Which is the preferred life jacket?

[Narcdogk9]

Do you like the automatic inflatables or the standard life vest. If you like the inflatables, which one? SOSpenders or something else.

[bruizer343]

what if it dosnt inflate ?

the blunt force trauma protection from a full PFD vs the Inflators is
more than worth the comfort level.

all this talk of PFD's.....what about a helmet too.

you cant swim if your not awake.

[justflipit]

i have a mustang but i have not had it inflate so i could not tell you how well it works, but you dont even no you are wearing it.

[Team Fugowee]

what if it dosnt inflate ?

the blunt force trauma protection from a full PFD vs the Inflators is
more than worth the comfort level.

all this talk of PFD's.....what about a helmet too.

you cant swim if your not awake.

I agree. Give me a full PFD with leg straps.

I guess if your not going to wear anything else one of those stupid maybe I'll inflate once I'm under for a while things. Just don't have it under any layer of clothing though, as it will inflate and not let you take a breath.

[Ken C.]

The best PFD is one that you wil wear, time after time, day after day, and all the time you are on the water.

What works for me, might not work for you. What I feel comfortable with - you may not.

If you opt for the full-fledged "flak-jacket" type, are you really going to want to be wearing it all the time on the hot days of summer on the water? I would bet not. Especially on those "short" runs! Again, if you don't have it on when you need it, it's not going to help.

I bought the SOSpender "World Class" auto/manual (38 lb. floatation) vests for Jason and I and we both tend to wear them the entire time we are on the water, hot or cold, rain or shine, etc. I feel very comfortable in their ability to inflate once they get submerged, but I follow the mfr's specs and replace the pills annually. I would bet that most folks that have ever had an issue with a SOSpender have not habitually replaced the pill.

The Mustang brand has both the pill type and the pressure type available but the pressure type is almost double the price of the pill types. Again, it's a personal choice. Do you trust a pill , do you trust a pressure sensor, or do you trust fixed foam?

The type that I would not recommend is the manual-inflate-only types that are out there. Simply because there is every likelyhood that when the time comes that you have to test your PFD, it will be under the worst possible condition and if you are disoriented or unconcious, how are you going to have the wherewithall to remember to find that pull-tab to inflate your PFD?

And that brings us back to the inflatable or fixed-foam type of PFD.

My last point would be that if you take the time to read the material that is included with any inflatable PFD, they will tell you to NOT wear it under any clothing and to service the arming mechanism at least once a year, or more frequently if the vest is exposed to high humidity - rainy days, being kept in a closed locker or other storage on your boat, etc.

Whatever type you decide on, wear it!!!

[Flippinjigs]

I am no expert on this issue, but I did do a little research on this and I do mean a little. And most of what I am saying is my own personal opinion.

I feel that running any boat on plane at high speeds requires a PFD that is impact rated. I run a bass boat that runs 70+ and I use a PFD that is rated for 100MPH impact speed. I noramlly cruse around at 40-45MPH. I still use that PFD with the leg straps.

Don't be fooled about your personal safety when using those suspender type PFD at high speeds. They can be pulled off on impact with the water at relatively low speeds. Worst yet they might tangle you up and inflate around your neck, arms or legs. I am surprised that some organizations sponsor and approve the use of these types PFD as does the USCG.

Funny this issue should come up, because two weeks ago I asked the Stearns company that makes Sospenders PFD in a email at what speed are these suspenders type PFD impact rated for? And the answer is THEY ARE NOT IMPACTED TESTED. I email USCG Boating Safety NO ANSWER.

I personally think the suspender type PFD are fine for use while fishing just not running a boat on plane. But as always it's your decision.

Good Fishing & Be Safe Out There

[Rich hamilton]

Mustang survival auto inflate for me. it is very comfortable and easy to wear throughout the day. I had suspenders but it kept inflating at various different times on its own. Some folks pay $300 for a Loomis rod and wear cheap life Jackets. I would suggest buying the best you can afford. I still remember Derek Crenshaws drowning like it was yesterday, infectious smile and a wonderful guy. Hope you all wear life jackets. http://www.mustangsurvival.com

[Sean Graf]

I love my orange life vest.