pleasure :D :D