Tips on Purchasing an Automatic Inflatable PFD - Which One?

[BassThumb]

I'm looking for some insight on getting a new PFD. I currently own a like-new Mustang MIT 100 ($100) that I'm going to give to my dad for Father's Day. It rubs a bit on the back of my neck, and I'm not too fond of that. He always wears collared fishing shirts and he says it doesn't bother him at all. It's not bulky and it's not hot, so it's got that going for it. I wouldn't be too terrible opposed to getting another one for those reasons, plus the price, if it comes down to it.

 

From what I'm seeing online, I'm considering the Onyx A-33 PFD In-Sight "Tournament" ($150) version worn on MLF. It looks comfortable. Also, the Oxyx A-24 In-Sight PFD ($120). Finally, the Mustang Elite 28K ($150).

[Further North]

I have two:  One Cabela's, one Mustang.  The Mustang is the better of the two, but not enough to justify the full retail difference, to me.

 

I got both with Cabela's points, so free (mostly, unless you wanna get into a discussion about opportunity costs), to me.

 

Edit: Crap, I lied...or more accurately, my memory is failing me:  I have a Mustang Survival Elite 38 Type II Inflatable PFD Life Jacket that I purchased from Sierra Trading Post for ~150

 

I would pay that much for it, again, without hesitation.

 

They have sold out of those, but currently have this: Mustang Survival Survival Elite 28K Type III Inflatable PFD Life Jacket

 

 

[BassThumb]

I ended up going with the Mustang HIT Inflatable PFD with Hydrostatic Inflator. It detects water pressure changes to trigger inflation, rather than use a dissolvable pill. I like to keep the jacket in the boat when no in use. People seemed to really approve of the collar, which was my number one beef with the Mustang MIT 100.

 

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/Mustang-Hit-Inflatable-Automatic-Pfd-Gray-Blac-p/musmd3183-02-gr-bk.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjw06LZBRBNEiwA2vgMVbzXSI3doPBptxNLLES8pg2R01a41G2Z4C5WHrpGtqxkt0K1sZq3eRoC6xcQAvD_BwE&ppcstrkid=1565162769&click=19&ppcsclkid=y5FbTZvINyFp&ppcsu=xhg7f5djqeniramsegdoh

 

[PECo]

13 hours ago, BassThumb said:

I ended up going with the Mustang HIT Inflatable PFD with Hydrostatic Inflator. It detects water pressure changes to trigger inflation, rather than use a dissolvable pill. I like to keep the jacket in the boat when no in use. People seemed to really approve of the collar, which was my number one beef with the Mustang MIT 100.

 

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/Mustang-Hit-Inflatable-Automatic-Pfd-Gray-Blac-p/musmd3183-02-gr-bk.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjw06LZBRBNEiwA2vgMVbzXSI3doPBptxNLLES8pg2R01a41G2Z4C5WHrpGtqxkt0K1sZq3eRoC6xcQAvD_BwE&ppcstrkid=1565162769&click=19&ppcsclkid=y5FbTZvINyFp&ppcsu=xhg7f5djqeniramsegdoh

 

That’s similar to the Mustang PFD I have. Hodges had the kayaker version of the Elite 28K on sale for only $135 when I got it. It has Molle-type webbing on the front and came only with neon green as the accent color. My prior PFD is an older, pre-Onyx, Kent A|33 In-Sight.

 

The Elite 28K is waaay better for me. It has a D-ring on the right side to which I can clip my kill switch, it has a manual inflation handle that’s much nicer than a dangling “Jerk” handle and it has an attached whistle. Plus, Mustang says the HIT inflator has a five-year service life, instead of three like the MIT-type inflator in the Onyx.