Ski213 Posted May 15, 2017 Posted May 15, 2017 I think Cabelas has a couple models on sale right now. I've read on here, and always been told, that the best pfd is the one that you're actually going to wear. That being said you should try several different ones on before you buy. Make sure you do your homework on them as well. There are different ways the auto inflate is triggered. There are different levels of bouyancy available. The conditions you intend to use it in are going to dictate what exactly you need. Sometimes the cheapest option isn't going to be the best for your needs. 2 Quote
SecretAsianMan Posted May 15, 2017 Posted May 15, 2017 "good" and "cheap" isnt good enough when it comes to my safety. with that said, i have a mustang brand and wear it the whole time out. 1 Quote
Super User slonezp Posted May 15, 2017 Super User Posted May 15, 2017 Cabelas runs some pretty good deals on both their PFD's and Guidewear around Christmas time. Upwards of 40-50% off 2 Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted May 18, 2017 Super User Posted May 18, 2017 If you want good, get a Mustang HIT If you want cheap, get whoever's, but you can't get both in one. 1 Quote
jim2100 Posted May 18, 2017 Posted May 18, 2017 Here are some good videos on the subject. https://goo.gl/dX6OZK https://goo.gl/8keDoa https://goo.gl/iMMdqs https://goo.gl/dQSUgz 1 Quote
XpressJeff Posted May 18, 2017 Posted May 18, 2017 Mustang What's your life worth? If I get chucked out of the boat there's a pretty good chance that I have hit my grape pretty hard and could be unconscious. If you are going to go through the trouble and expense to buy one get one that will keep you alive if you need it. Or, Just up your life insurance so your wife can enjoy life with the milk man! 2 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted May 18, 2017 Super User Posted May 18, 2017 If you are determined to purchase a budget Life Jacket - I'd encourage you to consider a non-inflatable Type III. They can usually be purchase for less than $20 and If you wear it - It will do the job. http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/life-jackets-vests/fishing-boating-life-jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104328180/cabelas-deluxe-adult-flotation-vest/733800.uts btw -this ones pretty spiffy . . . 4 Quote
Ohio Archer Posted May 18, 2017 Posted May 18, 2017 Cheap auto inflate means it will open when you don't want it to (when the "pill" gets wet) and not when you need it to (out of the boat and unconscious). Youre better off with an standard vest and not taking it off. Quote
nocluefisher Posted May 19, 2017 Posted May 19, 2017 I picked up a couple of onyx A/M 24 vests at a liquidation store for $53 a piece. I won't have a boat for a while to put them in, and to be honest I am a little worried about using them when I have never tested them. But once you test them you have to rearm them I believe. Quote
Karma Posted May 20, 2017 Posted May 20, 2017 On 5/18/2017 at 7:33 PM, nocluefisher said: I picked up a couple of onyx A/M 24 vests at a liquidation store for $53 a piece. I won't have a boat for a while to put them in, and to be honest I am a little worried about using them when I have never tested them. But once you test them you have to rearm them I believe. I have a bass pro auto-inflate. Yes, once you use it, you have to buy a rearming kit - $20-$30. I like the auto-inflates because they are less bulky and more comfortable, especially on the hot days we have in Florida or Tennessee and I will actually wear it all day/night when I am by myself. When I am with someone else, I tend to only wear them when the boat is moving or at night I will leave it on all the time. You never know when some clown on a party boat is going to plow into you despite your nav lights, uv lights and deck lights at full blaze...... Quote
Ghostshad Posted June 4, 2017 Posted June 4, 2017 I fell out of my boat last summer , its a scary feeling & i bought a Onyx , i love it & most important i wear it until my boats on the trailor. My butts worth over a Hundred dollars & Your's is too & i don't even know You. Buy one & wear it. Only fishing thing i ever bought my wife didn't get mad. I fish by myself so i have no one else to count on. 3 Quote
Leftymuk Posted June 13, 2017 Posted June 13, 2017 "If you have a 2.00 head you buy a 2.00 helmet"........ Don't be cheap on the one thing that might have to save your life Quote
Super User TOXIC Posted June 13, 2017 Super User Posted June 13, 2017 I have an auto inflate. I have a full vest. I put the auto inflate away. Seems I've been reading a LOT of accounts where the auto didn't inflate. Also remember, just because you don't inflate it, you still need to replace the arming kit. They have a shelf life. Quote
Super User Darren. Posted June 13, 2017 Super User Posted June 13, 2017 I've toyed with the idea of buying one over the years, but needing to have rearming kits on hand adds up the overall cost. I'd love the greater comfort offered over using a fishing PFD on my kayak. However, I never want to have one NOT inflate when I need it to save my life. So the choice has been to stick with the "always on" kayak fishing PFD. 1 Quote
22hertz Posted June 17, 2017 Posted June 17, 2017 On 6/13/2017 at 7:19 AM, Leftymuk said: "If you have a 2.00 head you buy a 2.00 helmet"........ Don't be cheap on the one thing that might have to save your life My girlfriend tells me my head is only worth about a buck fifty. OP, IMO the sweet spot between price and quality ia a Mustang MIT auto inflate. Quote
Super User Gundog Posted June 17, 2017 Super User Posted June 17, 2017 "Ya get what ya pay for." Quote from my barber. Quote
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