Inflatable PFDs

[SkunkedAgain]

I see Cabelas offering different versions of the inflatable PFDs. They have model numbers like trucks...2500, 3500, etc. Some have 26lbs of buoyancy and others 35lbs. Then there are different denier numbers for the polyester and nylon.

What does a guy need? I understand the don't-skimp-on-safety mantra but am struggling to figure out what is ideal and what may be overkill.

Any opinions on brands or do most of them feel good and do the job?

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I weigh just over 200# and have the 2500. Fits fairly nice and is more comfortable then a reg. life vest. I like it!

They do have models that are probably a little more comfortable but probably also cost more.

Cliff

[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks Cliff. I'm definitely going to switch to the inflatables. It's just a question of which ones. I'm under 200lbs is my family and most guests, but also want to have one for bigger folks. It would be nice if they told you how much buoyancy you need for xxxlbs.

[searching4slabs]

At first they looked cool...then I saw the price and realized I could save some money by buying a low profile regular jacket. Inflatables I bet are way more comfy, wouldnt know I'm new to the subject, but if you're falling in the water you might not be all there to pull the cord!

[MN Shutterbug]

I read somewhere that inflatables aren't a good choice for non swimmers. If I were to spend the big bucks on an inflatable, I'd spend bigger bucks and get an auto inflating one. Otherwise I'd drown trying to figure out where the silly cord is.

[laker1]

Maybe they changed,but they use to have a cold weather warning of not to use below a certain temperature?

[Cliff Wagenbach]

My vest is a self inflating style but also has a manual rip cord.

I do not think that I would even consider one that was not self inflating!

Cliff

[SkunkedAgain]

Sorry if confusing, but I am planning to purchase an self-inflatable pfd. I'm just trying to understand the difference. Maybe I need to drive out to Cabelas or somewhere to ask questions and hope that the salesperson actually knows something.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Skunked,

Good idea! That way you can also try on different models for fit and comfort!

Cliff

[SkunkedAgain]

Well going to Cabela's was a giant waste of time.

From the start, when I asked the salesman for help he said "the differences should be self-explanatory." He couldn't tell me one difference except that he had the expensive ones for his kayak and they work great. When pressed, he couldn't tell me why. He said that the more expensive ones had more buoyancy. I pointed out that both the 26lb and 35lb buoyancy vests indicated that they were 'twice the buoyancy of a USCG vest.' On top of it all, they didn't have any available to try on so I could feel the difference. I showed him the price difference on their website using my phone - $90 for the Cabela's Angler and $170 for the Cabela's Guidewear. All he could tell me was that I should buy the more expensive one. I told him that he just lost a sale because he didn't know the product and resorted to steering me towards the pricier item. That's poor salesmanship. The only thing self-explanatory here was his ignorance.

So I'm still stuck trying to figure this out. Has ANYONE tried or worn these different models who can speak to their positives and negatives? I guess I'm inclined to trust you Cliff about the 2500s. I can't justify the extra $80 and neither can Cabela's

[MI Friend]

Checkout the Onyx A-24. Amazon for about $105.00. Can also read the reviews. Great customer support.

[Crappyfisherman]

I have the Cabelas 26# model and I weigh 170. The more expensive ones work the same and fit the same. Either one will work fine.

[Borch]

I just picked up a pair of mustang 3183 Auto inflating HIT PFDs. Won't inflate in the rain which I seem to find myself fishing in all the time. Will only inflate when it's under water 4" or I pull the manual cord. Talked to a lot of guys who swear by this technology.

[jigginjim]

I purchased two of Cabelas earlier models have had them go off in my storage locker. Really stinks when your fishing alone late at night, you don't know what the sound is, then you have to but another refill kit.

[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks for the responses. I never considered that these things might go off in the rain!

[Borch]

The auto inflate that have a capsule that dissolves when wet will go off if you're out for an extended period in a persistent rain.

[h8go4s]

Buy the good ones. They are triggered by water pressure, not moisture.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Skunked,

Sorry that you had a bad experience with the sales person at Cabelas! Not what I would expect from them either!

Hard to believe that they did not have different models of vests to try on and inspect!

I have never had the model that I have inflate from rain or moisture while wearing or while in storage. Now that I said that I suppose the next time I put the vest on it will inflate!!

Cliff

[BLACKJACK]

I'd be concerned about the long-term viability of an inflatable vest. You know how most people treat a vest, throw it into the bottom of a boat, leave it out in the sun, into the back of a pickup, is it going to work 10 years from now??

When I was in the Navy I maintained pilot survival gear, we were required to inflate vests every 210 days to check them out. Maybe a little excessive but how many people will even inflate their vests every 2 years?? Sure would be nice to have a vest that works when you get dumped into the water....

I think a better investment would be a comfortable fitting regular vest, most of the good ones nowadays fit like a jacket and will be ready to go when you fall in the water tomorrow or ten years from now.

[bucketmouth64]

Are re-arming kits universal to fit any brand? I'm in the market to buy couple of vests. I've been looking at various sites and brands. I like earlier post from h8go4s about the better ones go off by water pressure and not by moisture, that's the first I've heard of this. What brands do this?      

[tcwin]

From my research, the majority of people only need 10 - 15 lbs of buoyancy. Unless you are really lean, you should be ok with 25 lbs of buoyancy. If you regularly fish in bad weather and have rain gear on, then you would need extra buoyancy to counter the heavier rain gear.  The majority of the inflatables are Type V jackets and only count as a life jacket if worn.  What that means is that if it is in a storage compartment, not on you, and you are checked on the water, you could get a ticket. One other caveat, these jackets are not certified to turn you over if you go in face down.

These jackets are great if used as directed, automatic is the way to go.