Inflatable Vests

So finally gonna upgrade to inflatable vests. Been looking at Stearns manual inflation Sospenders. Saw the chest pack one with zippered front pouch, anyone use these and how do you like them?

Anyone that uses inflatables what do you use and how do you like? Any dislikes? Anyone have the auto inflate, how wet do they have to get before inflating? Rain, wave spray, etc....

Thanks for any advice.


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I have 2 auto inflatables that I use. I have not had to inflate them yet. They are cabelas and I bought them on sale last year. South Carolina requires that they be worn all the time when in the boat or they do not count. I keep a couple regular jackets in my boat just in case. I mostly wear them when operating the boat as they are comfortable. Check your state laws about them and if you decide to get them get the full auto vest. Manual does not do any good if knocked out when thrown from boat.

I have three in my boat all automatic. Never have had to inflate them. But I also keep 3 regular life jackets just incase there is a problem. Never can be too safe. God mine at BPS when on sale. I like them. Not as cumbersome as regular life jackets.

I like my inflateables. One of my fishing buddies inflated one of mine when getting it out of storage.{pulled the red tee handle and it worked). Got them on sale at BPS. The reset kit is about 25.00. They do not count as a life preserver unless they are being worn. I really like them.

I've looked at them a few times. They seem kind of heavy.

I like mine. Had one to inflate on the dock at beach one time. Went to store and bought kit and installed it good as new now. They take up much less room in storage. All I use.

We wear these
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very comfortable, have been driving home and realize I still had it on in the truck. Also keep 5 regular and 1 non automatic inflatable in boat.

I have one of the Mustang vests, that I always wear if I am fishing alone. I don't really notice it. I would buy one again, particularly after losing 3 friends to drowning. Each time, they were alone, and fell out of the boat in deep water. Its just too small a price to pay for the police not to call my mom and wife.

We recently purchased them for both of us. Bought the wife a BP brand which is made by Onyx that uses the dissolving pill to activate. I chose a Mustang Elite 28 which needs total submersion to activate. I fish in all kinds of weather and she is a fair weather angler. I didn't want to take a chance with rain or humidity setting mine off. We keep these things on all day and honestly, I forget it is on. I too worry about slipping or falling and taking a smack to the noggin' or landing in frigid water and going down for the count. Too many stories of folks drowning and life vest were nearby.

Can anyone comment on sizes of inflatables. Have tried several at sporting good stores an do not feel comfortable with one on. Does anyone know of a particular brand that is longer than others? The ones that I have found has the body strap some 5-6 inches above waist line and that is too high for me to be comfortable