Inflatable Life Vest Recommendations.

[vonreed]

I'm looking for all of guys opinions on what type of CO2 inflatable life vests. If any of you have any experience with them I would appreciate your advice. I would prefer to get a strictly manual vest because I plan on using it while kayaking and fishing the lake shores during rain and such.

[jeb]

I've been using them for a few years now. I've always bought Mustangs because they seem to have the best rep, by far, for not inflating except when they're suppose to. I wear them 100% of the time I'm out fishing. But that's an auto-inflate. For a manual only, I'd think any of the ones from Cabela's, Bass Pro, etc would work fine.

[vonreed]

Thanks for the info Jeb, it appears nobody else knows anything.

[Quillback]

I have a Basspro inflatable, which appears to be a relabled Mustang. Also I've had a Cabelas auto-inflatable. Never have had them inflate on their own, I believe they use what they call "Hydro-static" inflation, they don't inflate because they get wet, but they inflate due to water pressure. Be sure to look at the rating as far as how many lbs. of flotation one will provide.

[exiledguide]

Actualy I went to the garage to check my inflatable and forgot to post this yesterday I have a sospenders for 3 years and a BPS Onyx for 2 years for my wife, which when she's not with me I also have worn. Both off them are very comfortable and like jeb I don't get in a boat without them. Both off them were bought at the big BPS fishing sale at the beginning of the season at a really big discount. the only problem I have ever had was forgetting that I had left the spare in my live well and didn't have the drain plug installed and they got wet enough to inflate. Both of them can used as a manual only inflate vest

[Quillback]

I like the auto-inflate as I am getting to the age where I could have a stroke or something like that and fall in and not be conscious enough to pull the lanyard. Or you could be in a collision and get knocked into the water unconscious.

[moguy1973]

I like the auto-inflate as I am getting to the age where I could have a stroke or something like that and fall in and not be conscious enough to pull the lanyard. Or you could be in a collision and get knocked into the water unconscious.

This is why I would never have a manual inflate vest. I personally wear a regular kayaking vest (a Stohlquist Fisherman) 100% of the time I'm in my kayak.

[jdmidwest]

I have 3, all made by Stearns. I have one that is about 15 years old and it came inside of a Browning Fly Vest that I used to wear wading on trips where I was out alone. I have another waist pack type on a belt, you pull the cord, it inflates, and you either ride or put it over your head. The last is the Sospender type I use from time to time when boating and duck hunting.

I really can't tell if they work, never pulled the cord and had to use them. But all are better than a big bulky pfd.

[Bill Anderson]

I usually wade with a Stearns belt inflatable that doubles as a wader belt. It's strictly manually operated but is so slim and comfortable, you can forget about it unless you should need it. I got swept downstream years ago at Wildcat Shoals on the White River in Arkansas when I got hit by a huge flow from 5 generators from Bull Shoals Dam, and it frightened me enough to cause me to start using a vest type PFD with pockets for my gear. But this Stearns inflatable belt I use now is much more comfortable and has no bulk. I paid about $70 for it at Bass Pro in Springfield, MO., and it gives me piece of mind.

[vonreed]

Thanks for the additional info guys, I knew there had to be some personal experience with these.