Give me your thoughts on the many brands of float coats out there. Good, bad, like and dislikes. Which ones are best for cold weather fishing? Does anybody use them?
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Give me your thoughts on the many brands of float coats out there. Good, bad, like and dislikes. Which ones are best for cold weather fishing? Does anybody use them?
Being a "Towboater" and X-Safety-man for one of the largest Marine Transporters in the US, I have both used & researched these jackets. While offering good flotation you will not find any of them to be as warm as say, your standard Gore-Tex clothing unless you invest in a "Survival Suit" style PFD. If you choose to go that route, get ready for sticker shock! :yikes
Sterns has many different styles to pick from, are mid-priced, and hold up well. You can find some cheaper knockoff's but the quality may diminish.
I had a Stearns but lost it in Jonathan bay a couple years ago. It was stiff and a little aggrivating to fish out of, Whiskers is right, my Colunbia coat is warmer and more pliable. I now fish with a Mustang self inflating PFD, it goes on when I get in the boat and doesn't come off until I get out. It stays in the boat so I don't forget it or have to worry about it blowing out of the boat............again.
This is my choice to get soon.Be sure and watch the videos. i.d.i gear : arctic armor ice fishing apparel
I have a ice striker suit and love it... well made and has zippers for venting. I was going to go with the artic armour but after reading reviews of there customer service and not having any venting ice striker won with me.
I don't think that's a PFD Buddy.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifish
I have one for ice fishing, they are warm and light, and are suppose to float. I never tested one but seen a video once.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiskers
We'd love you to test it out and let us know how it does:)Quote:
Originally Posted by wilbur
Just wait till spring and come to camp. You can test it there were we all can see how it works.Quote:
Originally Posted by KDAVID1
I have a suit something like this (pants and coat) Mustang Classic Float Coat
You wont get cold or wet.Mustang Classic Float Coat
I wear the Artic Armour. It's the warmest thing I've found. I've not tested it's floating capabilities, but my friend down in Tennessee did. He actually fell out of his bass boat last year at Big Sandy into pretty cold water while fishing by himself. The coat and bib pants did float him, but it wasn't in the water long and is a good swimmer. I understand many of the search and rescue teams, particularly in the north, have gone with Artic Armour. I believe it is correct, though, that they suit in not a sanctioned PFD by the Coast Guard. Not being a great swimmer and understanding what even moderately cold water can do to you, I always wear my Mustang inflatable PFD over my Artic Armour. Works great for me.