If protecting your skis is priority one when traveling, the Sportube Series 1, 2, and 3 might just be the best option available. All three are hard sided cases Made from durable high density polyurethane. The Series 1 is the smallest of the three, and will give you strong and lightweight protection for one pair of skis and poles.

Tester: Matt

Overview:  Hard sided cases are going to give you the best protection for your skis weather traveling by plane, train, or automobile. The Sportube Series 1 is made with a high density Polyethylene plastic, giving you the peace of mind to know that your gear will be protected when traveling to your destination, no matter how you’re getting there.

Capacity: The Series 1 is the lightest and smallest case. At 168mm x 140mm it’s designed to fit one pair of skis and poles from 122cm in length, to 212cm in length. With a width of 168mm the Series 1 should fit even the widest powder skis. However, packing the skis into the case will still require a bit of work. Skis must be placed tip to tail with bindings facing each other. Both skis combined must remain under 140mm in height. Most skis with traditional bindings will have no problem staying under this limit, but demo bindings or bindings with risers will be much closer to that 140mm height. We had trouble fitting our test skis (Salomon Shoguns with Demo bindings) into the Series 1, but were able to make it work with a little extra effort. It is important to note that Sportube does supply straps for the bindings and skis to make it easier to place skis into the case (We didn’t have them in the test video).

Features: The Sportube Series 1 has two large plastic handles on the outside. They work well, but the tube is a bit awkward to carry when loaded with a heavy pair of skis. To make things easier Sportube placed two wheels on the bottom of the case and an easy pull handle on the other end. The Series one is also “hitchin” ready, and compatible Sportube boot bags can be clipped to the tube for easier transport of all of your gear. Both ends of the case are padded, so your gear will be protected when you do have to put in on end. The Sportube Series 1 is also mountable to vehicle roof racks, and works well when you just need to head to your local resort.

Bottom Line: The Sportube Series 1 is great for those who only have one pair of skis, and want the best protection for your gear when traveling. It wasn’t the easiest case to get skis in and out of, but once inside, you’ll be given the peace of mind knowing your gear is protected.

-Sportube does supply straps and brake retainers to make it easier to get into the tube, we just forgot to use them-

Overview:  Hard sided cases are going to give you the best protection for your skis weather traveling by plane, train, or automobile. The Sportube Series 2 is made with a high density Polyethylene plastic, giving you the peace of mind to know that your gear will be protected when traveling to your destination, no matter how you’re getting there.

Capacity: The Sportube Series 2 is the step up in size from the Series 1 and will hold up to two traditional alpine skis and poles. Like the Series 1, the 2 is adjustable from 122cm to 212cm, ensuring that you can fit your shortest park skis or your longest race skis. The Series 2 is 280mm wide and 152mm tall, giving you the ability to carry narrow carving skis, or wide powder skis. We found the series two to be roomier and easier to use than the Series 1, and we had no trouble getting two pairs of skis inside. Sportube does supply Velcro straps to keep the skis together, as well as rubber brake retainers. Using these will make it much easier to get skis in and out, and will help your gear from moving once inside the tube.

Features: The main feature of the Sportube Series 2 is the hard plastic shell, but of course protection is only half the story. The Series 2 has several great features to help make the case more usable and friendly. Two plastic handles on the outside allow you to pick up the case easily, but with two pairs of skis the case can be quite heavy and awkward to use. Sportube helps by placing wheels on the bottom of the case and an easy pull handle on the other end. This allows you to wheel the case around rather than have to carry it everywhere. Built in “hitchin” tech allows you to attach your Sportube boot bag to the outside and wheel the entire system around. Internal padding on both ends help to ensure your skis don’t get damaged when placing them on either end, and internal Velcro straps help to make sure your gear doesn’t move inside the case. The adjustment points are also lockable, ensuring security while traveling, and ensuring the case doesn’t extend on its own.

Bottom Line: The Sportube Series 2 will provide solid protection for two pairs of skis and poles. It’s roomier than the Series 1, and seems a bit easier to get skis in and out. Being 152mm in height, it didn’t seem to have the same issues with bindings with risers/demo bindings as the Series 1 did. This would be my choice for every time I go to the mountain and can’t decide which pair of skis I want to ski that day.

-Sportube does supply straps and brake retainers to make it easier to get into the tube, we just forgot to use them-

Overview:  Hard sided cases are going to give you the best protection for your skis weather traveling by plane, train, or automobile. The Sportube Series 3 is the best option for those traveling with multiple skis and want to help get them to your destination without damage.

Capacity: The Sportube Series 3 is the largest of the hard sided cases. It was originally built to hold two snowboards, but has evolved into the most versatile case of the bunch. At 368mm wide, and 200mm deep we found we could easily fit three pairs of skis and poles inside the Series 3. We could also see easily fitting one snowboard and one pair of skis, making it perfect for families with one of each. They still fit tip to tail with bindings facing each other (skis), and it’s best to use the supplied straps and brake retainers. The only downside to the Series 3 is that it is only adjustable to a length of 183m, so those of us with longer skis won’t be able to fit them in.

Features: The Series 3 main goal is protection, and has the features needed to give you Peace of mind. It has a high density Polyethylene plastic that is durable, strong, and light. In addition the Series 3 is padded on both the ends. The inside lacks the same Velcro straps as the Series 2, but it does come with a strap and band pack to help keep gear organized inside the tube. Just like the Series 1 and 2, the Series 3 has two large plastic handles on the outside. The handles work perfectly fine, but with three pairs of skis the Series 3 can be heavy and awkward to carry. Sportube places two wheels on the bottom of one end, and an easy pull handle on the other. This allows you to wheel the case around rather than carry it, and makes it much easier to get through airports or parking lots. The Series 3 is also lockable for added security.

Bottom Line: The Sportube Series 3 is the largest and most versatile case Sportube offers. Originally designed two hold tow snowboards, it’s plenty large enough to hold three pairs of skis and poles. The downside is that it’s only 183cm long, and won’t fit longer skis. Still, the Series 3 would be great for families with multiple skis, and may be the best option for protecting all of your skis when traveling.