Inflatable Lifevest

[MBM1969]

Looking to get a inflatable life vest to use when out on my kickboat. What would be a good model to look at? Looking for something that won't interfere with casting a fly rod.

Mark
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[Anglinarcher]

I have used one I got at Sportsman's Warehouse and one at Bass Pro Shops and the key is to get the self inflatable models. They are so compact you will not get interference and they are adjustable so you can use them over coats or just your shirt.

They work, but as many know, only if you actually wear them.
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[RockyRaab]

I bought a manual (not automatic) model for use on my kayak. If I'm on the kayak, the vest is on me. Period.

I bought the manual model because I tend to get splashed by the wakes of the $%#&% power squadron and I didn't want it going off until I want it to. There isn't much risk that I'll be unconscious when I need it. Some, I grant, but very little.
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[RonPaulFan]

Manual, I agree. I'm a good swimmer in the ocean and rough water. Besides, I like to swim.
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[RockyRaab]

Both Cabela's and Bass Pro have Spring sales going on, and I'm pretty sure I saw autoPFDs at both. Last year, Cabela's had them for $79.95. This year, they have several from $89 to $99. Their sale ends April 5.
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[Tjet]

I have three of the cabelas's A/M inflatables, they are comfortable to wear, I hope to never find out if they actually inflate, but at least I wear mine now, instead of just having it nearby, its just too easy to be leaning over to net a fish and have a wave hit and send you over, Cabelas does have sales on them pretty often,
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[Therapist]

Maverik makes most of the inflatable vests I believe. I have a Cabela's and find it very comfortable to wear. I am a bit unstable ( no comments TD) and wear it all the time in the boat. I have a buddy that has had balance problems and he uses the Maverik brand and enjoys that. I would make sure that which ever one you get, make sure it is big enough and has readily available rearming kits. I would also carry a rearming kit with you on the water !!

[Bduck]

Cabelas always having a sale on the auto/manual lifevest. Their guidewear 3500 is good. Also the recharge kits near $20 which I keep one on standby. The Mustang vest is another but a lot more to purchase. Their recharge kit is expensive more near $80 if I remember right.
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[fish_hntr]

[quote RockyRaab]Both Cabela's and Bass Pro have Spring sales going on, and I'm pretty sure I saw autoPFDs at both. Last year, Cabela's had them for $79.95. This year, they have several from $89 to $99. Their sale ends April 5.[/quote]

You beat me to it, the recent Cabela's mailer has them on sale the 6-19th I believe, I am looking at this one myself for $99 [url "http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Tournament-Auto-PFD/2199462.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dlife%2Bvest"]http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Tournament-Auto-PFD/2199462.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dlife%2Bvest[/url] I will likely keep my current one though for colder weather, it is a Stearns that has plaid flannel on the inside and a heavy tan canvas outside with flannel lined pockets, pretty nice to have for early spring and late fall fishing.
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[Tin-Can]

I have 3 Cabala's auto / manual inflatable PFD's. They were all on sale at the various times I bought them, marked down from 139.00 to 99.00. I've had 2 of them for 2 seasons now, and bought the 3rd one back in February. They are more comfortable than any other pfd I had, and much cooler in the summer. On the 2 older ones, I pull the tab and manual inflate at the beginning of each season and let them sit a day or so to be sure they have no leaks. Then re-arm with new cylinder and bobbin. Re-arm kits run about $25.00, and the bobbins are supposed to be good for 3 years from the date of manufacture, but a good bobbin, and a full cylinder won't do much good if there is a hole in the vest. [mad]
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[retch_sweeney]

I made one from 2 automotive airbags and when they went off it blew me back in the boat. At least that's what I believe happened after I woke up in the boat with a black eye and a broken rib. [pirate][]
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[fish_hntr]

[quote retch_sweeney]I made one from 2 automotive airbags and when they went off it blew me back in the boat. At least that's what I believe happened after I woke up in the boat with a black eye and a broken rib. [pirate][][/quote]

Umm, was this a serious post?
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[CreelsandReels]

+1 on the Cabela's deal. I got one and wore it for the first time on my toon yesterday. I was shocked how comfortable and "not in the way" it was. I really felt like I was wearing nothing at all (did you read that in Ned Flanders voice?).

I'll be honest, I've not been very good about wearing a PFD in the past, but now I have no excuse.
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[Tin-Can]

"I'll be honest, I've not been very good about wearing a PFD in the past, but now I have no excuse."

I believe most of us can say that same thing.
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[MSM1970]

ohh no, I wore mine religiously right up till I turned 13 and could get rid of it, Mom made sure of that [frown]
but the new stuff is way more comfy than that big old orange thing that wore blisters on my neck,
I HATED that thing.
I am getting better at just like everyone[]
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[icejunkie]

I have 2 of the 350 lbs capable c Cabelas ones they are very comfortable and have a vocal on the chest that fills with water ,that the inflater but I have never had them deploy . I also wear mine when on the boat and have even worn mine under my ice armor in the early season.
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[Tin-Can]

[sly] yep, I remember those big orange vests. My Dad was in Merchant Marine during WWII, and always told me about the "Mae West" was even bigger and heavier than those orange ones, so he said.
Hey, there is a MBM1969 on here.......any relation to you?
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[MSM1970]

we are not related as far as I know, other than is seems we are not that good at coming up with cool names.[cool]
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[Sparqee1]

I have six PFD all auto and never had any problems with getting splashed in the rain or rough weather. Purchased at differnt times from cabella when on sale. running from 80 to 100. Comfortable and light weight.
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