Auto-Inflatable Life Vests

[tentimesover]

So, I've made the decision to start wearing a vest-type life jacket while I fish from my boat.  I never have done this before but feel it's time now.  I have admired the auto-inflatable vest type and feel that those won't get in my way while fishing.  I saw that they were on sale at BPS so went over to get one -- but, while there saw on the same aisle the Mustang vests.  They look basically the same; however, the Mustang vests are over $100 more than the BPS versions.  While I don't want to waste my money, a life jacket is pretty important piece of equipment to me and I'd certainly pay the extra for value if it's there.  Can anyone with experience give me some opinions of whether I should spend the additional money and what I will be getting for it if I were to get the Mustang version over the BPS auto-inflatable?

 

Thanks in advance.

[scrutch]

There are a few differences just within the mustang brand itself. My suggestion is to read up starting here...http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/inflatable-pfds?country=25

I have a mustang and I like it a lot.

[Fish Chris]

tentimes, excellent idea !

 

I wouldn't be caught on the water without my auto inflatable like jacket ! I've used both the SOSpender brand, as well as Cabelas. Both were fine.

 

Peace,

Fish

[Fishes in trees]

The price difference in inflatable life jackets has to do with how they inflate.  The least expensive ones manually inflate, i.e. you have to pull a cord to get them to inflate.  The next step up are auto- inflation models.  These have a clay bobbin inside the inflation mechanism.  The idea being that when you hit the water, in a few seconds the clay bobbin melts in the inflation process begins.  Current top of the line models have what is called HIT inflation.  Not being an expert, the idea is that the vest has to be under water for a few seconds and then water pressure sets off the inflation process.

 

I've had a couple of different inflatable life jackets.  A clay bobbin type auto inflatation model and the HIT model.  Once, just once I had the auto inflate go off in my fishing truck after being worn all day in extremely humid conditions.

 

I didn't see that as a very big deal, just one of those things that happens once in a blue moon.  I get the HIT model mostly because it was an impulse buy, i.e. it was on sale, I had spare money, I liked the idea of having a back up inflatable life jacket, etc.

 

I wear mine all the time, except when I forget to put it on.  I try to be conscious about it, but nobody bats 1000.

[HeavyDluxe]

I just researched the same stuff since I was preparing to pick up my first fishing kayak.  Since I'm a, uh, "larger" guy, I wanted something that would be comfortable enough that I'd actually wear it.

 

I wound up selecting an inflatable since they're so light and un-bulky.  Everything Fishes in Trees said above regarding the mechanism is correct.  Manuals don't inflate unless you pull the cord, the automatics have a 'pill' that breaks down in the water to release the gas for inflation, and the HIT-based models must be submerged for a period of time to inflate.

 

I wound up buying a Hobie branded manual vest since I might dunk myself off the kayak intentionally on hot summer days and since I'm apt to get the thing wet unintentionally just from normal use a time or two.

 

Your question seemed to be focused on brand. My sense is that if you go with a reputable brand (so, BPS, Cabela's, Mustang, Hobie, etc) you'll probably find the quality and performance to be the roughly the same at within a given feature set.  In fact, I've been told that Mustang manufactures some of the off-brands under contract - but I take all such 'facts' with a grain of salt.

 

In the end, I would advise picking the price you are willing to spend on a vest - don't be skimpy here! - and then find a name brand vest that has the triggering mechanism you want at that price point.  In the end, overpaying for something that will potentially save your life may not be OVERpaying at all.

[HuskyKMA]

I have a Mustang H.I.T. and I like it a lot. Very comfortable, a lot of times I forget I even have it on. Unfortunately I also forget to put in on sometimes.

 

One thing to consider in the manual vs. automatic debate: If you get ejected from the boat at speed and get knocked out when you hit the water, who is going to pull the cord if you're wearing a manual vest? I think manuals are fine for kayaks, canoes, and smaller boats, but if you're fishing out of a power boat, I'd recommend automatic.

[flippin and pitchin]

Do your research.  Not all suspender type vests meet Coast Guard ratings as a standard PFD.  If you don't have it on, it's an infraction. If you fall and hit your head or suffer some other type issue that prevents you from pulling the manual trigger cord, you drown. Mine is the auto inflate and the design rights you in the water to keep your face up. If your going to invest in one, get the best you can afford.

[BassnChris]

Very good idea. I bought one last fall. Wear it all the time now.

I went with the basspro/mustang unit because I know some guys with them and they work well. The replacement cartridge is higher than the others.

But like they said above.......read up and decide for yourself. It's your life.

Again, you made a good decision to buy and wear inflatable all the time.

[Highhawk1948]

My auto-inflate is a Bass Pro Shop.  Very light and I don't even notice it. Chance the gas cylinder once a year.   I am wearing it in my Aviatar.  But then,... haven't fallen out of the boat to try it out! 

[Traveler2586]

There has been a couple of good threads on this subject, look them over when you have time;  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118830-i-need-some-input-on-auto-inflatable-life-vest/

 

Whatever you decide on, take care of it as one of your most important items; and read the user manual, it may save your life.

 

I've been using the Mustang made BPS model for four years now with some of that time in rain, snow, and fog without any problems.  I just changed out the white disk ($10.00 at BPS) and should be good for another three years.