Looking For A Pfd That Won't Break The Bank

[atpns1234]

Any recommendations?

[Wayne P.]

How much is your life worth?

[Scott F]

Any US coast Guard approved life vest will do the job, no matter how much it cost.....as long as you have it on.  Find one in a price you can live with that is comfortable enough that you will actually use it. If you find it uncomfortable, you won't wear it and it won't be any good no matter how much you paid for it.

[Way2slow]

I would recommend getting a Mustang HIT.

It's an Auto inflate. A manual is cheapest, but you have to be able to pull the cord, there are times that may not be possible.

It's hydrostatic inflator, meaning just getting it wet won't cause it to discharge, it has to be submerged.. They don't do much good if you have to take it off in the rain, or put a raincoat on over it, which could cause it not to inflate or delay inflation.

So, as asked before, how cheap do you do value your life.

People will spend $250 on a rod or a reel in a heartbeat, but want the blue light special for a PFD.

[atpns1234]

I noticed the mustang is about $150 more than a similar bps product. What I don't want to do is pay for a name. Gonna look at the bps auto inflate and go from there I guess.

[BassnChris]

Buy the best you can afford.

And then wear it.

Then save up and buy a better one.

[Scott F]

Buy the best you can afford.

And then wear it.

Then save up and buy a better one.

What do you get when you spend more money? Do less expensive PFD's not keep your head out of the water?

[Way2slow]

It's not just the Mustang name, it's their technology you are paying for. I haven't shopped for one in a while but at the time, Mustang was the only company I found selling one with the hydrostatic discharge device.

If you are not familiar with the different discharge devices in inflatable vest, you might want to do a little research. Most all other brands use some type of discharge devise that involves the water dissolving some type of device that triggers the auto inflate. This means if it gets wet, it goes off. Leave it enclosed in a storage box and the high humidity can cause it go off.

The Mustang arming kits are going to be more expensive for the Mustang as well, but if you are fishing and get caught in the heavy rain, you don't have to worry about your auto inflate PFD inflating.

Years ago I bought two, top of the line SOSpends, and after a couple auto inflates in afternoon thunderstorms, I found out how the hydrostatic discharge device worked and that Mustang used them and called it their HIT. I've had two Mustangs for several years now and have never had one go off when getting totally soaked in a number of thundershowers.

No I don't work for Mustang, or have anything to do with their products, other that being a very satisfied user of them.

After all, you can buy PFDs from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. I wear the auto inflate because it's too dang hot in the summer time here to where a full vest and when you get to be an old fart, things can happen that might put you in the water a lot quicker than when young. That can be from a heart attack, stroke, slip/trip and fall, or just clumsy, and I just prefer Mustangs auto inflation device.

[VolFan]

LL Bean has some good vests that are pretty comfortable, and you still need their large pockets for your wallet. If you're looking cheap, a auto-inflate probably isn't your best bet. Buy whatever you'll wear; it's a waste if you don't.

[BassnChris]

Way2slow pretty much covered it.

When I was researching inflatables.....Mustang is the only manufacturer that stated their device would 'right' the wearer. That is important to me.

[the reel ess]

I bought one for my daughter and one for myself from Cabela's-their store brand for $35 I think- when we bought her kayak. She has a short back support on her kayak. I got home to discover that the flotation in the back of mine interferes with my seat's back support. I would just say look out for that. They make some with a mesh back or thinner material in the back specifically for this application. It would be good for fishing in hot weather too. Don't just accept what some kid at the store hands you. They all float.They aren't all comfy. I will probably buy the inflating type some day.

[bstephenson1225]

I am currently using a BPS mesh fishing vest and I hate it. I wear it every time but have yet to find a vest that is comfortable to fish on a kayak. Ive decided to just save my money and pick up a mustang self inflate. It's a lot more comfortable to have on and dont interfere with paddling or fishing. With m having a bad heart I want something that if I was to go into the water it's going to right me. 

[BassnChris]

Here is some information on PFDs.

Please note there may be differences between inflatables and solid type of the same class.

Coast Guard Approval Ratings:

Type I -

Provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position.

Type II -

Intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. Inherent buoyant PFDs of this type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water, but the turning is not as pronounced as a Type I. This type of inflatable turns as well as a Type I foam PFD.

Type III -

Good for conscious users in calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. It is designed so wearers can place themselves in a face-up position in the water. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face-down in the water. The Type III foam vest has the same minimum buoyancy as a Type II PFD. It comes in many styles, colors, and sizes and is generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed with features suitable for various sports activities are examples of this type PFD. This type inflatable turns as well as a Type II foam PFD.

Type IV -

Intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued — It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. There are no inflatable Type IV devices.

Type V -

Intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition(s) on its label. A Type V PFD provides performance of either a Type I, II, or III PFD (as marked on its label). If the label says the PFD is "approved only when worn" the PFD must be worn, except for persons in enclosed spaces and used in accordance with the approval label, to meet carriage requirements. Some Type V devices provide significant hypothermia protection. Varieties include deck suits, work vests, and board sailing vests.

Type III/V -

Multi-Purpose Commercial Vests.

[RoLo]

How much is your life worth?

 

Hmm...need an answer right away? 

[ThatZX14Fella]

Any US coast Guard approved life vest will do the job, no matter how much it cost.....as long as you have it on.  Find one in a price you can live with that is comfortable enough that you will actually use it. If you find it uncomfortable, you won't wear it and it won't be any good no matter how much you paid for it.

 

I'd have to disagree. I find mine very uncomfortable, but wear it every time I go out on the water.

[WIGuide]

I noticed the mustang is about $150 more than a similar bps product. What I don't want to do is pay for a name. Gonna look at the bps auto inflate and go from there I guess.

It's not just the name. If you have a BPS near you go check them out and try them on. You'll find out whey there's a difference. 

 

It's not just the Mustang name, it's their technology you are paying for. I haven't shopped for one in a while but at the time, Mustang was the only company I found selling one with the hydrostatic discharge device.

If you are not familiar with the different discharge devices in inflatable vest, you might want to do a little research. Most all other brands use some type of discharge devise that involves the water dissolving some type of device that triggers the auto inflate. This means if it gets wet, it goes off. Leave it enclosed in a storage box and the high humidity can cause it go off.

The Mustang arming kits are going to be more expensive for the Mustang as well, but if you are fishing and get caught in the heavy rain, you don't have to worry about your auto inflate PFD inflating.

Years ago I bought two, top of the line SOSpends, and after a couple auto inflates in afternoon thunderstorms, I found out how the hydrostatic discharge device worked and that Mustang used them and called it their HIT. I've had two Mustangs for several years now and have never had one go off when getting totally soaked in a number of thundershowers.

No I don't work for Mustang, or have anything to do with their products, other that being a very satisfied user of them.

After all, you can buy PFDs from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. I wear the auto inflate because it's too dang hot in the summer time here to where a full vest and when you get to be an old fart, things can happen that might put you in the water a lot quicker than when young. That can be from a heart attack, stroke, slip/trip and fall, or just clumsy, and I just prefer Mustangs auto inflation device.

x2 

[Rhino68W]

Might not want to get an inflatable. We get wet in kayaks, and rain might set it off too.

[the reel ess]

Might not want to get an inflatable. We get wet in kayaks, and rain might set it off too.

A friend of mine borrowed a self-inflating one and we went down Wateree R. There's only two sets of small rapids in that river and he was in a canoe but it inflated.

[Mike2841]

Look at rei or any place that rents canoes/kayaks. I got a nice stolquist high back pfd for my kayak for 15$ used.

[WIGuide]

Might not want to get an inflatable. We get wet in kayaks, and rain might set it off too.

Not all inflatables are created equal, which is why a H.I.T model by Mustang was suggested. It must be submerged in at least 4" of water before it will inflate. Doesn't matter how much it gets splashed, it won't inflate until submerged.

[SHaugh]

There is no "magic" vest that won't be too hot.. isn't bulky .. or doesn't make you wish you weren't wearing it....Any vest has to be made pretty much the same way.   inflatables have their drawbacks as well... so why not just learn to live with those slight discomforts ?   For $9 you can have it covered with one of these:

 

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/boating/life-jackets-vests/universal-life-vests?d=116&c=516&s=460

[Way2slow]

I guess I'm like and old dog, too old to learn something new.  No way am I going to learn to deal with the heat and a full vest.   When it's summer,  high 90's - low 100 degrees and 85-95% humidity there is no way in heck I'm going to have full vest on when I'm not running down the lake.  I put my auto inflate on as part of my prelaunch routine, and I take it off after the boats is loaded on trailer I'm getting the things ready for the highway.   I keep my kill switch lanyard connected to my full vest that I slip it on (over the auto inflate) as I'm getting in the drivers seat and take it off when I get out of the drivers seat.

 

Now, if you are one of that bass fishermen that only fish pre-spawn and spawn, and then in during the fall feed, then a full vest might work just fine, because temps are a lot lower then.

 

However, I'm like one of the other guys, I've only in a kayak a few times, and been wet a couple of those, and if I did use one, an auto inflate would not be my choice of vest.   For one, I don't think it would be considered legal as the only life vest so you would have to have a full vest in the boat, and they just don't have that much room.

[Racerx]

There is no "magic" vest that won't be too hot.. isn't bulky .. or doesn't make you wish you weren't wearing it....Any vest has to be made pretty much the same way.   inflatables have their drawbacks as well... so why not just learn to live with those slight discomforts ?   For $9 you can have it covered with one of these:

 

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/boating/life-jackets-vests/universal-life-vests?d=116&c=516&s=460

Funny.  I cllcked on the link, and the fourth pic was mine.  Got two of the camo ones, and suits me, fine.

[Smokinal]

I was just looking for the one I bought from Cabelas and noticed they are all on a pretty good sale right now.

 

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/inflatable-life-jackets/_/N-1100590/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104399280

[Fishing Rhino]

Hmm...need an answer right away?

 

Hmmm..., if you're like me, the answer would be that it depends on who you ask.