Rubber Dockie Vs. Lily Pad – Which Floating Lake Mat Is Best?

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As summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like spending a relaxing day on the water. Floating around your favorite lake on a giant, comfortable mat is pretty tough to beat. But with so many options for floating water mats out there, how do you choose?

Two of the most popular picks are the timeless classic Lily Pad and the new kid on the block, the Rubber Dockie mat.

Both mats provide ample space to stretch out and work on your tan while floating lazily across a lake, river or pool. And both feature durable construction to withstand frequent use. But there are some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs.

Below we’ll break down the pros and cons of Lily Pads and Rubber Dockies to help you decide which is the best floating lake mat for you. But first, let’s quickly compare the two at a high level:

A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Rubber Dockie	Lily Pad
Size	10′ x 6′	10′ x 7′
Weight	95 lbs	110 lbs
Carrying Case	Yes	No
Custom Colors	Yes	No
Attachments	4 anchors, 2 cup holders, phone holder	None

Now let’s dive a little deeper into the details…

Pros and Cons of Rubber Dockie Floating Mats

Pros

• Lots of accessories – Rubber Dockie mats come with 4 anchors to keep you from floating away, 2 cup holders to keep your drinks handy and a phone holder so you can play music or podcasts without getting your device wet or dropping it overboard.
• Custom colors available – While the original Lily Pad only comes in the signature leafy green design, Rubber Dockie offers mats in all different colors and patterns so you can coordinate with friends or find one that matches your personality.
• Comes with carrying case – Each Rubber Dockie includes a durable wheel-along duffle bag, making transport and storage a cinch. No struggling to roll up a bulky mat at the end of the day.
• More comfortable – Made from a softer vinyl material, many users report the Rubber Dockie feeling more plush and cushy than other floating mats. The textured surface prevents slipping when things get wet.

Cons

• More expensive – With all the bells and whistles, Rubber Dockies cost quite a bit more than a basic Lily Pad mat. Be prepared to spend over $200 for a standard size.
• Heavier and bulkier – Even when deflated and stored in the included duffle, Rubber Dockies take up more space. And when hauling it inflated to the water, the extra accessories add noticeable weight.
• Requires inflation – Lily Pads are made of foam so they’re instantly ready to float whenever. But Rubber Dockies must be inflated when getting set up, adding another step (and something else that could potentially break.)

Pros and Cons of Lily Pad Lake Mats

Pros

• Classic, iconic design – It’s hard to imagine a floating mat without picturing the unique green lily pad scalloped shape. The signature look makes Lily Pads easily identifiable from far away.
• Affordable price – With no extra frills, Lily Pad mats are very reasonably priced, often less than $100 for a standard 10′ size. Sales run frequently too.
• Lightweight foam construction – Weighing 15-20 lbs less than most other floating mats, basic Lily Pads are easier to haul down to the water without feeling bulky or awkward.
• No inflation required – Just toss it in the lake and Lily Pads are ready to float instantly. No pumps required.

Cons

• Can feel flimsy or unstable – Without any interior structure, cheaper Lily Pads lack rigidity and reinforcement. Large users may feel like they sink in unsupported spots.
• No carrying case – Getting an oversized 10′ foam mat back home from the lake while keeping it clean and dry is tricky without a built-in storage solution. Expect to jury rig something.
• No accessories – Don’t expect attachments for anchoring, holding drinks or keeping your phone handy. It’s just an unmodified sheet of foam.
• Limited color/style options – You’re pretty much stuck with basic green or a multi-color tie-dye pattern. Not much room for personal customization or matching with friends.

Is A Rubber Dockie Or Lily Pad Better For You?

As you can see, both the Rubber Dockie and classic Lily Pad have compelling pros alongside a few cons. Which is better comes down to the features that align with your priorities.

Go with a Rubber Dockie if you want:

• A super stable and supportive mat that feels more like a raft
• Convenient accessories and attachments
• Eye-catching custom colors and prints
• A carrying case included for easy transport

Opt for a classic Lily Pad if you:

• Are on a tight budget
• Want the lightest, most portable foam mat
• Like the iconic green leaf design
• Don’t need any fancy extras

For lake lounging luxury and premium features, Rubber Dockies lead the way. But if price and simplicity top your list, basic Lily Pads offer plenty of float for the cost.

With this overview of the key pros, cons and differences, deciding whether a feature-packed Rubber Dockie or classic minimalist Lily Pad is the right lake mat for your needs should be smooth sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers some common questions people have when comparing floating mat options.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to floating comfort, accessories and customization, innovative modern Rubber Dockies set a new bar for awesome on the water experiences. But don’t count out the classic charm and simplicity of lightweight iconic Lily Pads either if a basic yet affordable lake float fits your needs.

Hopefully the detailed pros, cons and comparison info covered here makes picking your perfect summer water mat as easy as a cannonball off the diving board. Just grab your shades, slather on some sunscreen and watch your stress float away.

A relaxing, peaceful summer awaits – enjoy!