Mustang auto inflate

[Functional]

Morning all!

 

Went on a week long fishing trip and first day I ended up in the ER with a kidney stone that somehow gave me a mini stroke on my way out and put me back in for 3 days. All is well, full function is back and no lasting effects.

 

This did make me reconsider my life jacket situation though since 99% of the time I'm alone. Typically I wear a pull to inflate when running the big motor and nothing while on the deck. Looking to get an auto inflate and wear this full time. With the temps here in NC during most of the year I cannot do a regular PFD 100% of the time, I'll have a whole new reason to pass out.

 

I have it down (so far) to the Mustang Elite 28 and the Mustang Deluxe MD3183 HIT. I'm only 5'7 at 160lbs, not sure the 28lbs vs 35 will make much difference. Can anyone give me a reason of one over the other? Comfort? Feature? Any other DEPENDABLE brands I should look into?  Went to a college for the shipping industry and we either learned to swim or learned to live in a full blown gumby suit...not much in-between....but MUSTANG was always regarded as one of the best brands. 

[ghost123123]

35 is more likely to float you face up should you have a medical condition that puts you in the water, at least that is my understanding and the application I use it for.

[GaryH]

Glad to hear your gonna use it all the time. I’ve been using Mustang auto for years and before I replace the co2 cartridge I always drop the vest in the water and it has inflated every time. 

[GoneFishingLTN]

5 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Glad to hear your gonna use it all the time. I’ve been using Mustang auto for years and before I replace the co2 cartridge I always drop the vest in the water and it has inflated every time. 

How often should these be replaced?

[GaryH]

Depends on which model. Some 2 years some 5 years. 

[Tatulatard]

Standard pfd with ignition kill switch clipped on when using the big motor.  Pull cord inflatable when on the casting deck fishing.  If you get thrown out while on plane you might be unconscious and unable to activate a pull cord.  Better to have the old school fail proof pfd.  Use the pull cord when fishing to free up movement when casting and working baits.  That's my approach.

[GaryH]

3 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Standard pfd with ignition kill switch clipped on when using the big motor.  Pull cord inflatable when on the casting deck fishing.  If you get thrown out while on plane you might be unconscious and unable to activate a pull cord.  Better to have the old school fail proof pfd.  Use the pull cord when fishing to free up movement when casting and working baits.  That's my approach.

I agree with regular pfd while big engine is running. I always run with my Mustang 100 mph vest. When on deck fishing I want my auto/manual Mustang. If its a pull cord only you may have a Medical condition that makes you fall off the boat or hit your head when falling in which case the auto inflate is very important and necessary.

[Darth-Baiter]

no input other than I am glad you are on the mend.

 

any diet changes recommended by the doc?  my mom had mini stroke.  TBI?  can't remember the acronyms.  scared the crud out of me.   we were at a prime rib restaurant when I happened.  doctor gave my mom strict instructions.

 

crappy part.  the waitress gave me the tab as I was stepping into the ambulance.  we didn't take a single bite.  hahahahaha.. I should have asked her to box it up and I would come back to pick it up.  San Francisco's best prime rib house.  argh...

[BayouSlide]

26 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

 TBI?  can't remember the acronyms.

 

TIA...transient ischaemic attack

[Functional]

51 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

no input other than I am glad you are on the mend.

 

any diet changes recommended by the doc?  my mom had mini stroke.  TBI?  can't remember the acronyms.  scared the crud out of me.   we were at a prime rib restaurant when I happened.  doctor gave my mom strict instructions.

 

crappy part.  the waitress gave me the tab as I was stepping into the ambulance.  we didn't take a single bite.  hahahahaha.. I should have asked her to box it up and I would come back to pick it up.  San Francisco's best prime rib house.  argh...

 

No restrictions. I'm complicated.

 

I have a heart condition (technically called a fish heart believe it or not) and procedures done that made it possible for my body to grow blood vessels from one side of the heart to the other. On top of my heart condition my blood compensates for my low oxygen by producing more red blood cells giving me thick blood and prone to clots. I'm on a blood thinner for it but they believe my high blood pressure from the kidney stone pain caused a small clot (that normally wouldnt pass) pass through those grown blood vessels and get to my brain. Whole event from first symptom to normal was about 30-45 minutes.

 

So a freak incident it seems but I'm only 35...was very weird being on the stroke floor for 3 days. I happened literally as I walked through the emergency room doors to leave, pretty big coincidence if it wasnt linked. 

[Darth-Baiter]

3 minutes ago, Functional said:

 

No restrictions. I'm complicated.

 

I have a heart condition (technically called a fish heart believe it or not) and procedures done that made it possible for my body to grow blood vessels from one side of the heart to the other. On top of my heart condition my blood compensates for my low oxygen by producing more red blood cells giving me thick blood and prone to clots. I'm on a blood thinner for it but they believe my high blood pressure from the kidney stone pain caused a small clot (that normally wouldnt pass) pass through those grown blood vessels and get to my brain. Whole event from first symptom to normal was about 30-45 minutes.

 

So a freak incident it seems but I'm only 35...was very weird being on the stroke floor for 3 days. I happened literally as I walked through the emergency room doors to leave, pretty big coincidence if it wasnt linked. 

I’d high-five you if you were here.   Way to go !   Keep getting after it.   Glad you’re aware enough to go 100% PFD.  Yup. 

[Functional]

appreciate it bud, I'm just too stubborn to go easily haha! Having a 1.5yr old daughter makes me even more thick headed...just gotta do what you have to do to keep yourself above ground. No if ands or buts, push for the results you want and dont let yourself get caught up in the emotion to keep your head straight. 

 

 

Anyway! Is the floatation pounds that large of a difference for my build? Is the Elite that much more comfortable than the Deluxe? To my eyes the Elite looks more comfortable but maybe mustang is using those IG beauty filters all the youngins use?

[padlin]

I've got the regular HIT with the 38 lbs. (6'2", 215) I wear it all the time, just cause there's no reason not to. After the 1st minute or so I really forget it's on, at least until it's time for rain gear. I do like the back design on the Elite though, I do sometimes get the straps a little off kilter when putting it on, the Elite would prevent that. I guess if I were your size I'd opt for the Elite if it works for your weight. A little more convenient for the same price.

 

I do change to a full foam vest when it gets cold enough.

[txchaser]

HIT is a type II, which means it is much more likely to roll you on your back when unconscious. I picked it because my risk case is unconscious and alone. 

 

 

 

[GRiver]

I have the BPS 35 AUTO, type II…It’s only  $69.97, had it for about 2-3 years.

When I was looking at auto inflatables, I tried to stay with a 

type II vest. More likely to keep an unconscious person face up. The type was more important to me than pounds of buoyancy. 

      I bought the Bass Pro for the price, but am going to buy the Mustang H.I.T. Because I like to fish in the rain, it is activated by water pressure, not just getting wet.

Mustang has 2 versions of the H.I.T. models… one a 28lb. and the other is a 35lb. I’m getting the bigger one, I figured a little more buoyancy isn’t going to hurt.

I wear one from when I step in the boat until I’m out… fish with it on the whole nine yards.( made a promise to the wife, cause of med. condition)

I haven’t had any problems with the Bass Pro one, its comfortable and sometimes I forget I’m wearing it.  It’s all so cost less to re-arm.  I’m just afraid it’s going to go off in the rain. 
Sorry this is so long.

G
 

[Functional]

Welp, appreciate everyones input. Ordering the HIT 35lb Type II. Figured if its any less comfortable it cant be by much and id rather the better function. 

[A-Jay]

The ELITE 28 HYDROSTATIC INFLATABLE PFD is my choice ~ 

A-Jay

[Functional]

Hit comes tomorrow!  Will be out for 2 days this weekend so the wife (and me)  are very pleased. 

 

As far as strobes go... what ones and how are you mounting it to the pfd that are auto activated? I see mustang offers the ACR that's water activated but I can't figure out where it would mount and be visible when the pfd inflates. 

[FishTank]

I have the Elite 28.  It is comfortable to wear all day if need be.  It is definitely well made and a premium product for what it is. I hope I never have to test it out for real but it's nice to have the security of it. 

[GRiver]

A-Jay and FishTank why did you choose the Elite 28 over the survival competition? I just asking because, I’m getting ready to buy the survival comp. It is a type II versus the elite is a type III. 
Am I missing something?

The elite looks mor comfortable but the survival looks cooler with the open back. 
Not being critical just wonder, I just don’t want to buy the wrong one ….they are pretty expensive.

Thanks.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, GRiver said:

A-Jay why did you choose the Elite 28 over the survival competition? I just asking because, I’m getting ready to buy the survival comp. It is a type II versus the elite is a type III. 
Am I missing something?

The elite looks more comfortable but the survival looks cooler with the open back. 
Not being critical just wonder, I just don’t want to buy the wrong one ….they are pretty expensive.

Thanks.

Certain you CAN NOT Go Wrong with either one.

I trusted my life professionally to Mustang for 3 decades in environments most could not imagine. 

Comfort is a personal deal and may have a lot to do with ones frame & body type.

I chose the Elite because it fit's me well

and its Aerodynamic 3D chassis design reduces drag at high speeds.  

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

A-Jay

[GRiver]

4 hours ago, A-Jay said:

chose the Elite because it fit's me well

and its Aerodynamic 3D chassis design reduces drag at high speeds.  

It does look like it fits better than survival….. comfort makes a difference…. Might have a tenacity not to wear it. As far as aerodynamics……my boat is probably a little slower than yours. If I take all my gear outta mine, strip her down, with only a couple gallons of fuel, and I hunker down behind my console. I can hit 30mph, if water and wind conditions are in my favor. Hahaha