Inflatable PFDs

[Big Fish Billy]

Wondering what folks use for these, any recommendations, places to get a deal, etc. Looks like the big names are Sospenders, Mustang, Stearns, wondering what everyone recommends.

Thanks,

Bill

[gottaflylee]

I have a West Marine (self inflator) one now, seems to be a good one

[Matuka Fly]

Mustangs self inflating vests require submersion for inflation there by reducing the chance of accidental inflation due to rain etc. I have two Stearns and Two Mustangs. During one of our yearly gatherings I jumped into the pool and the stearns did not work. The CO2 cartrige had been discharged. I would suggest that you jump into your local pool to test your devise and how if fits when inflated. If you put it on to tight you could choke when it inflates. Do not weare it under your jacket it could compress your lungs thereby causing suffocation.

I have not had one of the pill type inflate prematurley but have heard from others who have.
So when I purchased the last two I opted for the more expensive Mustang units.

Our local salts have really gotten into the saftey for offshore and I believe it will save lives in the future.

[Big Fish Billy]

Mustangs self inflating vests require submersion for inflation there by reducing the chance of accidental inflation due to rain etc. I have two Stearns and Two Mustangs. During one of our yearly gatherings I jumped into the pool and the stearns did not work. The CO2 cartrige had been discharged. I would suggest that you jump into your local pool to test your devise and how if fits when inflated. If you put it on to tight you could choke when it inflates. Do not weare it under your jacket it could compress your lungs thereby causing suffocation.

I have not had one of the pill type inflate prematurley but have heard from others who have.
So when I purchased the last two I opted for the more expensive Mustang units.

Our local salts have really gotten into the saftey for offshore and I believe it will save lives in the future.

Thanks, I do not see a chest strap on any of them, do they fit proper without them?

[F16TJ]

BF Billy, the chest strap is the connector between the two "tubes" and that is usually how you snap it together when you put it on. That needs to be connected to be effective in saving you if you go in the drink. If not, you can slip out of the harness if unconscious.

My wife got me a Mustang Auto Hydrostatic vest for Christmas. Gives me extra protection for when I'm out in the boat by myself. It is just like the "horse collars" I used to wear in the Air Force flying F-16's. Auto inflates when you go under water and keeps your face out of the water if you're unconscious.

I also wear on my belt a Rescue Technologies Corp "See/Rescue" streamer. Developed by a guy in Hawaii. I learned about it and started using it went I lived there and was flying search missions in the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol. It is a plastic streamer that is 6 inched by 25 feet that you deploy once in the water (it also works on land). Gives you additional visibility in the water and doesn't fade like sea dye or other temporary signaling devices. This guys company has developed other stuff since then, like IR streamers. The website is www.rescuestreamer.com As a side note, I never met the guy, I don't know him and I don't get any thing for endorsing his product. But, I'll tell you this, it sure makes you more visible in the water or on the ground.

Let's just hope none of us ever need to use them.

[Big Fish Billy]

OK, thanks everyone, wanted to get one for my wife this year, something comfortable so she'll wear it. And one for me too.