I Need Some Input On Auto-Inflatable Life Vest.

[tnriverluver]

After several boating deaths in my area lately due to sudden wind storms I am thinking about buying an inflatable vest,  I almost never wear my regular vest when just sitting in the boat fishing due to heat and humidity here in Tenn.  My question is on the auto inflate vest do they inflate when you get caught in a sudden downpour?  I have consided the manual vest but like the idea of the auto in those instances where you might be rendered unconsious or what not.  Also any recommendations on brands that are comfortable to wear all day?

[papajoe222]

I have two different brands of auto inflatable vests. One is a Mustang and the other a BPS. I've worn both when it was raining without either inflating on me.  The only times I've worn them during a deluge, I had my raingear on over them.  If you're really concerned that it might inflate unexpectedly, you might want to consider the manual model. It requires pulling on a cord to inflate, but seeing as you mentioned wearing it while fishing and wearing your regular vest at other times. the likelyhood of you being rendered unconsious is minimal.

Of the two that I have and one that my son-in-law has, I prefer the BPS model as it doesn't seem to get in the way as much.  I wear mine whenever I'm in the boat by myself and on those occasions where I'm fishing really rough water and could loose my footing. 

[Traveler2586]

I use the Mustang model made for BPS.  If you look at how the inflater is constructed, it will not inflate until the unit is completely under water in such a way as to allow water to flow up into the trigger mechanism.  There is a small white disk that will turn to mush in under two seconds when hit with water; when that happens, the trigger strikes the cylinder releasing the CO2.  Rain water can not usually reach the disk to activate the system, but high humidity can slowly act on it - and set it off.  So you have to take car of the PFD, don't leave it out in your boat when it's in storage.  When I return home at the end of fishing, my PFD is one of the first items I take into the house.  Each PFD comes with an instruction manual that explains how to care for the device - read it - it may save your life one day.

 

Here is a good thread on this subject....    http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/116106-pfds-life-jackets/

 

The BPS PFD is less $$$ than the Mustang, and it is made by Mustang.  Also, it's less expensive to re-arm; Mustang I think is around $70.00, BPS is around $35.00.  You can buy the white disk for around $9.00 at BPS. (change out the disk every few years depending on your usage and the humidity in your area)

[tbone1993]

I will save this thread because I asked the same question.  Go with the mustang HIT with the auto inflate, it will not go off in the rain. The explanation can be found here http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/116106-pfds-life-jackets/ . 

[HuskyKMA]

Mustang H.I.T. is what I have and I love it. It won't inflate until fully submerged, it takes water pressure to set it off, not just getting wet. Comfortable and I've worn it in the rain multiple times without problem. I live in the northwest, and believe me, we know rain up here especially during the winter steelhead and spring salmon seasons.

[wnybassman]

The only times I've worn them during a deluge, I had my raingear on over them.

 

Could be a bad move.   I have read never to wear anything over an auto inflate because if it inflates it will put so much pressure on your chest you won't be able to breath.   Just a heads-ups.  Of course I don't have any personal experience with that situation, but it sounds plausible. 

 

I bought the Mustang HIT because I felt it could take the rain and high moisture better.  I feel as though it has, seeing it has never gone off, and I've been out in rain I probably shouldn't have been out in.

[tnriverluver]

Thanks for the replies.  Having never owned an inflatable before,  y'all have been very helpful.

[scbassin]

yesterday as I was tieing the boat to the dock to walk up & get my truck to load the boat I took my life jacket off & dropped it on the seat. about that time the sky opened up & the rain came down extremely heavy. I loaded the boat & pulled it to the camper the jacket inflated. a puddle had formed on the seat. It's a sospenders model. I am going to rearm it & be more careful.

[slonezp]

I'm not sure which Mustang model I have but it is able to be auto or manually deployed.

[greyleg33]

I've twice seen humidity inflate auto jackets so I use a manual. If I go over and get knocked out I guess Ill just die.

[BryanM]

I have the Mustang and love it. I usually leave it on to fish and don't know it's there.