I am looking to buy an inflatable PFD, curious what i should look for?
Do you prefer manual or auto deploy?
Are some better then others?
Any features i should look for or avoide?
Cost is a factor, but not the most important
Lots of previous posts on this.
https://www.google.com/search?sitesearch=www.in-depthoutdoors.com&q=inflatable
The Float-Tech system was designed with mobility in-mind. It wears lightly on your shoulders, not on your neck, and can be worn for extended periods of time with no discomfort at all. Because of this, Float Tech has been outfitting Marine Personnel all across the country.
This is the link to our You Tube video to see the Float-Tech Inflatable Vest in action.
Auto or Manual deploy?
The Float Tech’s are both. I can’t see a good reason to have manual deploy only. A person hitting their head may not be able to pull the cord. Self inflating does come with minimal costs but well worth it in my opinion. (since I don’t know when or how I will be leaving my boat).
There are other good inflatables out there but none that spread the weight of the PFD over you shoulders and keeping the rubbing away from your neck.
One other tid bit when buying an inflatable…make sure it’s armed before using it the first time. I know a fella that had his inflatable for a good long time before he realized it didn’t have a Co2 cartridge installed.
Price? about $150 for the vest and $299.00 for the vest and outer shell.
If you don’t plan on wearing it all the time be aware of this:
“Some inflatable life vests are required to be worn in order to be counted as one of your U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable flotation devices.”
edited: removed “in minnesota”. I wasn’t sure if it was everywhere, I copied it from the MN boating guide.
That’s not just a MN law. If the tag states in must be worn (as most inflatables do) then it must be worn.
Personally, I have 3 inexpensive Type III’s in my boat and require the inflatables to be worn except for photos ect.
Good call Reef. Since I always wear mine I forget about that point.
Also they must be worn over the top of any other clothing. In my avatar to the left, I’m wearing the Float Tech with the outer shell over the top. It’s the only PFD that has a hooded light rain/wind breaker made for wearing over the top. The sleeves zip off to make it into a vest as well. D rings for attaching a engine tether too.
Brian,
If I remember correctly, you were a big fan of Mustang pfd’s.
Just like the Float Tech jacket system better?
Pete
I bought a Cabelas Guidewear 3500 I think. It is very comfortable and got it on sale for less than $100. Because its so comfortable I wear it a lot more than I thought I would.
Hey Pete,
I was looking at inflatables not long after they first came out. While at Cabelas, a salesman was telling me about the chaffing around the neck from whatever brand they had in stock along with the required maintenance of an inflatable. A person can’t just throw them below deck like the fisherman’s vest type.
Then I found the Float Tech’s at a sportsmans show about 10 years ago. I still have to blow them up by mouth and leave them sit over night to ensure the will keep air in them, but it doesn’t cost the $18-$20 a recharge kit costs AND there’s no rubbing on the neck.
I’ve been a supporter of inflatables ever since.
By the way, I personally don’t care what type a person buys or if they buy an inflatable. Just wear a damn pfd!
I worn a Mustang besides in a store. You might be thinking of Jon Jordan. He seems very happy with his Mustang.
To sum up the comfort of a Float Tech, I’ve had to call clients to come back to the landing because they left with my Float Techs on…If that doesn’t spell comfort, I’m not sure what does!
In case you haven’t seen this video that’s been making the rounds…it clearly shows that there is plenty of time to put on the PFD before leaving your boat….NOT!
No one was hurt in this accident as they had the kill tether and inflatables on.
Got it.
I agree, whatever the brand, just wear the darn thing.
Pete
You might be thinking of Jon Jordan. He seems very happy with his Mustang.
I’m using the Mustang shown here. Mustang MIT-100
No complaints. Like the way it fits. 
-J.
I bought a Cabelas Guidewear 3500 I think. It is very comfortable and got it on sale for less than $100. Because its so comfortable I wear it a lot more than I thought I would.
I bought a Cabelas Guidewear 3500 I think. It is very comfortable and got it on sale for less than $100. Because its so comfortable I wear it a lot more than I thought I would.
same with me, really like it
I am looking to buy an inflatable PFD, curious what i should look for? Do you prefer manual or auto deploy? Are some better then others?
Any features i should look for or avoide? Cost is a factor, but not the most important
I have 3 Onyx A/M24 in the boat and they are reasonable priced and work well. I put mine on and more often then no forget about it till I get in the car. I have decided to wear mine 100% of the time as I am no spring chicken anymore. I still keep a couple of regular life vests in case someone decides to take theirs off, I am still legal. Also, they have a small dissolving pill that has an expiration date. You can buy just the pills or the entire kit as the CO2 cartridges have an expiration date as well. I did jump into a pool once and was surprised at how well they worked, maybe less than 2 seconds before it inflated. Never had a problem with rain.
Been using the Cabelas self inflating for years. Took a lot of convincing to get my buddies to wear a life jacket. I finally got to the point of insisting everyone puts one on before the boat moves. I’m getting to old to try and pull someone out even if I can get to them in time.
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