Auto PFDs

[Marley]

View attachment 113746
I wear this one all day with zero issue. I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. Doesn’t pull on the back of your neck like the old ones. My wife prefers the khimera. Poco marine near me has an awesome stock of all different models to try on what’s comfy. Mustang is a BC born company which got its start making stuff for NASA/US military, so it’s cool supporting local.

This is the one I am now considering going to have a look at the boat show.

 

[Rain City]

View attachment 113746
I wear this one all day with zero issue. I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. Doesn’t pull on the back of your neck like the old ones. My wife prefers the khimera. Poco marine near me has an awesome stock of all different models to try on what’s comfy. Mustang is a BC born company which got its start making stuff for NASA/US military, so it’s cool supporting local.

Yeah I have a couple different models and the ones with the soft fabric at the neck are far and away better. I'm not which is which though. They look very similar.

 

[Gong Show]

View attachment 113746
I wear this one all day with zero issue. I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. Doesn’t pull on the back of your neck like the old ones. My wife prefers the khimera. Poco marine near me has an awesome stock of all different models to try on what’s comfy. Mustang is a BC born company which got its start making stuff for NASA/US military, so it’s cool supporting local.

Talking about the neck...

This model looks like it could have a soft collar, could you confirm?
I have an older model and find I need to wear a collared shirt and pop the collar to avoid abrasion.

Problem is, I don't always feel like a preppy douche with a popped collar. I try and remind myself that I'm no longer in the eighties and hating on the rich preppies in the RL Polo shirts. But I digress.

 

[Aquaholic]

Talking about the neck...

This model looks like it could have a soft collar, could you confirm?
I have an older model and find I need to wear a collared shirt and pop the collar to avoid abrasion.

Problem is, I don't always feel like a preppy douche with a popped collar. I try and remind myself that I'm no longer in the eighties and hating on the rich preppies in the RL Polo shirts. But I digress.

I found the UV hoodie shirts which are really thin are a great isolator from the skin and the collar. No need to actually put the hoodie up, just have it draping over the collar and it feels great.

 

[Flounder_pounder]

Talking about the neck...

This model looks like it could have a soft collar, could you confirm?
I have an older model and find I need to wear a collared shirt and pop the collar to avoid abrasion.

Problem is, I don't always feel like a preppy douche with a popped collar. I try and remind myself that I'm no longer in the eighties and hating on the rich preppies in the RL Polo shirts. But I digress.

The one I have is not a soft collar. It would definitely be annoying if it was rubbing against the back of my neck all day, but I guess the shirts I wear are high enough. Funny enough, I also picked up 2 of the high-vis ones last year for my work, and I like them a lot as well. They're a neoprene-type material against the neck - https://www.pocomarine.com/shop/mus...-nqlswbFSCue9Lb_pvnmLrXOoHdRFApU93itv8beS8py7. The high-viz model is actually made in Canada, and it's super comfy.

 

[Samnjoe]

I am interested to see where this thread goes.
I always have the failure to inflate scenario in the back of my mind. Really like a recommendation for a comfortable all weather foam type PDF.

 

[Gong Show]

I am interested to see where this thread goes.
I always have the failure to inflate scenario in the back of my mind. Really like a recommendation for a comfortable all weather foam type PDF.

I think they all have a manual inflate tube.
If you get knocked unconscious, fall into the water face down and your auto inflate fails, the Fates have already cut your string.

 

[Aquaholic]

I think they all have a manual inflate tube.
If you get knocked unconscious, fall into the water face down and your auto inflate fails, the Fates have already cut your string.

I asked why the manual pull tab, was told many will inflate them before they have to abandon ship, as do not want to wait for the water pressure to inflate the bladder.

 

[Samnjoe]

I think they all have a manual inflate tube.
If you get knocked unconscious, fall into the water face down and your auto inflate fails, the Fates have already cut your string.

I have 2 auto 2 manual and 2 decent mustang foam types on the boat.
I don't usually put one on until it gets scary.....stupid I know!!!

 

[Aquaholic]

Florida?

 

[Max123]

I have the Mustang MIT 70 automatic - not a super high end model, but it gets the job done. I Bought one a few years ago and really like it because I can wear it with a t-shirt or over top of a jacket or sweater with just a quick adjustment. Once its on, I totally forget about it.

I bought it because I actually wear it and wanted to set a good example for my son. I found I never wore the more cumbersome foam life jackets. Once I bought mine, my wife wanted one as well - and then I ended up getting one for my Father-in-law (who otherwise never wore a life jacket).

I always wear mine and the rule in our boat is that all kids wear life jackets. I've been out with other people where the kid kick up a fuss because the parent isn't wearing a life jacket. This makes it a non-issue, I'm wearing one - you are wearing one - end of story. If i have an adult guest on board, its their choice - but if they have a kid - the kid wears a PFD or they don't get on board.

PS - I also like that the Mustang life jackets are now certified for both Canada and US.

 

[Marley]

I have the Mustang MIT 70 automatic - not a super high end model, but it gets the job done. I Bought one a few years ago and really like it because I can wear it with a t-shirt or over top of a jacket or sweater with just a quick adjustment. Once its on, I totally forget about it.

I bought it because I actually wear it and wanted to set a good example for my son. I found I never wore the more cumbersome foam life jackets. Once I bought mine, my wife wanted one as well - and then I ended up getting one for my Father-in-law (who otherwise never wore a life jacket).

I always wear mine and the rule in our boat is that all kids wear life jackets. I've been out with other people where the kid kick up a fuss because the parent isn't wearing a life jacket. This makes it a non-issue, I'm wearing one - you are wearing one - end of story. If i have an adult guest on board, its their choice - but if they have a kid - the kid wears a PFD or they don't get on board.

PS - I also like that the Mustang life jackets are now certified for both Canada and US.

I am the same. I always wear mine as a good example for the kids and good practice. Also, if things went sideways and we all went in the water I want to be able to help the kids rather than worry about a life jacket.

 

[easydoesit]

One thing to consider, is the type of inflation system used. Some of the less expensive units use a small disk or pill that expands when in contact with water. I’ve read that if they get soaked, like in a west coast storm. Or if they’re stored wet. They can prematurely go off. The more expensive Mustangs, use a hydrostatic inflator. Which must be submerged. So I’ve only bought these, especially since a family member worked at Mustang( up until last year). But also because I fear of being on a wet and rainy trip and having my life jacket out of service. Can’t say I’ve seen a less expensive jacket self inflate. Just what I read online.

Good point. I have always worn an inflatable life jacket when wade fishing and go with a manual type rather than an auto inflatable so it doesn’t inflate when wet.

 

[Paperslayer]

Their best PFD is one you will wear. I have four Havasu self-inflating PFDs that I got at Costco for about $100 each. They usually hit the warehouse in the spring. They are comfortable, light, don't scratch when wearing a t-shirt, and don't feel clammy when it is hot out. I know they work because my brother-in-law dropped one off the dock and it inflated in a couple of seconds despite scooping it out right away before it got soaked (re-charge kits are about $40 each!). I think they are about the same quality as the Cabela's ones, which periodically go on sale for about the same price. Mustang makes nice ones but they are more expensive.

Spot on! great advice.

 

[jackfish]

Great thread. We do the same as Marley and Max123...adults ALL wear Mustang auto inflate PFDs, and kids wear foam life vests. No exceptions.

However...we have an enclosed cabin and I often think about the pros/cons of getting out of the cabin in a capsize event with an inflated PFD. Still, I figure the odds of that are way lower than me simply falling out the back somehow, or the boat swamping and staying upright. So we wear our PFD/lifevests all the time even when in the cabin. (21' silverstreak phantom with a full hard cabin) Pretty sure no mater what life vest or PFD I wear, if I fall out when solo in the winter I'm done for anyway. My little PLB would at least help coastguard locate the body.

Thoughts?

 

[Gong Show]

Great thread. We do the same as Marley and Max123...adults ALL wear Mustang auto inflate PFDs, and kids wear foam life vests. No exceptions.

However...we have an enclosed cabin and I often think about the pros/cons of getting out of the cabin in a capsize event with an inflated PFD. Still, I figure the odds of that are way lower than me simply falling out the back somehow, or the boat swamping and staying upright. So we wear our PFD/lifevests all the time even when in the cabin. (21' silverstreak phantom with a full hard cabin) Pretty sure no mater what life vest or PFD I wear, if I fall out when solo in the winter I'm done for anyway. My little PLB would at least help coastguard locate the body.

Thoughts?

You are right, you are wearing the PFD for the 99.9% of marine activities, where it can save your life.
Not the insignificant chance that your boat capsizes and sinks so fast that you are trapped inside.
This has been an infrequent issue for commercial fisherman with the neoprene survival suits located in the bow area.

 

[Marley]

Picked up two new mustang pdfs from the steveston marine booth at the boat show. Got a Mit100 for $149 and a HIT for $249. All the pdfs are on sale.