Okay, I have reached the age that I am not as stable as I once was. I am looking at vests to be worn all the time while in the boat. What do you recommend? Please give reason why you think it is the best. I have not done a lot of research so please give as much info as possible on your favorite type & brand. Thanks Daniel
auto inflate is what I wear, I think its made by Mustang. They are light weight, and Ive worn mine now for 10 years. I don't feel it.. You can find them on sale sometimes, at Bass Pro or Cabelas, Academy etc.. jim
Manual Inflatable Belt Pack by onyx on amazon, $59.00. You wear it around your waist like a belt. If you fall in and need it just pull the tab and it inflates. You won't even know you are wearing it and it is not obvious you are wearing it when people see you.
I wear the NRS Chinook. It is widely used for kayakers. It is not an inflatable so you know it is always available to keep you afloat. I wear it everytime I go out kayak fishing(2+ times a week) and do not even realize I have it on. It is not hot and does not restrict my movement. It has a couple of pockets on the front which you may find useful. I also do not have to hope I am in a state that I can pull a tab to have the life jacket support me. It does not require the maintenance of inflatables which many folks ignore or are not aware of. You can also find some good sales on them right now.
+1 on the NRS Chinook. Very comfortable--wear it from when I walk down the ramp to when I get back in my truck. Easy to attach whistle and lanyard to it.
Manual Inflatable Belt Pack by onyx on amazon, $59.00. You wear it around your waist like a belt. If you fall in and need it just pull the tab and it inflates. You won't even know you are wearing it and it is not obvious you are wearing it when people see you.
And IF your Knocked Out and then fell overboard what would happen then?
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Auto inflate for me. I wear mine all day and I forget I have it on. Spend a few extra bucks and get a good one, it just might save your life if go for a drink. That's my two cents.
OP auto inflatables are comfortable I agree but if you wear one make sure you're a strong swimmer. They're nothing more than the ole orange round the neck life vest once inflated. I'm late 40's in good shape and I won't wear one I just don't think they're safe. Some of them have a tag that states only to be worn by strong swimmers. Sure they'll keep you afloat but that's about it. Wearing a good PFD is something I consider part of fishing and get used to it.
I wear the NRS Chinook. It is widely used for kayakers. It is not an inflatable so you know it is always available to keep you afloat. I wear it everytime I go out kayak fishing(2+ times a week) and do not even realize I have it on. It is not hot and does not restrict my movement. It has a couple of pockets on the front which you may find useful. I also do not have to hope I am in a state that I can pull a tab to have the life jacket support me. It does not require the maintenance of inflatables which many folks ignore or are not aware of. You can also find some good sales on them right now.
As I got older & less stable, I started wearing an auto inflate anytime I was in a boat. Now that I am out to become an octogenarian & not as strong I switched to a full zip up vest & I hate it. It is hot & uncomfortable. I may take a look at a NRS Chinook mentioned above & see if it might work better.
Mustang with the M.I.T. system here. Very light and well ventilated. I was concerned about chaffing and heat retention. But have been very pleased with this vest as I've had neither problems. It's my first and I'm going to buy another. I forget I'm wearing it most of the time. I wear it non-stop in the boat. And forget I've got it on. I realize it when I get in the truck to back the trailer for loading the boat. I do keep "man sized" non-inflatables in the boat as well, just in case.
I also keep a whistle attached to the chest of the vest, just in case.
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