Personal Floatation Device

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

Hi All,

I am looking for information about safety floataion devices. I know very little about them, except, that a friend has one that is a belt or part of vest or something.

If anyone could post a survey of what types are available, etc.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks for any advise you might have.

Thanks and regards,

Gandolf

2

Gandolf, I don’t know much about them. I own a mustang with a pull cord to inflate it. I just know I won’t go tubing, 'tooning or wading without it. Jim

3

Gandolf, check out Cabelas, or some of the sponsers here. I have seen them listed several places.

4

Let me preface this with “I’m not an expert”. I’ve recently gone through the “what type of PFD should I get”. I’m very interested in what others have said.

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp

This page is from the US Coast Guard.

I think the main thing is get one that you will wear. If it is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well, you won’t wear it. A PFD does no good sitting on the floor of your boat, or in the trunk of the car.

While not a sponsor here, this is the one I ended up getting: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_103463____SearchResults

I like the idea of the inflatable ones that use a CO canister. However, the automatic ones (that inflate when wet) seem to have problems of inflating at odd times (like in a heavy rain). The rip cord ones scare me. If I’m unconcious when I hit the water or knock my head on something on the way down, how can I pull the cord?

So, after some thinking, I decided to get one that is fairly cool to wear in hot weather, comfortable and something I will actually wear instead of toss behind the seat of the boat or leave in the trunk of the car.

5

You might find this helpful: http://www.canoekayak.com/features/newbie-corner/pfd06/

Do a Google search under :“pfd review” and many hits come up.

6

Gandolf,

We bought 4 vest type PFDs from Cabela’s, 3 corded and 1 auto inflate. Once you put it on you really don’t know it’s on anymore. Very comfortable. Won’t tube w/o one anymore. Haven’t had any problems with the auto inflate, but haven’t got it wet yet either. Only one I have any info about. Good luck with your search.

Beaver

7

I use SOSpenders

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Inflatable-Life-Jackets-C17.aspx

8

Mustang is the hot brand in inflatables now. If you see a Coast Guard vessel, you are likely to see the crew wearing Mustang PFD’s.