Automatic Inflatable Life Vest - any experiences?

Foot Stomper · #1 02-13-2016, 05:35 PM

Looking to buy a life jacket and am seriously considering the automatic inflatable kind because they look super comfortable to use while on my fishing kayak.

Has anyone tried one? Dislikes? Likes? Comments?

I see they are about $100 +/-... so not a big expense...unless it fails to inflate!

Scott h · #2 02-13-2016, 06:53 PM

I've been using a mustang inflatable this last season while out salmon fishing. Wearing it is automatic because you can't even feel that you have it on it (so in an emergency you ARE wearing it). From my experience it was a worthwhile investment.

PerchBuster · #3 02-13-2016, 07:41 PM

I have auto inflating with manual inflator also. Mustang, very comfortable in all conditions. No excuse not to wear it really as Scott said you forget you have it on. I like mine a lot.

old dog · #4 02-13-2016, 08:00 PM

I have an inflatable that I use in my fishing boat but i use a life jacket specific for kayaking while kayak fishing. It's comfortable and believe it's a bit safer for kayaking. Besides Iam sure I would have triggered the auto inflate on the other one.

AdverseCity · #5 02-13-2016, 09:25 PM

I have an auto-inflate one, not sure of the brand but it was one of the more expensive ones. I've had it for 3 years and yet to replace anything so I should probably look into that.

Has anyone actually tested the auto-inflate feature? I'm curious how long it takes to set the CO2 canister off.

Commander B · #6 02-13-2016, 09:58 PM

Not sure you need auto inflate. I had a mustang inflate from being in the rain and then put in a Rubbermaid tote for the trip home in the back of the Tahoe. Think auto inflate is more for the circumstances where you would be rendered unconscious. ie boating at speed. Having to buy a recharge wafer due to kayak splash may not be fun. That said they are comfy and more importantly to me are cool as in temp... To wear.

B.

Foot Stomper · #7 02-14-2016, 07:06 AM

Thanks for all the valuable feedback guys! I've decided that a manual version is the way I'm going to go.
I don't need the automatic kind and feel that the manual kind is less prone to accidental inflation when I trip getting out of my kayak and go for an impromptu swim...

PlayDoh · #8 02-14-2016, 08:11 AM

I think you might want to do more research on this. I'm not so sure an inflatable would be safe on a kayak.
I've seen lots of kayakers in my time and never seen one of them wearing one.
I'm thinking of when righting yourself the buoyancy is helpful and something that should be consistent.
Last time I was on the island I watched a guy practice righting himself for over an hour. I'm pretty sure there are specific kayak PFD's.
Maybe if your on a sit-on type and don't go out often a inflatable would work.
Yet I would talk to some experts on the topic first.

huntsfurfish · #9 02-14-2016, 10:07 AM

Inflatables must be worn in the boat to be legal.

Not sure about them being legal in kayaks. Getting old, dont remember.

huntsfurfish · #10 02-14-2016, 10:20 AM

"Operators of Personal water craft are prohibited from wearing an inflatable PFD."

Thought so.

Foot Stomper · #11 02-14-2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

"Operators of Personal water craft are prohibited from wearing an inflatable PFD."

Thought so.

So is a sit on top kayak considered a "personal water craft"?

I sure does look like I need to do more research as PlayDoh posted.

huntsfurfish · #12 02-14-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet

A Kayak is not a Personal Water Craft (PWC), try again.

PFD's are not approved for Whitewater paddling as they are not buoyant enough, but if you're not using your Kayak for that, then inflatable PFD is fine.

I stand corrected.

Just thought I saw something about it once.

Wasnt trying anything.

bpoppa85 · #13 02-14-2016, 02:39 PM

I have a cabelas auto inflate one. Wanted to see how it worked so I sacrificed a cartridge. Jumped off the boat and before my head rose from the surface you can see it inflating. Probably 2 Seconds after that it was fully inflated. Took a video of it. They are pretty cool

Foot Stomper · #14 02-14-2016, 02:46 PM

Basspro in Calgary has their branded automatic on sale for 85$ so I bought one. I was told I can make it a manual version by not installing the sacrificial tablet. I like this option should I feel the need to "automate" it.
Besides, the manual version was more money because it's not on sale.

PlayDoh · #15 02-15-2016, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Basspro in Calgary has their branded automatic on sale for 85$ so I bought one. I was told I can make it a manual version by not installing the sacrificial tablet. I like this option should I feel the need to "automate" it.

Besides, the manual version was more money because it's not on sale.

Thanks for sharing, that's a good price. Gonna grab 1 or 2

Walleyedude · #16 02-15-2016, 04:33 PM

I have the Mustang Hydrostatic and I love it. I wouldn't be without out when it's cold in spring/fall or the water is real rough.

I wouldn't own the manual version. If you're in a situation where you're tossed overboard and you NEED it, the last thing on your mind is to have to consciously and deliberately activate your life jacket. That needs to be automatic and foolproof otherwise it's useless in my opinion.

PlayDoh · #17 02-15-2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Basspro in Calgary has their branded automatic on sale for 85$ so I bought one. I was told I can make it a manual version by not installing the sacrificial tablet. I like this option should I feel the need to "automate" it.
Besides, the manual version was more money because it's not on sale.

Did you buy yours online? According to the Calgary flyer there $120, $20 off. Yet the website has some for $80 but thats USD.

Foot Stomper · #18 02-15-2016, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayDoh

Did you buy yours online? According to the Calgary flyer there $120, $20 off. Yet the website has some for $80 but thats USD.

Went to the Cross Iron store and picked it up. They said the sale was over today, Feb 15th...

I also picked up a clearance set of "Bass Pro" rain/kayak pants for 69$ ... regular 120$. Lots of sizes and colours still on the rack!

PlayDoh · #19 02-15-2016, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Went to the Cross Iron store and picked it up. They said the sale was over today, Feb 15th...

I also picked up a clearance set of "Bass Pro" rain/kayak pants for 69$ ... regular 120$. Lots of sizes and colours still on the rack!

Thanks

Lornce · #20 02-16-2016, 08:01 AM

Mustang auto saved my bacon. Trolling on Okanagan Lake my Boston Whaler Sport was cut in half by drunks in a rented high power speedboat. Guys in a Sailboat that picked me up said I was airborne for a bit. Vest inflated and I woke up in the water. Won't boat without one.

Keep safe out there.

tallieho · #21 02-16-2016, 08:10 AM

make sure that it is approved for use in Canada.