Auto Inflatable Life Jackets

[pc9460]

I was looking to get a pair of auto inflatable life jackets and saw these on sale. Any experience with either? Not trying to sound cheap but trying to keep them at $100 since I only fish once on the weekend. If you have other recommendations in the same pricing let me know. 

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-PRODIGY-INFLATEABLE/2609820.uts?slotId=0&WT.ac=DRF|414394

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/BASS-PRO-SHOPS-A-AUTO-STOLE-INSIGHT-W-BZIP/3072532.uts?slotId=0

[papajoe222]

I prefer the low profile design. One of the factors I dislike about many conventional PFDs is the bulky 'collar' on the majority of the better ones, so I wear one without it when under power.

Either one of the two you're looking at will do what it's intended to do, but if you're not going to keep in on because it's uncomfortable, you're wasting your money and putting yourself at risk.

[kenmitch]

The Cablela's Prodigy one is in the BPS ad that starts on the 15th for $79.97. 

 

There's also has a better Cabela's branded one in their ad for $119.99.

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-tournament-zx-4000-auto-life-vest?searchTerm=2541494

 

The ZX looks like it would be more comfortable to wear all day if needed. 

 

I have the CABELA'S TOURNAMENT 3500 AUTO PFD that I bought back in late 2017 on sale. I kayak fish so I put it on as I enter the water and remove it when I leave.  

 

 

 

 

[dgkasper58]

14 hours ago, pc9460 said:

I was looking to get a pair of auto inflatable life jackets and saw these on sale. Any experience with either? Not trying to sound cheap but trying to keep them at $100 since I only fish once on the weekend. If you have other recommendations in the same pricing let me know. 

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-PRODIGY-INFLATEABLE/2609820.uts?slotId=0&WT.ac=DRF|414394

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/BASS-PRO-SHOPS-A-AUTO-STOLE-INSIGHT-W-BZIP/3072532.uts?slotId=0

Just reread the above post- disregard

[pc9460]

12 hours ago, kenmitch said:

The Cablela's Prodigy one is in the BPS ad that starts on the 15th for $79.97. 

 

There's also has a better Cabela's branded one in their ad for $119.99.

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-tournament-zx-4000-auto-life-vest?searchTerm=2541494

 

The ZX looks like it would be more comfortable to wear all day if needed. 

 

 

 

 

That’s why I was interested in that one as well. I don’t see a place to attach the safety kill switch from my outboard. Any one use either of these life vests?

[kenmitch]

49 minutes ago, pc9460 said:

That’s why I was interested in that one as well. I don’t see a place to attach the safety kill switch from my outboard. Any one use either of these life vests?

They all have a eyelet for the safety lanyard. If you look at the image you can barely see it about 3-4" from the botton on the left side viewing it from the front. If you look at the rear image and enlarge it it's clearly visible.

[fishingram24]

Have had had Cabelas 3500 for about 6 years now and really like it, comfortable enough to wear all day. Only complaint is the hook for the kill switch is on the left side meaning the lanyard is pulled across your body. Fairly easy to rearm also.    

[pc9460]

I noticed the Bass Pro one is a type 3 pfd and the cabelas one is type 2. What's the difference? Also the bass pro is 200 denier nylon but the cabelas is 240 denier nylon. Any advantages beside for being a thicker material (I believe)?

Does anyone know if the bass pro pfd I inquired about includes an arming kit? Can't find on the website

[Russ E]

9 minutes ago, pc9460 said:

I noticed the Bass Pro one is a type 3 pfd and the cabelas one is type 2. What's the difference? Also the bass pro is 200 denier nylon but the cabelas is 240 denier nylon. Any advantages beside for being a thicker material (I believe)?

Does anyone know if the bass pro pfd I inquired about includes an arming kit? Can't find on the website

I have a Cabelas and a Bass pro auto inflate PFD. they are both type II.  they both came with the arming kit.

the main difference is a Type II will usually hold you face up out of the water if you are unconscious. Type III might not.

Type III are usually more compact.

Type III are generally for manual powered craft like a canoe or Kayak.

 

 

[pc9460]

Which one do you think would be a better choice? I can’t decide between the two. I’m not too worried about the $20 difference. Something that would be comfortable for riding and probably wear all day. I should probably start doing both

[Russ E]

If you are in a motor powered boat go with the type II

if you are kayaking Type III will work.

like mentioned earlier it has to be comfortable enough to wear. 

[pc9460]

On the cabelas prodigy vest it looks like the back collar sticks up. Would that rub up against the back of my head/neck? The other one looks like it would sit flat on my back. 

[Alex from GA]

I've been using the Onix A/M for several years and have been satisfied.  I disarm the auto function when I'm in my kayak.  I'm on my second one.

[pc9460]

Ended up ordering the bass pro ones. I figure if I don’t like them I can exchange for the other ones

[clark9312]

Have any of you guys wore yours in heavy rain? I’ve got a mustang auto inflatable and always wear my old one when it rains after hearing stories of guys having them go off in the rain.

[Russ E]

13 minutes ago, clark9312 said:

Have any of you guys wore yours in heavy rain? I’ve got a mustang auto inflatable and always wear my old one when it rains after hearing stories of guys having them go off in the rain.

I wear them in rain all the time. They are designed not to go off unless a little water pressure is detected. 

I have never had one go off in the rain. 

I did have one go off when I was getting in My Kayak. The valve must have been under water.