Inflatable PFD - replacing bobbin

[Cabela10]

I accidentally armed my inflatable PFD while it was sitting in my storage compartment in the boat. I bought a new Rearming kit and I'm having issues removing the old yellow bobbin. Am I suppose to forcefully pull this bobbin out? I don't want to break anything and throw $140 in the garbage.

[Cabela10]

Alright, I just ripped the bobbin out and everything is okay now but I would not recommend these automatic inflatable PFD's to anyone. They are comfortable to wear and all that, but cost money ($16) to rearm to use again. Also a big pain in the rear to repack.

[DinkADunk]

Well what did you expect? So what if it costs a few bucks to rearm? Probably a lot less bucks than your funeral ! If you don't like a PFD then don't wear it. Go back to wearing (or not) a regular life jacket, those are real comfortable in the middle of summer

[PierBridge]

I went through the same thing I have 3 Stearns brand jackets all with different arming systems DOAH!

Those darn bobbins...

I'm very happy now that I'm an expert in Arming them...

[Cabela10]

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Well what did you expect? So what if it costs a few bucks to rearm? Probably a lot less bucks than your funeral ! If you don't like a PFD then don't wear it. Go back to wearing (or not) a regular life jacket, those are real comfortable in the middle of summer

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Interesting reply. Thank You.

[bbqhead]

do these pfd s use co2? not familiar with them. but

plan on getting a boat or pontoon this summer.

thanks

randy aka bbqhead

[Cabela10]

Yes, they use a CO2 cartridge and when submersed under water, they deploy.

[PierBridge]

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Yes, they use a CO2 cartridge and when submersed under water, they deploy.

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They can be self inflated if the CO2 fails also.

[Cabela10]

Yup, they surely can. This is my first time trying to repack it and it's tough so far.

[hitthebricks]

I just bought a couple of them today thinking I would be more likely to wear one like these but? maybe not! Should I return them and get the old stand-by? HTB

[Ufatz]

There is NO reason not to buy these just because you must repack them from time to time. It takes maybe ten minutes. It CAN be a little like putting toothpaste back in the tube but it gets easier. And YES, the replacement kits cost a few bucks, but personally speaking, MY life is worth a few bucks. Don't know about yours.

[Cabela10]

They are very comfortable and sometimes you forget it's even on. For my first pack job, it looks sick but I'm sure it will get better over time. I would recommend these inflatable PFD's, just know going into it, that you will need to purchase rearming kits that costs between $10-16. The toughest part was packing the part that goes behind the neck.

[Cabela10]

Quote:

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There is NO reason not to buy these just because you must repack them from time to time. It takes maybe ten minutes. It CAN be a little like putting toothpaste back in the tube but it gets easier. And YES, the replacement kits cost a few bucks, but personally speaking, MY life is worth a few bucks. Don't know about yours.

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You can get the regular PFD's to save your life and they don't cost money over time. I think that's what the guy was talking about. Not about not having one altogether.

[Hookmaster]

Do these go off in a hard rain?

[PierBridge]

No they have to be submersed for a while if you go in the water its best to pull the rip cord versus waiting for the pill to disolve.

[Cabela10]

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Do these go off in a hard rain?

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No.

Actually, I was in a tournament on the 'Sippi Pool 4 with about 40-50mph winds. The waves were huge and I had tubs full of water coming over the top of me and the PFD did not go off. I think the reason it went off was because I left it in a damp storage place on the boat and it popped because that compartment was so wet inside from the moisture.