Basic info on A/M Inflatable Life Vests?

[TotalNoob]

BPS currently has on sale a "Bass Pro Shops AM24 Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest". I'm looking for a low profile life vest as I currently fish out of a small Pond Prowler/Bass Raider type boat. I always wear my PFD, currently a bulky, standard life vest. It's cumbersome but I'm not willing to go out unless I'm actually wearing it (fish a reservoir where there can be some decent & random wind). Safety First. 

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-am24-auto-manual-inflatable-life-vest?cm_sp=GoOdAMLfVsMay2019_CFM

 

So this looks like a nice, comfortable profile to wear while fishing. I'm willing to spend the $$ for it, I was just hoping to get some feedback about these life vests. Are there any considerations I should keep in mind as I'll be wearing it the entire time fishing? How easy or difficult are these pull handles in the event I accidentally snag it on something? Things like that. Just looking for any tips or basic info I should know on these types of vests from anyone whose used them. 

 

Additionally, weighing in at 230 lbs, I want to make sure I get the appropriate vest. I notice in the description it says "USCG-approved Type V with Type III performance" ... Can anyone roughly translate that so I can purchase with peace of mind? The chest sizing on this does fit me. Any/all feedback appreciated. 

[kjfishman]

I am over 200lbs and use that life vest.  So comfortable you forget you have it on. I recommend getting one.

 

http://www.apsltd.com/aps-advisor/guide-choosing-inflatable-life-jackets-expert-advice/

[Alex from GA]

I've been wearing one for several years; in fact I'm on my second one.  I disarm the automatic feature when I'm in my kayak.  I've had it inflate under my console where I keep it and fell in the water in my kayak in 1 foot of water before I started disarming it.

[Dens228]

I wear that PFD.  I'm 5-09 240 pounds and it's very comfortable. 

 

[TotalNoob]

4 hours ago, kjfishman said:

I am over 200lbs and use that life vest.  So comfortable you forget you have it on. I recommend getting one.

 

http://www.apsltd.com/aps-advisor/guide-choosing-inflatable-life-jackets-expert-advice/

Thank you, great info in the link.

 

35 minutes ago, Alex from GA said:

I've been wearing one for several years; in fact I'm on my second one.  I disarm the automatic feature when I'm in my kayak.  I've had it inflate under my console where I keep it and fell in the water in my kayak in 1 foot of water before I started disarming it.

Yea I was wondering about this, how much water it takes to trigger the auto inflation. I like the idea of the auto-inflation (you never know) but I don't need it being triggered if I drop it in the water accidentally while loading up the pond prowler or something. 

 

So on yours it sounds like once it inflates it's done with? In the clip above there's mention of a "rearming kit" that allows the PFD to be essentially reset (I guess?). Does the rearming option come with the higher end versions?

 

**Edit: Nevermind I see where rearming kits are sold separately depending on the cartridge size

[Heman]

I have this model for over 3 years now and love it. I also took out the auto inflate feature and just have it set for manual to reduce false triggering. 

 

I know this thread hasn't been responded in a while, but I have a question. 

For you guys that have purchased re-arm kits. Do you just get the specific kits (~$20). 

OR

have you guys just gotten the 24gram 1/2" thread CO2 cartridges and they should all be compatible??

 

[Smalls]

39 minutes ago, Heman said:

For you guys that have purchased re-arm kits. Do you just get the specific kits (~$20). 

OR

have you guys just gotten the 24gram 1/2" thread CO2 cartridges and they should all be compatible?

You need to buy the kit, because it comes with the part that dissolves, which sets the cartridge off

[Dirtyeggroll]

On 5/20/2019 at 3:14 PM, TotalNoob said:

"USCG-approved Type V with Type III performance"

Pretty sure this designation means it must be worn at all times to “count” as a PFD in the boat. In other words, if you are not wearing it and don’t have another appropriately approved PFD in the boat, you are out of compliance.

[BigTerp]

I've had that exact vest for several years. I wear it all the time when on the water and it's extremely comfortable, I forget I have it on most of the time. I'm 6'8" 240#'s and zero issues with it. I keep it on auto as I run a jet boat in a shallow rocky river. In the event I hit something and get thrown overboard I want it going off. I haven't had any unintended discharges with it, even while fishing in a thunderstorm. But my buddies have each had theirs go off leaving it in their truck and in the boat. Excessive heat seemed to be the culprit. I keep mine in the house when not in use. The auto bobbins need replaced every 3-4 years. I just replaced mine for this season as they expire this spring. You can buy the bobbins separately and just replace them when expired. I got a three pack off of Amazon for like $20. Obviously if the PFD discharges you also need to replace the CO2 cartridge.

[GioFromNJ]

On 2/25/2020 at 8:01 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

Pretty sure this designation means it must be worn at all times to “count” as a PFD in the boat. In other words, if you are not wearing it and don’t have another appropriately approved PFD in the boat, you are out of compliance.

I'm sure the designation means that it provides the bouyancy of a type III while being a type V. according to NJ law at least - you do not need to be wearing a type V unless underway (*it needs only to be readily/easily accessible).