PFD inflatables?

[quadrafire]

I have the standard Life vests on the boat, cabelas brand. They are hotter than blazes in the summer while fishing/boating. I have 2 kids one 15 one 12 so they have to wear all the time, and since they do I do just to set an example.

Would any of you recommend the inflatables? if so, manual or automatic?
or are there any comfortable, cool standard vests?

This is for inland lake fishing from boat.

[Rick]

Inflatables are about as comfy as a PFD gets. I'd drop the extra coin and get an automatic. A manual doesn't do you much good if for some reason you go over the side unconscious

Remember,for an inflatable to count as a PFD it has to be worn.

[allen]

I was just getting ready to chime in when Rick did to pretty much say the same thing.  I have the Mustang brand, find them much more comfortable than regular PFD's.  Luckily never have had to put one to "real" use so can't give an opinion of how they work in the water.  Might also add the automatics do also have a manual pull.  I also carry regular PFD's in the boat so if I take off the inflatable I'm still legal.

[scottcrb]

i have a mustang manual in camo that i use for fishing crabbing and waterfowl hunting  from a boat or driving to blinds etc. be careful on the automatic if your boat gets flooded or you drop the jacket in the water or something it may go off and that can be expensive to re charge the jackets every time. the automatic is good if you are unconscious but for the most part i think the manual is a better way to go . didn't want my jacket to inflate while setting decoys or  if i fall over in waist deep water or something. they are comfortable though.

[fishinmike]

I have 3 of the Cabelas brand, (3500), I think. They are auto/manual and are very comfortable. Actually tried one out, kinda cool. $18.00 bucks for the cartridge refill so you don't want to play to much.

[sirmissalot]

They are well worth the money if you're gonna wear them. My refills are more like 70 I believe, they are mustangs though. Also have to remember they expire, so keep them up to date.

[Antlershed]

How much water exposure does it take the autos to inflate? Can you wear them when it is raining and not have to worry about them inflating?

[ML_Hunter]

never had one inflate due to rain or wadding into the river, but i have had one inflate on my fishing buddie one day due to inpact. He fell on a gravel bar (away from water) and it just went off...It was a Redhead (bass pro shop) brand. They are easy to wear, you hardly know your wearing a PFD.

However these days I normally wear one that only goes around your waist. Its like a belt with a pad on your lower back.

[ML_Hunter]

This is the belt PFD I was talking about. I have the one from REI, but the you tube vid gives a good idea of how it works. I wasn't sure if you've see these before, but I prefer them over the vest style.

http://www.rei.com/product/814349/mti-fluid-belt-pack-inflatable-pfd
http://youtu.be/DB1K2wJC8Vc

[cohoho]

Jumped in the lake this summer with mine to test it...  Poof it worked!  Never had any issues with steady all day down pour either.... 

[lokidog]

Get 'em.     I have used a Stearns that has mesh across the shoulder, much cooler in the summer and does not get in the way of a gun stock.  But, the inflatables are nice.

[Rick]

There is also the hydrostatic inflate option. These will only inflate when submerged in 4" of water. They won't fire no matter how wet they get.

They're also the most expensive. I think mine was about $250

[magnus100]

Make sure you get the proper size. My dad who has a large neck pulled his to inflate it and it about choked him to unconsciousness. Not funny at the time but lmao every time I remember it. 

[quadrafire]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm gonna look into it.

[washingtonmuley]

i have a mustang manual in camo that i use for fishing crabbing and waterfowl hunting  from a boat or driving to blinds etc. be careful on the automatic if your boat gets flooded or you drop the jacket in the water or something it may go off and that can be expensive to re charge the jackets every time. the automatic is good if you are unconscious but for the most part i think the manual is a better way to go . didn't want my jacket to inflate while setting decoys or  if i fall over in waist deep water or something. they are comfortable though.

scottcrb,
Do you know what the color of your bladder is on your vest? I was looking at mustang camo one this weekend at the show and the inflatable bladders were camo. If I end up in the water I don't want my flotatation to be camo.