Inflatable PFD

[DockShootinJack]

I have Mustang. They make more than one type of the auto inflate. The HIT is hydrostatic, has to be submerged to auto inflate. The other type is the pill type that dissolves with water.

The pill type technology is the type that can go off due to humidity or getting soaked.

I have both types from mustang. I originally bought the HIT type, I find it fairly comfortable but it rubs on my neck a little. This past fall I was at a surplus store that bought a truck load of surplus from Bass pro/cabelas they had over 100 of the inflatable vest that all needed rearmed. All the vest still had price tags on them from the store. I found the pill style vest laid flater than the HIT style. I bought one of each (very good deal). I already had a HIT recharge kit ($90) that still had 2 years left till expiration. Bought a pill kit($30 apx) from Amazon.

I did blow up the vest to make sure the bladders were good before I bought them and put the new kits in.

Both of the vest can also be deployed manually by pulling a string. From the number of vest they had I think people at the store must pull the string more often than you would think. They pill type still had a good pill but the CO2 was empty. I tested the pill it took a couple seconds to dissolve when I put it in water.

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Could have been vandalism that got those vest pulled in the store

[dwightparks]

Used to run mustang hit vest. They are probably the best but the cost to rearm is not cheap. Looking at about ninety bucks for the rearm kit.

[zekepa]

Could have been vandalism that got those vest pulled in the store

Could have been.

I haven't had one go off while wearing it, I would think with the rapid inflation that it would give you quite the wake up call if your not expecting it, maybe even if you are.

I've watched a couple video's of people testing them out when the HIT inflators are due replacement. I'll have to check the dates on mine, I kind of want to jump in the water to try it out when it's time to replace them. I think I'm good till the end of 2024.

[Rojo]

Could have been.

I haven't had one go off while wearing it, I would think with the rapid inflation that it would give you quite the wake up call if your not expecting it, maybe even if you are.

I've watched a couple video's of people testing them out when the HIT inflators are due replacement. I'll have to check the dates on mine, I kind of want to jump in the water to try it out when it's time to replace them. I think I'm good till the end of 2024.

I almost scared the out of Me. The inflation rate is instantaneous!

[M R Dux]

Since I need multiple PFDs in my boat(6!), I’ve used Onyx for years. I’ve had a couple go off, one in rain and one wet one in my truck. For the price difference and how many days a year mine are used, I can live with those.


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[Grainraiser]

I have a Onyx also and it works great. I am able to find one on clearance at Academy every years during the clearance sale they have every February.

[happycaster58]

My Onyx went off in the storage hatch last summer- now I know why! If the Mustangs only had to be re-armed every 5 years, I would buy one of those. Guess I'll just have to get a kit to fix my Onyx and keep it in the garage.

[Bricks]

Not sure about your state but here in Wisconsin if all you have in your boat are inflatables they must be warn at all times to be legal. Where as regular life jackets just have to be in the boat and out of storage areas.

[justinp61]

I have a Mustang that is at least 10-12 years old, it did self-inflate in the storage locker of my boat last year. Honestly it should've been rearmed a few years ago. Unless they have changed them not all Mustangs inflate by hydro pressure, mine has a little disc that dissolves and also a rip cord to activate it, there is also a tube that you can add air if you're in the water for a long time and the bladder loses pressure. I too have walked to the truck several times after a day of fishing before I realized I still had the Mustang on.

I'll be 63 in March and fish alone 99.9% of the time, also most of my fishing is done in the winter. Recently I purchased a Norfin Element float suit, I still wear the Mustang because I'm not sure if I bumped my head going in the suit would roll me over on my back, the Mustang will.

[Alphahawk]

I have a Mustang that is at least 10-12 years old, it did self-inflate in the storage locker of my boat last year. Honestly it should've been rearmed a few years ago. Unless they have changed them not all Mustangs inflate by hydro pressure, mine has a little disc that dissolves and also a rip cord to activate it, there is also a tube that you can add air if you're in the water for a long time and the bladder loses pressure. I too have walked to the truck several times after a day of fishing before I realized I still had the Mustang on.

I'll be 63 in March and fish alone 99.9% of the time, also most of my fishing is done in the winter. Recently I purchased a Norfin Element float suit, I still wear the Mustang because I'm not sure if I bumped my head going in the suit would roll me over on my back, the Mustang will.

A Type 1 rated PFD is the only one going to roll you over. Inflatables are Type V and may or may not roll you over. No one fishing fresh water is going to wear a Type1 as it is just too bulky.


Regards