I came across a post in a facebook group discussing the types of pfd's available for the market. I understand that there will be a lot of opinions on this subject. I am hoping for some clarity. I use a self inflating Mustang......I'm not a fan of the full vests myself, but I have young kids and the thought of not being around for them and my wife always prompts me to buckle up.....

all comments are appreciated

Full vest when big motor is running... I feel more secure in it, don't have to worry about failures, keeps me warmer in cold temps, and have additional protection to my vitals in the event of some type of collision.

+1

Full Vest +1

Use the Mustang but now you got me thinking..... Maybe that�s selfish and should start using a full vest when running big engine!

Exact reason I wear a full vest.

I always have both. Wear the Mustang most of the time. I will wear the normal vest in the rough stuff. Good thing about the inflatable is I can wear it fishing in the winter. Quite a few deaths over the years from falling out, hypothermia, drowning, unable to get back in the boat or to shore.

Full vest only for me. I wouldn't trust an inflatable to stay on in an accident.

+1

To really be effective, an inflatable needs to have crotch straps to keep it from coming up over your head, also a snagged lure could puncture it.

If I'm with a partner it's always a full vest at idle and above. Alone, I wear the mustang all day everyday. I know that might sound backwards, but if I'm with someone I think can help fish me out of the water if I fall off the deck, I take the vest off. I hate fishing with either one on, but always the mustang if I'm alone.

Full vest when fishing tournament's. Last fall my fishing partner and I had a boat spin out and he flew out of the boat. He was wearing a mustang inflatable and it never went off. He even tried pulling the cord while he was under water and nothing.... He finally came to the surface and got back in the boat. Thank God their was no serious injury.. after we got back home he pulled the cord again and'poof' it inflated. So no more inflatable pfd for us.

Full vest for me. Murphy's law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".

Full vest and if you want more movement look into the kayak fishing vests.

I can't keep them from going off. I've had about 6 go off in a damp rod box. I've spent way more on rearm kits than I have on the mustang itself.