Striker Predator Bibs only – Enough to float or is the Jacket also needed?

Looking to get some floating bibs this season, but I don’t like wearing a jacket fishing (I prefer a heavy sweatshirt instead) That being said, will Striker Predator bibs be enough to keep me afloat if I go in? or is the Striker Jacket also required?

I have no personal experience with floating bibs and jackets, however one thing that would concern me is if you are just wearing the bibs and you go in would you have a dangerous buoyancy that would force your legs up and you head down? Just something to think about that hopefully the manufacturers have an answer for.

I’m like you I don’t do a lot of fishing in my jacket if I don’t have too. That is one reason I love my Predator bibs is even with just the bibs on it will give you enough floatation to stay a float but not so much that your upside down. I luckily haven’t had you take advantage of the floatation in the Predator suit but I absolutely love them and couldn’t imagine fishing out of anything else.

I posted this question on the previous striker thread and one person did reply saying that the rep that sold them the suit said you should have both. Whether that’s just a salesmans way to earn money or a manufacturers recommendation is the question. What we really need is a video demonstration. Bryan you feel like jumping in?

That’s totally a sales pitch, but i’m guessing the jacket provides much more bouyancy than the bibs and allows you to just float on your back (based on youtube test videos) but who’s going to do that in real life situation? If I go under, i’m getting out asap, I just need the bibs to not conitnue to pull me under (like a soaked pair of non-floating bibs would do) I think the Striker bibs will work just fine by themselves in providing enough lift to more than help you out…

Somebody could test them out at a Polar Plunge this winter?

I went to a seminar once and the owner or a rep sead to get the pants if you could only afford one at the time. Reason was , a lot of people take their coat off while walking out pulling their gear. If you would fall through then, you would have some floatation.

took advantage of the $50 off GM promotion and paired it with a raise gift card to purchase a pair of striker climate ice bibs. after all was said and done included taxes being added I ended up getting them for $206. pretty happy with the deal. We’ll see if I float!

I think Joe has it right, you’re not looking for long term flotation. If you fall through the ice and don’t get out of the water within a few minutes you’re going to be in just as big of trouble if you float as if you sink.

I just have the bibs and my first hope is that I never have to use their flotation abilities, my second hope is that if I do it will assist me getting horizontal on the top of the water so I can climb back on the ice. I think it’s easier to like ‘crawl’ back onto the ice than it is to pull yourself up vertically.

I will admit I have zero experience actually climbing out of the ice though.

Bibs just arrived today. They are bulky!!! Not to the point of being uncomfortable though. Hope to never have to rely on them but I know I’ll feel a lot better exploring different areas with them on. I’m with you Phil I think the idea is they can keep you afloat long enough for you to collect your bearings and use your spikes to pull yourself out and will help making your bottom half buoyant

one could test them out in the lake now before the water is frozen. then you would know just how much they help without the jacket

Brennon Nielson wrote:

one could test them out in the lake now before the water is frozen. then you would know just how much they help without the jacket

Yup thought of that. If I sum up the courage I’ll be sure to video tape it for you guys

crappie55369 wrote:

Bibs just arrived today. They are bulky!!! Not to the point of being uncomfortable though. Hope to never have to rely on them but I know I’ll feel a lot better exploring different areas with them on. I’m with you Phil I think the idea is they can keep you afloat long enough for you to collect your bearings and use your spikes to pull yourself out and will help making your bottom half buoyant

I will throw out a word of caution. A few years ago I got Stearns flotation bibs for a closeout deal…$40. And yes they are a bit bulky but not excessively so. Label inside does warn however that they must be worn with a some sort of upper body flotation device. (Not sure that’s a sales gimmick?). I also came across a deal where the WI DNR was selling used items and I bought a Stearns parka that has the full flotation built in.
Point being, if you fall in or go through the ice and feel the knife stabbing experience of ice water…you will have to somehow force your floating legs downward to right your head and upper body going upward to climb or claw your way out. I guess it’s only your life?

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>crappie55369 wrote:</div>
Bibs just arrived today. They are bulky!!! Not to the point of being uncomfortable though. Hope to never have to rely on them but I know I’ll feel a lot better exploring different areas with them on. I’m with you Phil I think the idea is they can keep you afloat long enough for you to collect your bearings and use your spikes to pull yourself out and will help making your bottom half buoyant

I will throw out a word of caution. A few years ago I got Stearns flotation bibs for a closeout deal…$40. And yes they are a bit bulky but not excessively so. Label inside does warn however that they must be worn with a some sort of upper body flotation device. (Not sure that’s a sales gimmick?). I also came across a deal where the WI DNR was selling used items and I bought a Stearns parka that has the full flotation built in.
Point being, if you fall in or go through the ice and feel the knife stabbing experience of ice water…you will have to somehow force your floating legs downward to right your head and upper body going upward to climb or claw your way out. I guess it’s only your life?

Well we have had a few other people commenting with 2nd and 3rd hand information that states the bibs will help you survive falling through the ice even without the jacket rather than hurt you. I don’t really foresee the powers of buoyancy being so immense in the bibs that I will not have the strength to force my legs downward. Regardless of how much cold water can shock you and sap your strength that seems a highly unlikely prospect. I suppose the only way to know is if we hear from someone who has experienced falling in with just floating bibs. Anything else is conjecture.

I plan on wearing a life jacket during early and late ice so ill be fine but if you have the extra $250 for the jacket I will give you my address and you can send it my way.

Crappie, yes for the most part I would agree that the bibs would help more than harm if you went through. I was just pointing out other considerations. I think we all at times can get complacent and sometimes can overlook the obvious. What I posted was just something to keep in mind. Good idea to wear some type of PFD if you’re treading out on early (sketchy) ice.
And yes, head shaking these days how expensive gear can add up.

yeah understood. it is important to keep in mind that just cause you are wearing floating bibs doesn’t mean you are bulletproof. it is a good reminder.