I am considering getting an auto inflatable vest. Does anyone here have one or have recommendations? BPS has 2 Mustangs one for $289 and another for $229, and other BPS brands all the way down to $119. I'm 58 years old and not too sure how I will float, let alone swim or get in the boat with all my winter stuff on. Obviously I want one I can depend on, so the question is ....How many dollars equals dependability?

I had the BPS brand and no problems other then it expanded in the stow twice. I since dont use them but I think I should. Dont stow them hang them up in a dry place when not in use.

Is your life worth saving a few dollars? This reminds me when I was buying a motor cycle helmet. I asked a friend who rode about a cheap helmet. He said "If you have a ten dollar head, get a ten dollar helmet!" Wise words and I think they apply here. Buy a life jacket thinking you are going to have to use it. You won't be disappointed.

I just bought the $289 mustang you are looking at today. I chose that one because it is a hydrostatic model which means no unwanted inflation. It must be submerged in 4" of water to inflate. Won't inflate due to rain or humid air like the non-hydrostatic models. So not only will it save money in the long run with wasted charges, but will also save the frustration of going to the lake and grabbing you pfd out of storage to find it has discharged while in storage.

i bought mine from academy , it has their logo on it but looks great and i never take it off when i am in the boat, its not in the way and does not interfere with my fishing at all .comfortable and i feel safer with it on

I got myself a red one from academy for christmas. It is the manual inflate kind, but I got it for $79, so I figured it was a worthwile purchase. I plan on fishing alone a lot on my little Jon, so I wanted something comfortable that I would wear all the time, all year round.

I have a BPS model. No known issues.

My wife got me the Mustang hydrostatic model a few months ago and I am surprized at how comfortable it is to wear. I forget I have it on. I wear it all the time while on the water.

Whichever one tommyc uses works..

I bought one last week at BPS for $139. I was going to get the Hydrostatic but they did not have them in stock, it was priced at $209. I figure for the price difference I can keep a couple of charge kits lying around. Wore it Friday over my Goretex and it was not in the way at all.

I have had the top Mustang for a few years now. It is hydrostatic but you can inflate them accidentally. I threw mine to the front of the boat and the actuator hit the console and it went off. Easy to re-arm but expensive. I know that thing would float a fat boy as it got big and very full instantly. Easy to wear and no worry about rain or moisture setting it off.

Buy the Mustang Hydrostatic for $289.

I am also looking at getting a self inflating vest, is the mustang hydrostatic that much better then the BPS one?

Mustang is and has been the leader in foul weather survival/flotation gear for many years. Unless BPS is made by Mustang, I want the real McCoy.

Look at what the professional fishermen on Deadliest Catch wear. Look what all the offshore oil workers in the North Sea wear. Mustang. That's the one for me.

When Im able to purchase another boat, (a few years hopefully) Mustang Hydrostatics will be my FIRST additional purchase. Graphs, tackle etc can wait. Lives are not worth risking for a few bucks IMO.