Kuenro02 Posted September 5, 2015 Posted September 5, 2015 What do you guys prefer, inflatable vs non (traditional foam vest)? I'm looking at a mustang mit 100 inflateBle that cabelas has on sale for $100 or the cabelas ultimate angler vest. Never fished in a tournament, what do most guys wear? Thanks Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted September 5, 2015 Super User Posted September 5, 2015 I wear a PFD 100% of the time that I'm on the water. So, I wear an auto/manual inflatable model. Less bulk and cooler to wear than a non-inflatable. I had that PFD on for 7 hours earlier today - just took it off about 45 minutes ago. Temps were near 90 today - but it's relatively comfortable to wear that PFD even in those temps... 4 Quote
Super User Montanaro Posted September 5, 2015 Super User Posted September 5, 2015 I wear an a/m all the time in my kayak. It came in handy last weekend! On a boat, only in bad conditions or when running Quote
desmobob Posted September 5, 2015 Posted September 5, 2015 I bought one of the Mustang MIT 100 vests this spring. It's comfortable and easy to wear. The price is right, too! Tight lines, Bob Quote
Super User WRB Posted September 5, 2015 Super User Posted September 5, 2015 The life vest is only good if you wear it. The suspenders type self inflating vest are more comfortable and functional If you are conscious after hitting the water and it inflates properly. The wearable PFD is uncomfortable and bulky, however provides protection when hitting the water at high speeds and keeps your head above water if you are unconscious. If the boat is a high speed over 50 mph the traditional PFD is safer. Tom 1 Quote
papajoe222 Posted September 6, 2015 Posted September 6, 2015 I wear both. The conventional when I'm running the boat and the auto inflateable when I'm on the front deck. The only time I don't have either on is when I'm anchored and there is someone else in the boat. I've fallen overboard a few times and I can tell you from experience that with no one else around and your boat floating away faster than you can swim 'dead in the water is your first thought. Well maybe not for you young studs that can swim a mile or two, but this old fart is smart enough not to rely on swimming to shore as the only option. 1 Quote
Super User gulfcaptain Posted September 6, 2015 Super User Posted September 6, 2015 The life vest is only good if you wear it. The suspenders type self inflating vest are more comfortable and functional If you are conscious after hitting the water and it inflates properly. The wearable PFD is uncomfortable and bulky, however provides protection when hitting the water at high speeds and keeps your head above water if you are unconscious. If the boat is a high speed over 50 mph the traditional PFD is safer. Tom Tom is right, but not all PFD's will keep your head above water if you are unconscious and face down.. Type-III vests do not, only a type-II will right most and turn them face up( depending on the vest). If you're a/m vest is a type-III then it may or may not turn you face up (depending on your size and body type). And agree the life vest is only good if you wear it, and have it on right. That means snug and secure. It doesn't do much good if you slip out of it when you fall or hit the water. So when you are shopping for a life vest, make a note of what type it is marked(either II or III) as so you know what characteristics it will have no matter if it is a traditional vest or the newer a/m vests. Let me edit this, sorry had the two mixed up, a type-II are the ones that turn some unconscious wearers face up(depending on the vest) and the type-III do not. Corrections made to above statement. Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted September 6, 2015 Super User Posted September 6, 2015 I have both, but prefer the good ol' standard type. The inflatables require maintenance. Though highly unlikely, the inflatable type can fail. This bulky looking thing does not restrict my fishing in any way, and it fits under my foul weather gear. Whatever you choose, get a color that will make you more visible on the surface of the water. I do have a couple of inflatable Mustangs for guests. They take up less storage space and one size fits all. Quote
Super User buzzed bait Posted September 8, 2015 Super User Posted September 8, 2015 i recently sold my standard type (BPS Ascend PFD) and got an onyx A/M inflatable unit and WOW is that thing comfortable. I've started to fish at night a good bit and usually always by myself and a PFD is a must. the inflatable one is comfortable, lightweight and that means i'll wear it all day and all night. Best part is you can switch back and forth from manual to auto which i've done for the river where i'm more prone to get the thing submerged, but may not need it to inflate. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted September 8, 2015 Super User Posted September 8, 2015 On board the Old Town, I keep a couple of Cabelas standard type III jackets I got when I purchased the canoe. The past three seasons, I've been wearing the Mustang HIT Inflatable Automatic PFD with no problems. One of my favorite features on this one is the Neoprene Comfort Collar ~ feels OK against bare skin and is easily wiped clean. A-Jay 1 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted September 8, 2015 Super User Posted September 8, 2015 On board the Old Town, I keep a couple of Cabelas standard type III jackets I got when I purchased the canoe. The past three seasons, I've been wearing the Mustang HIT Inflatable Automatic PFD with no problems. One of my favorite features on this one is the Neoprene Comfort Collar ~ feels OK against bare skin and is easily wiped clean. A-Jay Mustang HIT Inflatable Automatic PFD .jpg Thanks for the info on the Mustang - I was looking at that very model a few days ago. My inflatable PFD will be 6 years old next Spring, and was re-armed at the 3-year point. In lieu of re-arming again, I was thinking of just replacing it and moving to the HIT technology. My thoughts were even confirmed by my wife who took one look at my current PFD (dirty, sweaty thing that has been worn for over 1,700 hours) and said: "You should get a new one!" Wow - advance purchasing approval by "the boss"... 2 Quote
Super User tomustang Posted September 8, 2015 Super User Posted September 8, 2015 Cabelas tournament 3500 auto pfd. Best bang for your buck, on sale most of the time. 1 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted September 8, 2015 Super User Posted September 8, 2015 Cabelas tournament 3500 auto pfd. Best bang for your buck, on sale most of the time. That is my current PFD. As you say, I got it on sale. A good unit, has a zippered pocket that I put a whistle in, and is advertised as having 35 pound buoyancy - a bit more than many of the other inflatables. 1 Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted September 14, 2015 Super User Posted September 14, 2015 I'm on year two with the same vest A-Jay has. The HIT technology is great and they are very comfortable. I couldn't stand wearing the foam vests, they just never fit right. When it's scorching in the middle of the summer there's no way I'll wear a foam one all day, but I have and will with an inflatable. I would strongly suggest them. 2 Quote
Philo Beddoe Posted September 15, 2015 Posted September 15, 2015 Like A-Jay and WIGuide, I got a Mustang Elite HIT two weeks go. Wore it the next day all day in a BFL and practically forgot about it(plus it rained and I didn't have to worry about it going off). Quote
zeth Posted September 15, 2015 Posted September 15, 2015 Spinlock Deckvest Llite. LIght weight, highest floation avail, color options, etc. Also sent you a PM. Quote
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