Posts: 33
Threads: 5
Joined: Jul 2014
Reputation:
0
After the drowning at Willard last spring there was a lot of talk about PFD's. I just received a Cabelas catalog today and thru 12/17/15 they have their Cabelas Tournament 3500 auto PFD's for $79.99. The regular price is $149.99. Use the promotion code 5SANTA. They also have free shipping on all orders over $49. You can order online, cabelas.com or call 1-800-237-4444.
Stay safe and have a happy holiday season.
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
I'm sure that some people are reluctant to use PFD due to the uncomfortable bulk. As a float tuber and a boater, minimizing the overall bulk is more comfortable while adhering to the safety rules is a must.
The Stearns company has a product that you can inflate on demand if you need it. It is called SOSpenders. It is relatively flat and comfortable as you wear it and you simply pull a cord to activate the CO2 cartridge for inflation if you really need it.
They have them at Amazon for around $75 with free shipping.
PFD is important regardless of weather you are boating, tubing or even on a PWC. I spent several years working with the County Fire Dept in my area as a water rescuer. Too many people were not willing to invest even $40 for a simple life jacket just to save their lives.[pirate]
[signature]
Posts: 2,553
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2012
Reputation:
0
I wear a manually-activated PFD while in my kayak. I hardly notice it all.
Inflatable PFDs fall into a type that MUST be worn to count. If you stash one below decks or hang it on your seat, it does NOT count as having a PFD. At least that's what I read when I bought it.
[signature]
Posts: 300
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2010
Reputation:
0
That's a great deal on the 3500. I like the 2500 auto a little more just because it's physically smaller than the 3500 and gets in the way less.
Most Class III PFDs are in the 13-20 lb of flotation range, so a 25 lb inflatable is more than enough. 35 is a lot!
[signature]
Posts: 245
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2013
Reputation:
0
[quote MichiganAngler]That's a great deal on the 3500. I like the 2500 auto a little more just because it's physically smaller than the 3500 and gets in the way less.
Most Class III PFDs are in the 13-20 lb of flotation range, so a 25 lb inflatable is more than enough. 35 is a lot![/quote]
My exact thoughts. I usually forget I have the 2500 auto on, its "my precious". I grabbed up on a 3500 with the sweet deal and will probably send it back and get another 2500.
[signature]
Posts: 11,130
Threads: 4
Joined: Mar 2006
Reputation:
0
I picked up an inflatable from sportsmans this past spring. I really like it. Hardly notice it is there. The price at cabelas sounds like a great deal.
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
I like the manually activated. They only get pricey when you actually need to use it. The extra cartridges are special made just for those type of PFD.
I do enjoy the comfort and freedom of being able to move around weather it be in a float tube, Kayak or boat.
Safety is a must on the water but comfort does not have to be an option. [cool]
[signature]
