Inflatable pfds

[Dutch]

I have an old SOSpender inflatable that is quite uncomfortable.  I don't wear it unless I am fishing alone.  I am looking for a new one that is comfortable and can be worn all day long.  The Mustang gets good reviews but I have no direct knowledge of it.  Inflatable pfd wearers what do you use and how comfortable are they.

[shrapnel]

I have the $89 Onyx from Academy and like it a lot.  As far as comfort...I often forget I have it on when I get out of the boat until I get in the house and someone reminds me...lol.  It's a much better price point than the Mustang and I believe the same technology?

[fishinwrench]

14 minutes ago, shrapnel said:

I have the $89 Onyx from Academy and like it a lot.  As far as comfort...I often forget I have it on when I get out of the boat until I get in the house and someone reminds me...lol.  It's a much better price point than the Mustang and I believe the same technology?

I think it would be hard to say that you like it alot until it had been used for what it's designed for.    

I have some waders that I "like alot" because they are comfortable and look cool, but I can't wear them fishing unless it's a short trip in calm water because they seep in 3 spots and will soak me if I am in the water more than a couple hours.  

I HATE my PFD but I know the uncomfortable bastage will keep my head above water if I'm unconcious, and won't get ripped off if I hit the water at high speed.

[shrapnel]

19 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

I think it would be hard to say that you like it alot until it had been used for what it's designed for.    

I have some waders that I "like alot" because they are comfortable and look cool, but I can't wear them fishing unless it's a short trip in calm water because they seep in 3 spots and will soak me if I am in the water more than a couple hours.  

It's reasonably priced, comfortable to the point I forget it's on.  I know it works because it went off in my rod locker when it got soaked and i had to reload it.  Whether it works as intended I hope to never find out. 

[Dutch]

So wrench what kind of PFD do you have and hate?

[Old dog 417]

I own a Mustang and a Cabela's inflatable PFD. I purchased the Mustang first and found it comfortable enough to wear but I'll admit on some hot 

days I'll remove it when I'm not traveling. If I recall it's buoyancy or flotation rate was 26 lbs. About a year later after I had been out in cold weather

I got to thinking about flotation needed with the extra clothes on. That's when I bought the Cabela's model. It's rated at 40 lbs and fits up to a 56"

chest allowing easily for heavier layers. I may have over thought it but I look at PFD's like parachutes. If you need one and don't have it...chances are

you won't ever need it again!

 

[MOPanfisher]

At work we have Mustangs and have worn them quite a bit with zero problems or accidental inflations.  Being a tight wad and not wanting to spend that much I have had my sone pick me up a BPS version , while it seems comfortable at first glance I have not had it out on the water yet.  I did read a lot of reports about inflation while in compartments or while installing the CO2 cartridge.  Since I have screwed the cartridge in yet I can complain.  However I do know the Mustangs I have worn are great, you quickly forget you are wearing it, (we aren't fishing so that might make a difference),  you also don't want it too tight on you, when it inflates you think it's gonna pinch your head off if you don't leave some room.

[MoCarp]

18 minutes ago, MOPanfisher said:

At work we have Mustangs and have worn them quite a bit with zero problems or accidental inflations. 

prey tell what work requires such gear?

[Al Agnew]

You can find non-inflatables that are comfortable to wear, just expect to pay some bucks for them.  Personally, I won't use inflatables anymore.  If I need a life jacket, I want one that works as intended without having to worry about technology.  Look for those designed for whitewater kayaking if you want a non-inflatable.  They are designed to have lots of freedom of motion while being bombproof.

[fishinwrench]

2 hours ago, Dutch said:

So wrench what kind of PFD do you have and hate?

It's a 💯 mph job made by Stearns.  I've had it for 20 years or so.  Bought from Able Marine back when they were still in business.