PFD's

[DJD]

What's the best model in your opinion? I was thinking about one of the auto inflatable type but are their problems with certain models? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Don

[MrSplitshot]

I never have bought one of the auto-inflatable deals...expensive...and always seemed like a lot of parts and hassle to me. Plus, if I go in the drink, I don't want something that could fail on me. I don't want my last thought with my last breath to be "Dang, sure wish I had replaced that CO2 cartridge."

I have always worn the Cabela's brand "Cool Mesh" vests...pretty comfortable...of course, I always picked those because they were available in a 52 Extra Fat for Big Enos here. You skinny dudes might be able to find something even more comfortable! I'm clumbsy as a drunk buffalo, so I'm pretty good about wearing mine...

[GeoFisher]

What's the best model in your opinion? I was thinking about one of the auto inflatable type but are their problems with certain models? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Don

I have a couple........

I use the auto inflatable, but I USE it as a MANUAL inflater instead. I use this in the summer, and when in my canoe.

When fishing colder water, I use a Cabelas PFD, with lots of room under the arms, etc, etc, because if it is NOT comfortable you WILL NOT WEAR IT.

I've only been in the drink wearing the Cabelas PFD. I hope to NEVER have to use the other, because they are expensive to replace the CO Cartridge.

Later,

Geo

[DJD]

Thanks fellers.
I'm going to check the assorted models out and see which one fits me best. After seeing how fast the river was the other night I can see having a lightweight pfd would be nice to wear.

[LarryG]

I put mine on when I start the engine, and take it off when I walk to the truck,. Sure sometimes its a little uncomfortable, but so is drowning come to think of it!Hey if money is no concern, go with the inflatible manual models, But what if you are knocked out, and cant remember to start blowing?I've been wearing mine for about 20 years, since my fishing buddy drowned on lake michigan, his pfds were still brand new, in a storage locker.

[fisheater]

Ive been thinking about this lately myself.I dont like to wear them either and i dont fish alone because of this.I have an emergency action plan when im on the river just in case i or someone im with goes in.But what if you blow a fuse and the big motor wont start????happened to me friday night.Scary to think about it now.I think im going to bite the bullet and get one of those more comfortable and less restricting co2 inflatables.I enjoy breathing air not water and to think of my sons being fatherless is not acceptable.
Good topic Don and should be considered by all.

[mhall]

I've been getting better about wearing mine while the big motor is under way. However I do cheat and have been thinking about wearing one down at the river. Heck I might make ole Chuck wear one to. Wait a minute he's bigger than I am, maybe I should just suggest it instead, lol.

[21ssExtreme]

I have also been looking at the inflatable ones and I think that the Mustang with HIT is the one.

[CRANKINandYANKIN]

1 thing to remember with these is that they only count as a flotation device in the boat if you have them on. If you take it off and get checked your short a flotation device. So wear it at all times in the boat or store your old vest in a compartment to be legal.

[Grumpy]

CRANKINand YANKIN, that is not true any more. You have to check the restrictions on the PFD. Most Tpye V must be worn at all times unless you have another regular PFD on board, but the Tyoe II and Type III don't have any wear restrictions like MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.

I checked this out with KYDFW last year..

Grumpy

[CRANKINandYANKIN]

Sorry if i'm wrong. Was what I was told by a kydfw officer last year. My mistake.

[Col Forbin]

I have an inflatable one, and I love it. It has auto discharge, and a pull cord for a backup. I am looking for a "normal" one to wear during tournaments that are quicker to throw on and off. However, I fish quite a bit by myself, and I will wear the inflatable one all the time from november through may.