I know nothing about inflatable PDF's and ask for some knowledge please. I think I want auto/manual! Looking to get two for 170 lb and 230 lb bodys.
The adds I see say 22.5 lb or 35 lb buoyancy and I assume that is where the weight of user determines which to use.
The adds do not mention CO2 cartridges so I reacon those will be added cost though not an issue just would like to be more informed before I go make purchase.
Comfort and safety are the real factors.
I do appreciate any helpful advice.
Type V with type III performance?
Thanks, Don

Don go with the 35 lb unit. the Co2 cartridge should come with the PFD mine did. A new Cart costs around $25. The standard Auto/Manual is what I have. I do not have any experience with the real high end PFD's

Thanks Ken,
Will make a decision at BPS monday after morning fishin.

One suggestion that I have is to make sure and try them on before purchasing. I bought one and had to return it because it was uncomfortable to wear. It was too short and rode up in the front. I returned it and found one that was a bit longer and also had a fleece material around the neck which made it much more comfortable to wear. Also keep in mind that if you are checked by the game warden/lake patrol they are only counted as a life jacket if you are wearing them (which I guess is the point of having one) otherwise make sure you have conventional jackets in the boat for each occupant.

All infl. pfds in Tx had to be worn to count until very recently....there is now at least one Mustang mfr model winning the Coast Guard certified and approved label even though it is an inflatable PFD.
The latest Mustang high end models (the ones using the H.I.T. technology) are no longer being required to be worn in Texas recreational boats to count as an onboard PFD as they are labeled with the same coast guard approval level # as non-inflatable models.
Some game wardens might not know this update but the gw on my lake knows and now accepts and counts it even if it is not being worn.

check out Academy, if there's one in your area , they are cheeper than bps and have several models

has anyone used the new HIT ones from mustang? they have some on amazon for $200, but the rearm kits are $80, dont know if it is worth it. I have heard so many stories of the others self inflating from humidity or rain.

I can't speak from experience because I don't have an HIT unit. But the HIT units are designed to set off under hydrostatic pressure, meaning they have to go under water and experience the pressure of being underwater before they will inflate. The older technology uses a "dissolving" component that dissolved in water, resulting in inflation. These dissolving units are the ones that are prone to go off if they sit in very humid environments, as they will soak up the water from the atmosphere and slowly dissolve and then inflate when they aren't supposed to.

I wouldn't worry about an HIT going off when it isn't supposed to.

thanks for the info, would you recommend the HIT ones over the disolving tab then? or atleast think they are worth the extra 70-100 bucks?

I actually wish I had just ordered one of the HIT models online, but I wanted one right then and all Academy had in stock were the dissolving kind.

thats what I needed to hear, thank you. Don, sorry for tagging on your thread, but figured it was along the same lines

Really like my HIT. I considered both rearming costs and figured that since the HITS don't falsely trigger, they might prove less expensive than using the others after a while.

Also, I think wearing a PFD in the rains, which often come with winds and waves is the very time you need to be wearing a PFD the most. I would be very tempted to take off and store a non-HIT right when I need to be wearing it.

excellent points Lou, I think I am going with a HIT

Your question helped us both out and I did not make it to BPS Monday as planned so I am more informed. HIT it is!
Thanks

And so the misinformation continues.

Folks if your PFD is rated as a Type III it IS a Type III, and it does NOT matter if it is inflatable or not. OTH, if it is rated as a Type V then an inflatable must be worn to be in compliance with Sec. 31.066 of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Code.



Note: (a).

The USCG rates PFDs. Type I, II, and III PFDs must be onboard. Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with the instructions on the label that contains the PFD rating.
USCG web site on PFDs


TFP