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My wife and I normally fish together, but I tend to want to fish more but with losing a few friends the past two years(fishing and duck hunting) I now always wear a life vest the entire time out fishing. I've been thinking of getting an auto/manual inflating vest. Does any one else use one and if so what do you recommend?
Thanks for all your assistance
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I have one made by mustang and wear it always. Wife says it is worth the price if you have it on.
This is what my wife and I use.we wear them when in the boat.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJH3YUU..._akxJxbSZPTEHF
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Cabela's carries a good variety. I caught some on sale last year for $69. I bought 2. The 3500 series. Keep an eye on their closeouts, always have something worth the money on closeout.
I have an ONYX that works good for me, wear it all day even when its hot and half the time I forget I got it on.
Mywife and I wear the Mustangs.
i did have mine inflate when it was in the full sun.
replaced the cylinder,etc.
it was four years old.
once your used to the weight you forget you have it on.
I have one of the manual inflators and have, thankfully, never had to use it. I talked to a water patrol officer about them, and he said it is fine to have the manual, as long as you aren't knocked out when you go into the water. I was sort of afraid to buy the automatic inflators because I had heard they could inflate in a rainstorm from getting too wet. I still don't know if that is true.
I have 4 of the onyx auto inflate and use them all the time. I would highly recommend the Auto type.
I have had a couple of them for about 6 years. I have had 2 inflate unexpectedly the third year, but I found that the cause was the "bobbins" were past the EXPIRATION DATE. . The material inside that activates the cartridge had deteriorated over time.
I have not had any accidental inflate's since I started changing out the "bobbins"
The bobbin's have an expiration date printed on them. They should be checked every season and replaced if close to the expiration date. The bobbins can be replaced without changing the CO-2 cartridge if the vest was not activated.
Bobbin link https://www.amazon.com/Bobbin-Replac.../dp/B002O76J66
I always check the expiration date on the new ones I buy. They should be good for at least 3 yrs .
Like moskeeter, I bought a Cabelas 3500 series on sale (though I think it was a lot more than $69!). Only had it a few years. Never deployed, accidentally or because I needed it to, so can't vouch for anything but comfort and cost.
Thanks, Dave for the bobbins link. $20 for 3 of those is cheaper than a rearming kit!
I have a Cabelas 3500 and also a Suspenders branded that BPS use to sell. Been using them for 6-7 years now and love them. I would only recommend the auto/manual type. My thinking is that if you fall and hit your head on the boat or on standing timber you may not be able to pull the manual pull cable. I actually have my manual pull tucked up inside so I don't accidentally pull it from hanging up on something. Most have a hard plastic loop on the right side for attaching the kill switch lanyard.
I use the Cabelas brand as well. Got them on sell last winter f 99.00. It is the manual/Auto inflate style. I fish by myself a lot and my thought too is if I hit my head on some timber or the boat or just pass out, I need it to do its deed without my help. I get so used to it that I don't even know I have it on. I find myself with it still on after I have loaded the boat up and taking off. Plus my wife wears me out about wearing one so I do.
My wife does not fish so I am mostly in the boat by myself. I also bought the Cabela's model that does auto inflate or manual. I think it was $99 on sale but I had a gift card. I fish Taneycomo a lot and when the water is running it can be dangerous not only for the current but the water temperature. I fish with it now even when others are in the boat. Even on super hot days it does not make me overly warm and the mostly open back helps keep you cool. I feel a lot safer having it on especially when fishing alone. Accidents happen so fast you can be in trouble before you know it. I was at a fishing event a couple years ago on Taney when a boat overturned at the dam and there was a fatality. No one had life jackets on. That convinced me I was worth the cost of one. I also have three regular life jackets on the boat as well. Get one and you'll feel better and don't just wear it underway. If you are moving in your boat while dipping in timber wear it then too. You could fall off and smack your head on a tree.