Which one do I need? Manual or Automatic. After reading so many stories about folks falling overboard, I think its time I get one. The old vest type is too hot in south Alabama.
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Which one do I need? Manual or Automatic. After reading so many stories about folks falling overboard, I think its time I get one. The old vest type is too hot in south Alabama.
I got one from Academy that is both manual and auto. Onyx 24. My thinking is leave the bobbin in ( the auto part) when on my boat. Then when in the kayak, removing the bobbin to make it manual. It’s going to get wet in the kayak, and inflate in auto mode.
I whent with the automatic. If you get knocked out you can't pull the tag. Also you get what you pay for with them. You need the most expensive one but don't go with the cheapest ether. I whent with the mustang around ($150 )
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Automatic. Cabelas usually runs a sale right now and you can get their 3500 series for around 79 bucks (normally 159 or 169). Watch for deals as they run it a couple of times per year.
Keep in mind that some states require you to always wear an inflatable for it to count as a life jacket. They are getting less and less after the federal regulations changed and the USCG see's them now as a cat I or II vest (should say it on the label) but there are still states that require you to wear it for it to count.
We own 10 of the 3500 series automatics. They also have a manual pull tab. I have NEVER had one of them discharge on accident. Not in a storage compartment or while wearing it. You will hear stories from others that have had it happen. In the winter, I store mine in a storage container. The rest of the time (when not on the water) they sit in a storage compartment in my boat.
In tournaments, I am required to wear one when my big motor is above idle. We find that they are so comfortable, we wear them all the time. I require all of my passengers to wear one because of this and when the spring or winter comes and we are still fishing, we wear them all the time. No questions. Water is too cold to do much without one on and decks are slick. Only takes a second to go overboard.
Check the sales, you can find great deals this time of year
Just make sure to keep the re-arm system updated. doesn't cost so much to refresh it annually or bi-annually. You can tell when the pellet is getting smaller
Get one with HIT technology. If you fish in the rain it is worth it. Rain nor humidity will set it off. It takes being submerged under 4 inches of water for it to inflate.
Regards
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Cabelas just had their sale on them. I picked up 2 of them at 50% off.
Hydrostatic automatic is what you want. The dissolvable pill type autos will go off when you least expect it. Manual does you no good if you hit your unconscious say from hitting your head on the way out.
Thanks Guys, I will check with Cabelas.
I looked @ Cabelas, They only offer the 2500. I cant find the 3500 anywhere. Have they been discontinued?
The ZX 4000 took the place of the 3500. Currently on sale fot 119
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Looks like they are out of stock for the 3500, as indicated above looks like a replace.
These are the type we have. I would recommend auto.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...FD/2199462.uts
I also see they they are listing a new 4000 series.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABEL...1.uts?slotId=0
Where did you find the Mustang HIT for $150? I really liked the looks of it when we went fishing and I really want one but the prices I found were all over $225 for the one like I think you got.Quote:
Originally Posted by lowe175
I ended up getting a Mustang DLX 38 for about $160 or so, but it uses the bobbin activation system not what yours does.
One thing for all to keep in mind when buying one is to get one big enough to keep you up. Some of them have 24 lbs of bouyancy, some 26 and the one I got has 38. I weigh about 290 and it won't take 38 to float me but if you water log winter clothes it might need more than the standard ones.
Get the automatic one
Just a fyi . I have THE MUSTANG jackets .One is hit and one is not. The hit jacket is very expensive to re-arm. The ones that are not hit are about half the cost. I do like mustang as like said it has to be submerged to deploy. U can fish in the pouring rain. They also are a little longer in length which makes them more comfortable but they are not cheap.
I have tournament tested the Cabelas series in pouring rain and 7 foot rolling waves with spray. No false deployments.
That said, mustange wrote the book on quality floatation gear. There is a reason our US military uses it!
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Auto for me, watch for sales on the better brands, do not buy the Chinese brands- they will go off without water.
Still have the SOSpenders I got in '03. One 24 and one 38. Never an issue. Change the kits every two years, or sooner if inspection warrants.
buy the best auto your life is well worth the cost. i don`t go with out one.
I picked up the Mustang HIT on ebay a couple years ago used, 3 FOR 200..
Keep your eyes out for them, would recommend them
How much water does it take to deploy a automatic vest?
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I guess it all depends what your life is worth?? Get the good one on sale, bass pro will have theirs on sale in spring classic month....about 2 months away------My mustang jack needs a about $25.00 rearm kit, but it will not deploy in rain and you can always tell by looking at it if it is armed little green?red flag shows. IL DNR duude checked me on water,when he looked at vest he said your vest is armed......:biggrinQuote:
Originally Posted by dwightparks
I just picked up th zx4000 from cabelas. Seems like it will work out well.
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