Posted: 8/4/2007 6:15:27 PM EDT
Has anyone used these types of PFD? Do you trust/recommend inflatable PFD's?  I'm disabled and find most foam PFD inhibiting, these seem to allow more mobility. |
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Stearns makes some pretty good products and they have several jacket type that might not be so cumbersome for you to wear. If your in a chair that might be the way to go. I have only used the foam type myself.www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categoryg/10001/-1/10001/12387/106/8/man/asc/ALL/grid?LID=27054968 Hope this helps you out. 
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Unlike most PFDs that will be provide at least some level of floatation assistance, these provide none until the CO2 cartridge is actuated. The problem with that is that if you are injured or get rattled you may not be able to or may not remember to inflate the vest. That's common knowledge though. Have you looked at any other Type III PFD's or only the Bulky Type I and II Life Jacket types? some of the Type III's designed for sports (thinks PWC use, water-skiing, fishing, canoeing, etc....) allow for a relatively decent range of movement. |
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They make the inflatable ones that actuate when submerged www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&&storeId=10001&langId=-1&productId=269234&ref=81902 www.starmarinedepot.com/detail.asp?product_id=MT1500-00 I have no experience with them but i too like the fact they don't look like they restrict movement..... the downside you're relying on something mechanical to work 
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Yeah, I was thinking of the auto models. And yes theres my dillema, depending on something mechanical. Granted Ive never heard anything bad about them. |
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I use one alot. The new hydrostatic ones need to be underwater to inflate. The advantage of this is that the older one could inflate if your had heavy rain or a good splash on them. I have the manual inflation model that I trust with Surf + 10 lbs of gear. Mrs. Surf is required to wear one on the foredeck while underway. However read the manual that comes with them. Most are not approved for water skiing or PWC use. Also you do not want to swim with them as getting even the manual ones wet and not drying them out propely (even when not inflated) will reduce the life span of the PFD. In your case thye have hybrid models that have some floatation. You might want to look into the higher end kayaking models. |
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I like them. After all, 50+ years of military pilots can't be wrong. I wear one on my boat, but I wouldn't wear a regular vest. Too hot, too restrictive. In bad weather, I will put on a real life jacket, but for casual crusing, fishing and skiing (driving, not as the skier) they are great. Kinda like carrying a .380 or leaving the .45 at home....the PFD your are wearing is better than the one you should be wearing. I would like to get a hydrostatic model. Mine is a manual version. |