4 replies to this topic

[Kirk Dietrich]

I'm thinking about investing in one of the inflatable suspender type life jackets. Do you have the auto inflate model, manual, or combo? Are they trustworthy? I'm just a little skeptical.

Thanks,
Kirk

[Stippled Popper]

I have one of the manual inflatable models. Fortunately I haven't had to deploy it yet.
It is nice to have when wading.

[Jaydub]

I have one that I use on still waters. It's lightweight, cool and nonrestrictive enough, that I forget I have it on. So I will actually wear it. I figure that anything I am wearing is better than something stashed behind the seat. I have the manual type because I am cheap. On moving water I wear a regular PFD.

[Kirk Dietrich]

Thanks for the input. When I go with others in their boat, I usually bring my mesh top PFD to wear while running because theirs' is usually stashed below the deck. When we start fishing, I take it off. I think the suspender type would be a good alternative.

Thanks,
Kirk

[kodiaksalmon]

I use the Mustang inflatable with the HIT inflation....it inflates via water pressure rather than just getting wet. Fishing where I do, and driving my boat in the weather and seas I do, I'd heard stories of the "pill" getting wet and deploying from a heavy rain or taking green water over the bow. So I dropped the coin on the HIT vest and I love it. I had a manual vest, but in my job and seeing what I see, I lose confidence in a manual vest. Many or most people are rendered unconscious or at least unable when thrown from a boat. For wading, and just falling down or getting in over your head, yeah. But for a high speed boat on big water, I like the automatic inflation.