If my memory serves me correctly months back there was a thread on the new auto/manual Mustang H.I.T. life vest. First off I don't blast any product unless it may compromise someone's safety and yes I have made contact with the retailer and manufacture (waiting reply from both). I purchased 2 of these expensive vest for my wife and I on 3/13/15. Long story short; Tuesday 11/22/2016 I unfortunately found myself in the water instead of on the boat. Made a head first unintentional dive into 59 degree water, resurfaced, and being over weight and 63 years old spent the next 3 to 4 minutes trying to get back in the boat. Was in the water a good 4 minutes and the PFD never activated.
CAUTION/WARNING.
To those like me who loved the comfort of this PFD over the traditional don't expect them to activate automatically.
I will be back in my Traditional PFD from now on, its not near as uncomfortable as this torn bicep in my right arm.
Oh and the big cat that contributed to my unintentional swim got away. Trees come up PDQ when drifting and fighting fish and not watching where one is going.

Glad you are able to post this!

Thanks for the info here.

Yes thank you. Was about to pull the trigger on a couple for my wife and me. Looks like I need to do a little more research now. Please post the manufacturers responce if you get one. Should be interesting to see what they say.

Will do if they ever respond. Tried to write a review on Cabela's wed site but was unable to; wed site indicates this model is no longer available.

Does this model not include a manual inflate option? Scary stuff man.

Yes sir it does have a manual; although my primary reason for purchasing the auto inflate was should I or the wife be knocked unconscious. In this situation my right arm was injured; I was able to get hold of the boat with my left hand thus did not have an immediate need to pull the manual. My fishing Buddy grabbed my belt and hauled my fat butt back on board. It was a good learning experience and eye opener for me: (1) Install boarding ladder. (2) have dry clothing on board in cold weather. (3) have a spare key in your vehicle.
In regards to #3 how many of you know or knew that when your key gets wet it will not start your vehicle. Computerized SOB said Starting System Failure when attempting to start.

Cabela's response received today.
Thank you for contacting Cabela�s E-mail about your Mustang PFD.

I am so sorry that life vest never inflated. We sure hope you are okay. I ask that you please contact Mustang directly as it has been along time since you ordered this product. Their phone number is 360-676-1782.

I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. I can imagine how I would feel hoping that my vest is going to work any moment only to find nothing happening. What if you were out at sea. Again I apologize.

I hope this information helps out, if you have any questions or need further assistance please feel free to contact us

I am waiting on response from Mustang

Thanks for the update. Cabelas ( representative ) response seems sincere, too bad it's out of their hands. I hope Mustang gets back to you.

So glad you made it out of this dangerous situation safely-
And I did not know about the wet key, never thought about it before-
Again thanks-

Yea, thanks for the up date. Plus, thanks for the advice on the truck keys!! Hope your arm is getting better.

Wow! See thats exactly why I have not got that type. I just dont trust em.

I know that my old school one will float me no matter what.

Glad you are ok sir!