Life vest

[crappie1133]

I wear a life jacket at all times. It's the kind with the mesh across the shoulders. It is still HOT. I have a ski belt ,but it is not US coast guard approved. Someone who uses or has used an inflatable PFD. Would you please relate any pros or cons. I would think the testing and rearming would be the biggest draw back, Kind of expensive at approx. at $25.00 a test...... Kind of cheep if it saves your life...... crappie1133

[wannabe fisherman]

I wouldn't be without mine, almost like wearing a towel around your neck and very comfy.

[wharfrat]

Expensive, comfortable, easy to adjust, very light, don't realize you have it on. That being said, I sure hope it works when/if I fall in. Have never tested it.

[Cray]

What Warfrat said. Only negative for me is I'm am mid section chalanged so it seems to be a little short and rides up higher than I would like.

[Eagle 1]

have never seen one coast guard approved that failed to work .

[wackyman]

I think they are great, don't know I have it on. I have the automatic/manual model. As long as the green shows in the window you are good to go. The bobber lasts for 3 years and mine expired this year so I had to buy another bobber not the whole rearm kit. I took the old bobber and dropped it in a glass of water and timed it to see how long it would take to dissolve and it took less than 5 seconds. But if I fall in the water and I'm still conscious I will jerk the handle. As far as testing it goes twice a year I will manually blow it up and let it sit overnight to see if it will hold air.

[nemofisher]

I agree with the comfort but haven't "used" it. I can tell you not to play with it unless your looking to pay to re arm. It really happens pretty quick.

[killum]

I am too cheap to get one but I would if I hit the lottery! I'll keep using the BPS cheepies. They are hot and uncomfortable and don't cost a hundred bucks! But I salute anyone who can afford the nice ones.

[HillBilly]

Always wear your life jacket,I put mine on before I launch the boat,Many times I have read,If they had only been wearing a life jacket of some sort...Cheap insurance

[CrappiePappy]

And, remember .... in some states (all ??) an inflatable PFD is NOT "legal" unless it is worn AT ALL TIMES. You take it off, it no longer counts as your PFD ... you have to have another regular PFD "out & within reach" to be legal (stowed in a boat compartment does not count).

... cp