Life Vests-Auto Only or Auto/Manual

[5/0]

I’m wanting to replace my full jacket type vest with a suspenders type. Not necessarily looking for brand and I don’t think I want the strictly manual inflation (due to obvious safety reasons). So I’m left with auto only or auto/manual combination. Looking for recommendations on these.

 

Thanks....Joe

[GreenPig]

I don't think that auto only exist. I wear a Mustang Survival HIT auto which has 35 lb of buoyancy and a manual deploy pull cord. It's comfortable to fish in. 

[J._Bricker]

@5/0, a quality auto/manual are well worth it. And after witnessing a couple of not so sure footed moments around the dock, they definitely worked ?! And I was happy in knowing I wear the same vest....

[A-Jay]

I wear this one ~ 

https://mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds/products/elite-28-inflatable-pfd-auto-hydrostatic-md5183

 

 

 

A-Jay

[5/0]

Thank you. I was looking at those. Since I’ve never owned an auto and know nothing about them do they need to be rearmed with a new kit once deployed?

[Jig Man]

1 hour ago, GreenPig said:

I don't think that auto only exist. I wear a Mustang Survival HIT auto which has 35 lb of buoyancy and a manual deploy pull cord. It's comfortable to fish in. 

That is the one I use.  It was recommended by a friend who works for the Corps of Engineers.  That is what they wear.

[Smalls]

21 minutes ago, 5/0 said:

Thank you. I was looking at those. Since I’ve never owned an auto and know nothing about them do they need to be rearmed with a new kit once deployed?

Yes. They use a CO2 cartridge and bobbin that needs to be replaced if deployed, or after a certain amount of time. They vary in price depending on what model vest you buy 

[Mike 126]

I use the Onyx A/M 24. You can disable the auto feature with their supplied bobbin replacement if you want to go pure manual. I Find them extremely comfortable for summer fishing.  

[Guitarfish]

Go auto. If you bump your head on the way out of the boat you want it to work anyway.  Look for material in the neck area that won't chafe your skin.  I think Mustang has that.  And wear it, as they don't count as a required life jacket in the boat unless it is worn.

[diehardbassfishing]

19 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I wear this one ~ 

 

 

Mustang ELITE™ 28 

Highest level of safety and comfort. 

 

Karl

[NHBull]

Add me to the Mustang train.  Friends on the N.H. Marine Patrol also said they perform VERY well

[Wildbillb]

22 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I wear this one ~ 

https://mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds/products/elite-28-inflatable-pfd-auto-hydrostatic-md5183

 

 

 

A-Jay

This is what I run.  Haven't had to test it yet.  Comfortable to wear though

[Log Catcher]

I would like to know if it is deployed how much trouble is it to get it repacked so it can be used again?

[Glenn]

1 hour ago, Log Catcher said:

I would like to know if it is deployed how much trouble is it to get it repacked so it can be used again?

Here's your answer:

 

[roadwarrior]

[5/0]

22 hours ago, Guitarfish said:

And wear it, as they don't count as a required life jacket in the boat unless it is worn.

At all times or when on the big motor over 5 MPH?

[GreenPig]

38 minutes ago, 5/0 said:

At all times or when on the big motor over 5 MPH?

In Ga. if you don't also have a conventional vest on board you must have your inflatable on at all times.

[Smalls]

16 hours ago, Log Catcher said:

I would like to know if it is deployed how much trouble is it to get it repacked so it can be used again?

I accidentally set mine off last year. Took me all of about 5 minutes to replace the components and pack back up. 

[Log Catcher]

16 hours ago, Glenn said:

Here's your answer:

 

Thanks Glenn. I had never seen any info on this before.

[Meerkat]

Joining the party a little late, but I've been in the market for a new inflatable PFD for some time. Now that restrictions are easing up and summers just around the corner, it's time to get back on the water. I was looking at some onyx and astral varieties, but they seem clunky in comparison to Mustang inflatable pfd's. Any recommendations? 

[schplurg]

Why would someone deactivate the auto-inflate? In the rain?  Serious question though.

[@reelChris]

Because the auto can go off unintentionally with repeated moisture exposure.  

 

Whatever version you get, make sure you carry a re-arm kit in the boat and a backup, non-inflatable jacket.  

[J Francho]

I've had a Mustang with HIT hydrostatic tech and it has never gone off in moisture or the rain.  The times that I rearmed it due to expiration, it took submersion in order to trigger.  Any auto inflate vest I've ever seen had a manual override that is plain as day to get to.  Usually it's a bright yellow plastic pull on the bottom that says "PULL".

 

The rules concerning PFDs onboard vessels are set by the USCG, and an inflatable vest does not count unless worn, ever.  In my kayaks, I keep an old conventional vest in the hull.  In my bass boats always had one of those bricks of orange vests that were in dry storage, way up in front, but used the inflatables.  That way, I can take the inflatable off and still be in compliance.  I don't carry a rearming kit in the boat, just check the vest before and after I go out.  

[Bird]

I use the Onyx auto/manual and also have a conventional vest easily accessible. 

 

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, @reelChris said:

Because the auto can go off unintentionally with repeated moisture exposure.  

With the old-style 'moisture sensing' triggers, this is true. Still find those on cheap inflatables.

 

Better ones use (as Mr. Franco said) hydrostatic triggers. These respond to an increase in pressure, not water. Water pressure increases by a little over 1psi for every 2-1/4 feet you go down. The hydrostatic triggers go off when a certain pressure change is exceeded. You could submerged them in a bathtub and they won't go off - put them in a pressure chamber and raise the pressure a couple PSI and "BANG" no matter how dry it was in there.