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Auto inflatable PFD #10905111 06/09/15 01:56 PM
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skeeterguy Offline OP
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Looking to buy an auto inflatable PFD. Anyone have suggestions on which is the most suitable to wear while fishing?

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10905256 06/09/15 02:45 PM
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papamark Offline
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Make sure you get the HIT ones, they don't go off in the rain or humidity. They only go off when you hit the water. I have been using them now for 6 years. little pricey but well worth the money.

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10905534 06/09/15 04:39 PM
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skeeterguy Offline OP
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Thanks Papamark

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10905832 06/09/15 06:28 PM
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Holzer Offline
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With my experience, They will only go off in rain or from being kept in the boat or when the bobbin is expired or about to be expired. The material in the bobbin breaks down over time.

When I bought mine they were the "cheaper" Bass Pro ones I think around $60. I've used them in all kinds of weather including rain. I've had them for several years and have used several replacement kits. Never had a problem as long as the bobbin was good.


I suggest two things:
1 - get the auto/manual. The ability to make it a manual inflate if you need it to.
2 - Don't store them in the boat, take out like you do with your electronics every trip. I believe the heat and humidity is hard on those bobbins.

my 2cents

Last edited by Holzer; 06/09/15 06:29 PM.

Holzer
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Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10905950 06/09/15 07:16 PM
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Toxarch Offline
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I got an auto/manual inflate Cabela's branded one. I always take it inside the house when I get home. Haven't needed it yet so can't comment on how well they work. Decent to wear, but wish the neck went a little farther back.


In space, nobody can hear you scream for ice cream.
Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10907721 06/10/15 12:41 PM
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Randy Barfknecht Offline
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I have the ones that Bass Pro carries for me and my fishing buddy (girlfriend), which is a Bass Pro Brand. Now, who makes it? I haven't really researched it. Very easy to recharge, idiot proof, and well worth the money. It's the same thing you see the pros wear, same exact setup, just 1/4 of the price. I think I only paid about $60-$75 for it. I love it.

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10907902 06/10/15 01:32 PM
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Jumpin J Offline
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Texas anglers need to remember, that you must also have a reg. C.G. cert. PFD, for each person, for the Game Wardens. The auto/manual inflate style are Tournament approved, but not legal for Fish and Game Commission.

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10907916 06/10/15 01:36 PM
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lenahorse Offline
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Mustang Brand here

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: Jumpin J] #10908129 06/10/15 02:44 PM
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fishesintrees Offline
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Originally Posted By: Jumpin J
Texas anglers need to remember, that you must also have a reg. C.G. cert. PFD, for each person, for the Game Wardens. The auto/manual inflate style are Tournament approved, but not legal for Fish and Game Commission.


Not quite true; If you are wearing it, not just have it lying around the boat somewhere, TPWD considers it as a regulation PFD.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: fishesintrees] #10908291 06/10/15 03:33 PM
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brandon f. Offline
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Originally Posted By: fishesintrees
Originally Posted By: Jumpin J
Texas anglers need to remember, that you must also have a reg. C.G. cert. PFD, for each person, for the Game Wardens. The auto/manual inflate style are Tournament approved, but not legal for Fish and Game Commission.


Not quite true; If you are wearing it, not just have it lying around the boat somewhere, TPWD considers it as a regulation PFD.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/


And to take it a step further some of the newer Auto Inflatable PFD's are considered USCG approved Type 2 and Type 3 which is all that is required per TPWD.

That means, IMO, that you should be covered if you have a Type 2 auto inflate inside of a storage compartment. No need to actually be wearing it because it is a USCG Type 2.

Example: Type 2 for Personal Use / Type 5 for Commercial Use

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10908365 06/10/15 03:59 PM
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HolyGrail Offline
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Last edited by HolyGrail; 06/10/15 04:13 PM.

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: fishesintrees] #10909359 06/10/15 10:04 PM
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texasbass1 Offline
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Originally Posted By: fishesintrees
Originally Posted By: Jumpin J
Texas anglers need to remember, that you must also have a reg. C.G. cert. PFD, for each person, for the Game Wardens. The auto/manual inflate style are Tournament approved, but not legal for Fish and Game Commission.


Not quite true; If you are wearing it, not just have it lying around the boat somewhere, TPWD considers it as a regulation PFD.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/


But they are only considered a PFD if worn. "TYPE V (Hybrid Device) Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD." If it isn't you will be short the required PFD and the warden can site you.


Pat Leach
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Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10909550 06/10/15 11:58 PM
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I would also recommend the Mustang HIT, if not deployed it is good for 5 years before you need to buy and install a recharge kit, the other auto inflate types require replacement every 3 years. Also the HIT wont deploy unless submerged in at least 4 inches of water. I own both types and use them regularly, I store the non-HIT pfd in a super large zip lock bag and keep in my boat, never had an issue with an unexpected employment..

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: skeeterguy] #10909551 06/10/15 11:58 PM
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ToadThrower Offline
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I would also recommend the Mustang HIT, if not deployed it is good for 5 years before you need to buy and install a recharge kit, the other auto inflate types require replacement every 3 years. Also the HIT wont deploy unless submerged in at least 4 inches of water. I own both types and use them regularly, I store the non-HIT pfd in a super large zip lock bag and keep in my boat, never had an issue with an unexpected employment..

Re: Auto inflatable PFD [Re: Holzer] #10909667 06/11/15 12:50 AM
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CedarCreekWoody Offline
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Originally Posted By: Holzer
With my experience, They will only go off in rain or from being kept in the boat or when the bobbin is expired or about to be expired. The material in the bobbin breaks down over time.

When I bought mine they were the "cheaper" Bass Pro ones I think around $60. I've used them in all kinds of weather including rain. I've had them for several years and have used several replacement kits. Never had a problem as long as the bobbin was good.


I suggest two things:
1 - get the auto/manual. The ability to make it a manual inflate if you need it to.
2 - Don't store them in the boat, take out like you do with your electronics every trip. I believe the heat and humidity is hard on those bobbins.

my 2cents


Mine is also that type, and I have to keep it dry. But there is another type, a hydrostatic, that is activated by water pressure and will not activate from getting rain water on it. It requires submersion, and is a bit more expensive.


Woody
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