automatic inflatable vests

[Crankhead]

I'm looking into buying a automatic inflatable vest. BassPro has one on sale called the Mustang Classic Survival automatic inflatable vest for $99.88. I've looked into these vests but other than manual or automatic, they all appear to be the same. I'd like to get some advice as to whether there are certain models/types I should be looking at, or are they all considered similar and a good buy. I'm 6' & 290 so other than buying a x-large size, should there be any concern about using one of these vests?  So what do all of you think?

[toolpush]

i bought a mustang automatic this year and am pleased with it in that when my wife asks if i wore my life vest i don't have to lie to her because it's light enough  to wear all day sometimes i even forget it's on, like when i was going to get the truck and trailer and walking thru parking area and was getting these wierd looks from people and looked down and noticed  i was still wearing it at least i think that was why, haven't had to use it in water yet, thank you jesus, even though the instuction card tells you to test it before use which doesn't make sense to me cause then you'd have to buy a rearm kit  anyway i like mine

[TrickyVT1887]

Only problem I have had is beware of the dissolving wafers that set them off in a bad rain they will dissolve and the jacket will go off suddenly and it scares the $%!@ out of you.

[Wesley]

Only problem I have had is beware of the dissolving wafers that set them off in a bad rain they will dissolve and the jacket will go off suddenly and it scares the $%!@ out of you.

LoL!!!

[JKay]

I bought the Sospenders at Cabelas for about $150.  It was one of the more comfortable vests and it's a little longer to fit us bigger guys better (230#).  I looked at the Mustang that you're referring to.  I went with the Sospenders.  I don't think you can go wrong with either; as long as you're wearing it  The Sospenders was personal preference.

[21farms]

Only problem I have had is beware of the dissolving wafers that set them off in a bad rain they will dissolve and the jacket will go off suddenly and it scares the $%!@ out of you.

the newer PFDs activate via hydrostatic pressure so this shouldn't be a problem anymore.

i tend to sink like a rock in the water so i chose a model with a high buoyancy (35 lbs. of floatation vs. 25 lbs. some of the lower priced PFDs offer).

[cootertom]

I have the automatic Mustang. I purchased the automatic in case if I fall in and hit my head on the way. Fish a lot my myself.

[Branuss04]

I went with one of the cabelas vests.  It is super comfortable and can wear it all day if I had too.... just don't leave it sitting in your boat during a rain storm.

[tennwalkinghorse]

Just bought that vest Mustang makes some of the best vests around. There is no wafer on this vest its a float activated mechanism. Go on there web site and check out the veiws five stars.  

PS:  I pray to the Good Lord I never need it.

[srv1990]

I'm not much of a swimmer, so I bought the Mustang MD3031 Type V PFD a few years ago. It's an auto inflatable model. Has 35lbs of buoyancy and an inflatable collar that is supposed to turn a person from face down in the water onto their back. I wear it at all times while on the water, it's very light.

Only complaint I had when worn the first few times was the edge of the collar rubbed the back of my neck at bit, was sort of aggravating. Doesn't do it any more, and I like it.

Likewise, I am extremely thankful I haven't had to "test drive" it.

Tom