belt type life jacket

[polarcrafter]

Does anyone have/wear or had to inflate one of the auto/manual belt type life preserver. I have tried the vest type ones, but they are just not comfortable for my tall body. I wear a regular vest in the winter, but it gets hot in the summer time and since I fish alone quite a bit, my wife insists that I have some type of life jacket on at all times. Hoping someone can share experiences they have had with them.

[Takeum]

I use a belt type.... it's not auto inflate, just pull it and it comes out as vest and blows up...Works great and never interferes with my fishing,,,,

["G"]

I use one....it manual inflate.....works great

[wannabe fisherman]

wouldn't be without mine

[polarcrafter]

Thanks for the replys, after looking some more I believe all of the belt type are manual which would be fine for me. Is there anything special that I should look for??? It seems that there are several brands but most have the same specs just a different company name sewed on...

[Charlie K.]

Cabelas has them on sale just purchased one for myself

[spindle]

You better check with the state. They aren't legal in some states.

[Hanr3]

Correct, I don't believe they are legal in Illinois.
I'm not very diligent about wearing a life vest. It hangs on the back of my seat. I suppose as the grandkids get older I will wear it. Set an example and all. In Illinois kids under 12, or is it 16, must wear one at all times in the boat. I imagine we will take a Safe Boating class together as well, probable several. One when they start to go fishing with me, and one just before they are old enough to drive the boat.

[Yelim]

At my wife's insistence I wear the vest type auto inflate. I have gotten used to it and don't even realize it's there. If something happens and you get knocked unconscious who will pull the cord. Just asking. Don't want your family to wish you had bought a auto inflate.