Picking out the right, yet comfy PFD

[Shawnny B]

Maybe its the daughter, maybe its the age thing, maybe I am just getting afraid, either way I am seriously starting to look into purchasing a PFD that I can wear when ever I am in my canoe or boat. I admit, I normaly dont wear it they are in the boat/canoe with me, but the darned thing is just so bulky/uncomfy. I have the Sterns 30 dollar specials. I have seen people with the waist style that auto infaltes, Ive seen 100 dollar ones that are just less material than what i have, Ive seen the ones that look like they just go around your neck and auto inflate. Ive also noticed on the ones that are inflate by themselfs there are 2 kinds, the Auto, and the pull cord. I will more than likely be looking for 2 to purchase or ask for as a gift. Anyone out there have their suggestions? I guess I havent really been afraid of anything as of lately being on usualy the only one out in the canoe on that small part of the lake, but Im thinking about venturing out on more lakes, such as North or South Center, Forest Lake, Clear lake ect ect, not quiet like the channel at South lindstrom or chisago or back in the river between North Lindstrom and North Center. Any info / experiences would be much appreciated, and ofcourse I know You get what you pay for but the cheaper side would be nicer seeing as how money isnt growing on that tree out back yet, Ill have to check with Bobby to see if that seed I got from the kid on the corner was really a money tree or if it was another type of tree, either way Hopefully Bobby comes around and lets me know if I put it in the wrong place or if it was a different type of seed or something.

Thanks again

Shawnny B

[prov1900]

I am thinking about going to one of those inflateable PFD's even though they are expensive. The better half is all for it, because I would wear it on the ice for our peace of mind. Down here in Nebraska, anymore, we venture out on about 5 to 6 inches of ice in latter January. Gotta love global warming Anyone have any details on these, like are they worth the money, etc?

[SteveWilson]

I like my auto inflatable because it's light enough that it doesn't interfere with my sweat. You should however have a couple of extra rearming kits and you should test the inflatable in water so that you get use to it (i.e wear it at the beach and submerge yourself so that it inflates). If I were running rapids in a canoe or kyack I would want one with foam (same as you would water skiing) and not an inflateable. If you just cruise in your canoe then an inflateable should be fine.

[Shawnny B]

Yeah, I cruise around, usualy have a Trolling motor attached and cruise the shorline fishing. Thanks for your response so far, Anyone have any suggestions on brands?

Shawnny B

[Ufatz]

SOSpenders originated the inflatable vests. Stearns now makes them too.If you can afford them buy the auto-inflate,especially for children who might not have the presence of mind to pull an inflator lanyard when suddenly tossed into the water. SOSpuenders are great vests that have saved lives, including those of a couple people I know.

[SteveWilson]

The inflateables are not designed for children or people who cannot swim.

[Fishin4Life]

Steve - Why are they not designed for people who can't swim? What if you were thrown from a boat and knocked un consious?

[bucks-n-ducks]

I have the inflatable made by Mustang Survial, although expensive, I've been able to use it 4 times, and man I love it. I usually only wear my life vest when running the big motor, but numerous times latly I've wore it much more, just becuase I kinda foget it is even on!

I say go for it and buy them, you will never regret it.

Oh yea, I have the self-inflating kind

Bucks-n-ducks

[SteveWilson]

Quote:

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Why are they not designed for people who can't swim?

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A few reasons; they may not inflate (i.e. mechanism isn't working) or may not inflate fully so that you would need to do it manually, the unit may have or develop a leak which you need to top up or abandon the jacket. All of which is bad for you if you are unconsious. Only Type I Life jackets (offshore models) are designed to turn you over if your unconsious, type II will turn many people over, type III devices (many of the cooler life jackets people ware) are not designed to turn folk's over, and type V (inflatables) are variable. If you can't swim and the unit doesn't inflate or inflates partially you're likely to panic and possibly drown prior to topping up the vest. As for children, they aren't sized for children. From the Minnesota Boating Guide "Inflatables are not intended for use on personal watercraft, by children, or while water skiing or similar sports."