Looking for PFD Comfy Enough to Fish In 2024
NorthernBasser reply :
Hi guys. Soon, I'll be taking delivery on my new boat. And honestly, I'm not the strongest swimmer. So I'm thinking about getting a PFD that's light and comfy enough to where I can keep it on all day while fishing. Not the most ideal situation, but I wanna be safe out there.
I definitely want one that automatically inflates when it's submerged in water (but not getting wet from the rain).
I know Mustang is #1, or so it seems. I really don't wanna spend $250, but if that's what it takes then so be it.
Any recommendations? Best place to buy?
Thanks.
NorthernBasser reply :
I'm trying to figure out what's really different between these 2.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustang_Elite_28K_HIT_Inflatable_PFD/descpage-MEIK.html
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustang_Elite_Inflatable_PFD/descpage-MEI.html
Rahlow reply :
Have you looked at Academy Outdoors. They have a couple of Mustangs less than $150
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mustang-survival-elite-28-k-hydrostatic-auto-inflatable-personal-flotation-device#repChildCatid=4934708
Amazon too,,,
https://www.amazon.com/Mustang-MIT-100-Inflatable-Automatic/dp/B00T59QROA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527554937&sr=8-2&keywords=mustang+pfd+automatic
NorthernBasser reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 8:48 AM, Rahlow said:Have you looked at Academy Outdoors. They have a couple of Mustangs less than $150
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mustang-survival-elite-28-k-hydrostatic-auto-inflatable-personal-flotation-device#repChildCatid=4934708
Amazon too,,,
https://www.amazon.com/Mustang-MIT-100-Inflatable-Automatic/dp/B00T59QROA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527554937&sr=8-2&keywords=mustang+pfd+automatic
Thanks. I think I like the ones with the fuller back like the first one.
My question looking at that first link is, is that an older model? I don't see that on Mustang's site. And I know these things have a shelf life, where you have to replace the CO2 cylinder. SO I don't know if buying an older model would be ideal?
I really have no idea. Just thinking out loud I guess.
fishwizzard reply :
Are you 100% sold on an inflatable one? There are some pretty comfortable PFDs out there for kayak fishing.
NorthernBasser reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 11:02 PM, fishwizzard said:Are you 100% sold on an inflatable one? There are some pretty comfortable PFDs out there for kayak fishing.
I guess not. I just figured those were the most comfortable since they aren't bulky like the other ones. I want something that can be worn all day long while fishing.
Rahlow reply :
Cylinders need to be replaced from time to time on the inflatables, just part of having one.
moguy1973 reply :
While I use inflatables because they are light and take up less room than traditional PFDs as said above you never know if they are good to go when you need them to be. There isn't a real good way of testing to see if they will open if you go over board. I guess you just have to trust them to work.
I use ones from Bass Pro and also have some back ups I bought at West Marine for about $50 on sale.
fishwizzard reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 11:09 PM, NorthernBasser said:I guess not. I just figured those were the most comfortable since they aren't bulky like the other ones. I want something that can be worn all day long while fishing.
Look at Astrals' line of PFDs. They have one called the Ronny that is very slim and a "Fisher" model with pockets that add some bulk.
Abby reply :
My inflatable blew up on me by getting wet. I bought a mesh upper pfd from cabelas and it is pretty comfy for the kayak or boat. The whole family has them and they are reasonable price, especially on sale..
KayakFish107 reply :
If you do happen to be interested in regular pfd’s, the NRS Chinook is a great one. It’s a high back design meant for kayaking, but I use it for everything. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop into a local store and see what they have to try on. What works, is comfortable, and fits well for one person maybe be less than ideal for another. Example: A lot of people recommend the Stohlquist Fisherman or Keeper, and I tried a Keeper on and didn’t really like it. Tried on the NRS Chinook and it feels totally different and I like the fit. Might be the exact opposite for a different person
moguy1973 reply :
I use a Stohlquist Fisherman when I'm in my kayak and it's a pretty comfortable vest with lots of adjustments.
thinkingredneck reply :
Best one is one you'll wear. I have an inflatable that is comfortable.
Bigbruce reply :
If your not a good swimmer than spending $250 is worth your life. I would buy what is the best bet to to save your life. I’m an excellent swimmer and wear a small vest. If I was not a good swimmer I would buy the best protection possible.
NorthernBasser reply :
Thanks for all the replies. I'll definitely look into all the other suggestions too.
I kind of had my mind set on one of the Mustang auto inflatable ones, just because they seem like they'd be more comfy, as well as cooler in the hot summer sun.
But now with people talking about them possibly failing, that had me a little worried. Have there been a lot of cases documented of this?
moguy1973 reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 9:19 AM, NorthernBasser said:Thanks for all the replies. I'll definitely look into all the other suggestions too.
I kind of had my mind set on one of the Mustang auto inflatable ones, just because they seem like they'd be more comfy, as well as cooler in the hot summer sun.
But now with people talking about them possibly failing, that had me a little worried. Have there been a lot of cases documented of this?
I haven't personally heard of any but I'm sure there are stories out there of them not going off. I'm a good swimmer and hopefully if I do ever need it I'll be in a state of mind to be able to pull the cord if it doesn't automatically go off. I have heard of them going off by themselves though. My buddy had his go off while being completely dry in his kayak and my uncle had one go off when we were fishing last summer in the blazing hot weather. Then you have to worry about keeping a recharge kit onboard so you can reset them. I usually keep a regular vest on my boat too so if I ever have to drain the vein I can take a dip with that vest and not have to inflate one of my inflatables.
Rahlow reply :
Law Enforcement around here wears the Mustang, there is an indicator that reads green = good, red=bad on the inflator, , I read bad reviews on the cheaper models by a different manufacturer, mostly good reviews on the Mustang. If I buy one , I would buy extra cylinders or recharge packs,
Beetlebz reply :
There's a difference between a $50 inflatable and a $250 inflatable. The cheaper ones use a dissolving card... they're the ones that go off once they get wet. The higher end ones have a pressure tripping mechanism. It's far more reliable and inflates when the vest is submerged past a certain point.
We bought some cheaper ones for the fire department boat... the first time we hung them up to dry we came back the next morning to find we had to repack them all.
Bassun reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 11:15 PM, moguy1973 said:There isn't a real good way of testing to see if they will open if you go over board.
You can always put one one, jump in the water and see how it works...then reload the cartridge with a new co2 canister. If you have doubt, well worth a canister.
My sister in law cannot swim. To convince her that even my smallest jacket would hold anyone up (an old cheap meshy thing with hardly no floatsome) I put it on and jumped off a dock and dead sticked myself. Then I gave her a sports style jacket and she had 100% confidence in it.
So I have two modes of wearing a jacket. If I'm with someone, or if I'm solo. With someone, I generally only wear a PFD when the big motor is on (boat rule, motor on - jackets on. Period.) For those days, I wear my inflatable. If I am solo, I wear a mesh fishing vest all day. I bump my arms on it and its annoying in that regard, but otherwise really comfortable. The inflatable seems to ride up and irritate my neck if I fish in it.
My wife, however, hates the inflatables. She prefers the sports vests and swears they are more comfortable. We lost hers during a boat packing incident (aka it blew off the boat on the way home), but she doesn't fish in them so...
I would NOT write off the mesh fishing vests as an option for all day. Go to BPS/Cabellas/etc. and try a few on. Then wear it a bit. Walk around, air fish, etc. Something comfortable while standing still doesn't cut it for fishing in it. Keep in mind how much your shoulders and arms move. Also consider the heat of the day.
One other thing, if your boat does not have a ladder --- Get an emergency soft ladder and have it available when solo. Getting back into a boat is hard enough in open water. Doing so when cold, exhausted, injured, etc. is even worse. It's kind of like always using the kill switch... an ounce of prevention may just save your life.
Jig Man reply :
I was also needing one that I would wear. I talked to a friend of mine who works for the Corps of Engineers to see what they use. He said Mustang. He said he could work all day in one and not even notice it. So I bit the bullet and bought one. He was right. After wearing it a few times I hardly notice it at all. My other inflatable drove me nuts when I tried to wear it all day.
TOXIC reply :
Also remember that you need to have a vest style PFD in your boat if you ever take the inflatable off. In order to be legal the inflatable has to be worn at all times. If you have a vest style in the boat as well as the inflatable, you are legal if you take the inflatable off for any reason.
Jig Man reply :
On 5/31/2018 at 10:27 PM, TOXIC said:Also remember that you need to have a vest style PFD in your boat if you ever take the inflatable off. In order to be legal the inflatable has to be worn at all times. If you have a vest style in the boat as well as the inflatable, you are legal if you take the inflatable off for any reason.
It is only legal in MO if you have the vest pfd out of the box where it is readily accessible.
Bassun reply :
IIRC in VA the law is that any PFD must be immediately available, unless you are under 13, then it must be worn at all times when on deck. You must have 1 PFD per occupant, plus at least one Type 4 throw ring or cushion. But you do not have to have a "vest style" if you take off your PFD.
TOXIC reply :
I can guarantee you that you need both. I have seen tickets issued for only having inflatables and a throw cushion. Stipulation is that the inflatables must be worn to be counted.
NHBull reply :
Regardless of the pfd you buy, you need to know how to get back in the boat and practice it when the water warms.. I am serious.......hypothermia has killed guys in pfd’s that could not get back in.
NorthernBasser reply :
Appreciate the replies/tips everyone. I'm gonna head to a few places this weekend and try some on and go from there.
Bassun reply :
On 6/1/2018 at 2:20 AM, TOXIC said:I can guarantee you that you need both. I have seen tickets issued for only having inflatables and a throw cushion. Stipulation is that the inflatables must be worn to be counted.
Toxic -- I have to disagree with you on this one. We had a coast guard vessel check a few years ago, and there was no comments about having only inflatables (plus the Type 4). Last year, the water police boat did a license etc. check while fishing. No jackets on, and only inflatables and Type 4. They didn't board, but did ask a bunch of questions and wanted to see the charge of the jacket, cushion and fire extinguisher. No comments and certainly no citations for not having standard vests.
Given the seriousness of this convo, I pulled the DGIF boater info (https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations/#Personal_Flotation_Devices)
And found the following:
There must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) USCG approved life jacket for each person on the boat. The life jacket must be the appropriate size for each intended wearer.
- Each wearable life jacket needs to be “readily accessible” if not worn. Readily accessible means the life jackets are out in the open ready for wear or stowed where they can be easily reached. Readily accessible life jackets cannot be in protective coverings or under lock and key.
- In addition, you should check each life jacket for proper fit. This is especially important for children. Check theDoes Your Life Jacket Really Fit section.
- A Type V life jacket needs to be worn according to the manufacturer label to meet safety requirements.
- This requirement applies to all boats including paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards).
In addition to the wearable life jacket, there must be at least one (1) USCG approved Type IV throwable (ring buoy or seat cushion), on vessels of 16 feet or greater.
Inflatable Life Jackets must meet all the requirements for life jackets listed above plus the following:
- A properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation cartridge and all status indicators showing that the inflation mechanism is properly armed;
- Inflatable chambers that are all capable of holding air;
- Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, detached, or broken;
- Inflation status indicators that are not broken or otherwise non-functional;
- The inflation system of an inflatable life jacket need not be armed when the life jacket is worn inflated and otherwise meets the requirements above.
A Special Note about Inflatable Life Jackets
Inflatable life jackets are lightweight, comfortable to wear and take up about one-tenth the storage room of conventional foam-filled life jackets. Most are USCG approved only for persons 16 years of age and older who are not engaged in whitewater or skiing activities or riding on PWC. They are a great choice for adults on the water!
Don't get me wrong, I am certainly not calling you a liar --- but, if someone is getting ticketed for that, they should simply challenge in court as that is not the law. *note to other readers, this is in Virginia.
J Francho reply :
There is nothing to disagree with, it's the law. USCG law supersedes Virginia laws. If you look at the label that details what Type vest it is, you'll see the phrase, "while being worn." @TOXIC is a guide, and therefore knows the rules. My uncle was a charter captain, and kept a couple of bricks of the old fashioned orange vests in dry storage of the boat, while he and 1st mate wore the inflatables.
Here's an article about inflatables:
https://www.thoughtco.com/legal-requirements-for-inflatable-pfds-2915456
QuoteThe PFD must actually be worn to meet the USCG carriage requirement for having one PFD onboard per person—unlike inherently buoyant life jackets, which are not required to be worn at all times (except by children) but which must be readily accessible.
Bassun reply :
Well, I stand corrected and props to Toxic... So, when the USCG Aux did their safety inspection and when the wardens did their check I guess they just ignored that, as I definitely did not have two standard vests on board. Haven't in years. And I've been checked by wardens a few different times.
I wonder if there is some difference between off-shore vs on-shore regs? I'm guessing not, but I'm really surprised that both the game wardens and USCGA neither addressed having an inherently buoyant vest on board. I mean, not even a warning, or any comment. Hence my full belief that the VA laws were equal in terms of PFD's.
I will have to stow a couple of backups under the seat. Thanks for the correction!
A-Jay reply :
I terminated many a voyage for this very thing -
Made everyone sad - but no one on these vessels died that day.
A-Jay
Bassun reply :
Hey A-jay -- maybe you can speak to likely reasons why I wasn't asked about having an inherently buoyant vest? The USCG check was a courtesy safety check by the auxiliary -- so I guess maybe they assumed I would be wearing it the whole time, but that seems a bit of a stretch.
Actually, as I typed this I realized that I was actually probably not breaking the law. I did have a couple of old orange floater vests that I kept in the bottom of the rod locker. I got them for like $1 at a yard sale and kept them on the boat as a just in case someone needed one. I probably pulled them out when getting my distress flag out for the check. Quick access, and fits the bill I guess. So that explains that, and I really feel like an idiot now lol. But, I wouldn't have gotten that out for the wardens. I guess they only enforce local rules not federal?
None the less, I will have to double check that I have something in there currently... :S
J Francho reply :
In my experience, the Auxiliary give tougher inspections. When I was getting my boat certified, they were iffy on my reg letters location, and insisted I attach a line to the throwable. At any rate, getting the boat certified, and having a sticker generally means a less invasive check on the water.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/2/2018 at 3:46 AM, J Francho said:In my experience, the Auxiliary give tougher inspections. When I was getting my boat certified, they were iffy on my reg letters location, and insisted I attach a line to the throwable. At any rate, getting the boat certified, and having a sticker generally means a less invasive check on the water.
Or perhaps no check at all.
Often times units will by pass vessels with stickers as there's usually plenty on previously 'unchecked' vessels to board.
Taking the time to have your vessel checked & certified by the U S Coast Guard Auxiliary for compliance is a really good idea but not a 100 % sure way of not being part of a 'random boarding'.
A-Jay
Quarry Man reply :
the one from cabelas that is 89.99
kayl. reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 11:43 PM, KayakFish107 said:If you do happen to be interested in regular pfd’s, the NRS Chinook is a great one. It’s a high back design meant for kayaking, but I use it for everything. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop into a local store and see what they have to try on. What works, is comfortable, and fits well for one person maybe be less than ideal for another. Example: A lot of people recommend the Stohlquist Fisherman or Keeper, and I tried a Keeper on and didn’t really like it. Tried on the NRS Chinook and it feels totally different and I like the fit. Might be the exact opposite for a different person
+1
I have the NRS Chinook and it's a fantastic PFD. I use it on my kayak, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on a boat. Austin Kayak and LL Bean both carry it and often have coupon codes or sales...
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