Posted: 4/19/2009 6:25:25 PM EDT
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Does anyone know where I can get a PFD for a good price. My dept issues a cheap Stearns vest and I hate it. I would like
to get something that is inflatable or a stearns search and rescue vest. |
SOrry I couldn't help more.
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If you want a quality inflatable, I recommend a Mustang or Sos brand. Make sure you get the wider straps. The skinny ones can cut into your sides. If your chief allows, call the maker for a demo unit. You can only be told no. I would not use an inflatable pfd for any type of rescue/fast water training. They could possibly be punctured by foreign objects. I would use a type 1 pfd for that use. It is big and clumsy, but you will have your head held up above water even if you get knocked out. For rescue or patrol in cold weather, try the Mustang float coats or the float suits. Not the immersion suits, they are too bulky for patrol.
Remember the best life jacket you have is the one you will wear, all of the time. |
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I spend all day on the water working marine partrol for a sheriffs department. I dont really need a specific SAR vest but I do like stearns vest they call their SAR.
I wont be in any fast moving water only lakes and Lake Michigan. Something like this SAR Vest Comfort Vest Low Profile Inflatable |
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I google it and came up with one for 95.45.
http://www.columbussupply.com/products/?productid=583&price=1107 (I may get one myself} 
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If you will spend a lot of time in it, and it will be at all warm out, its hard to beat an inflatable. Lots of them wont keep your head out of water, so if you work by yourself then that is a consideration. If somehow you go into the water facedown and unconscious.....
There has to be someway your dept. can cover some gear? They are not that much, and LE people get discounts... Check with "LSS"aka "LifeSavingSystems", we got lots of stuff from them. Mustang Survival will give good prices as well. |