Pfds/ Life Jackets 2024
tbone1993 reply :
Lately I have been fishing tournaments as a co angler and now have the opportunity to use a boat from time to time. As a co angler I am stuck using my boaters extra life jackets. They work but I would much rather have my own PFD that I could carry on the boat and be comfortable rather than using an over/undersized jacket. Does anyone have any solid recommendations that they would honestly trust their own life with. It is a life jacket so my budget limitless.
Darren. reply :
If I were you, I'd look at some of the Mustang manual/auto inflatables.
Because I'm in a kayak, I tend to prefer a non-inflatable vest, but if I were in the back of a boat, I'd wear an inflatable all the time, probably. A life is a terrible thing to waste.
Teal reply :
Mustang auto/manuel. Low profile, light, can wear all day and not know its there.
I dont always wear it on the bass boat, but when im on the river on my jon boat it is a must.
tbone1993 reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 7:02 AM, DarrenM said:If I were you, I'd look at some of the Mustang manual/auto inflatables.
Because I'm in a kayak, I tend to prefer a non-inflatable vest, but if I were in the back of a boat, I'd wear an inflatable all the time, probably. A life is a terrible thing to waste.
On 4/3/2013 at 7:09 AM, Teal said:Mustang auto/manuel. Low profile, light, can wear all day and not know its there.
I dont always wear it on the bass boat, but when im on the river on my jon boat it is a must.
Any specific models? I would change the cartridges regularly but I would like to know that the straps hold up and things of that nature.
Darren. reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 7:26 AM, tbone1993 said:Any specific models? I would change the cartridges regularly but I would like to know that the straps hold up and things of that nature.
Some of the other guys may have other recommendations, but here's a link to BPS's inventory:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=mustang
If money is not an object here, I'd personally look at this model:
http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Competition-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-with-HIT-Model-MD3183-BC/product/98131/
tbone1993 reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 7:31 AM, DarrenM said:Some of the other guys may have other recommendations, but here's a link to BPS's inventory:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=mustang
If money is not an object here, I'd personally look at this model:
http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Competition-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-with-HIT-Model-MD3183-BC/product/98131/
Took a look at those on TW. Sounds like Mustang is running away with it in the PFD department, I was already looking at them so thats good.
BassnChris reply :
Mustang is the way I went...........just bought it a couple of months ago so I can't speak to durability just yet, but have heard very good things about them.
Take care in storing it. I have heard tales of them inflating after being left inside the truck in the summer, or put away damp.
I kind of go over the top sometimes......but I will treat it like it was a high end electronic device......seeing as how I am trusting it with the task of saving my life.
Like Aretha says, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."
Long Mike reply :
I've had a Mustang auto-inflate for about three years. It's held up very well. The straps and stitching are as new. I confess that I was remiss in leaving the vest in the boat for several months and the humidity finally got to it and it inflated and got mildew stains all over it. Like Chris said above, I now treat the vest like part of my electronics. It doesn't stay on the boat for any length of time. Would I buy another one? You betcha!
Brian Needham reply :
I would trust my life to anything the USCG says I should.
I got $40 jobs from bass pro........If I intended to wear one all day I would go with the mustang. I guess I am a little old school and like to "trust" all the padding on the older style ones, and I only wear one while under power.
slonezp reply :
Another vote for Mustang. I have a couple of their low end models. Plain looking and smaller in size than the fancy models, but with both auto and manual deploy.
Brian, I fish all day with the Mustang and forget it's even on
Silas reply :
I researched jackets about 3 months ago. Decided on the Mustang H.I.T. model. The other models use a different method for the start of the inflation.....moisture. But, in very HUMID regions, and possibly in the rain, they may self inflate.
I live in South Louisiana. It rains all the time!! And the humidity is always high.
So I went with the model MD 3183 Mustang Survival. Type II PFD. Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (H.I.T)
They are pricy: around $300. I looked around online and picked up one for about $230.
I am super pleased with it....literally forget it's on. I wear it ALL the time in the boat. I'm getting pretty old, and I'm likely to lose my balance one day and fall out. It takes 4 inches of water to inflate automatically. Or you can pull a cord manually, or you can blow it up orally.
Pretty fail proof! Also this one has more buoyancy than the normal 24 lbs. Comes in red or blue.
Mustang makes several cheaper models from $109 to $175. I looked at those. Nowhere near the quality of this one.
As you stated, how much is your life worth?
Maico1 reply :
Mustang H.I.T.....
Fishes in trees reply :
I got a Mustang H.I.T. A few years ago I feel out of the boat - in early April - into 46 degree water - 16 or so feet deep. I wasn't wearing a life jacket. I was fortunate I got back into the boat. Later, in the evening when I got home from fishing, I got on the phone and ordered an inflatable life jacket. A year or two later I found out about the H.I.T. technology and how it was better than the standard auto inflatable and so now that is the one I use.
I was religious about carrying a life jacket in the boat and I generally wore it when the big motor was running, but I didn't wear it when I was fishing. Now I do. All the time. Even in the hottest days of the summer. Falling out of the boat was a wake up call for me.
tbone1993 reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 12:13 PM, Fishes in trees said:I got a Mustang H.I.T. A few years ago I feel out of the boat - in early April - into 46 degree water - 16 or so feet deep. I wasn't wearing a life jacket. I was fortunate I got back into the boat. Later, in the evening when I got home from fishing, I got on the phone and ordered an inflatable life jacket. A year or two later I found out about the H.I.T. technology and how it was better than the standard auto inflatable and so now that is the one I use.
I was religious about carrying a life jacket in the boat and I generally wore it when the big motor was running, but I didn't wear it when I was fishing. Now I do. All the time. Even in the hottest days of the summer. Falling out of the boat was a wake up call for me.
I was fishing on Table Rock two weeks ago in 4 layers including bibs and snow boots water temp ranged from 46-48 air tempt was anywhere from 25-32 . Had I fallen in I would have been dead from the additional weight. Being in 100- 200ft of water can be really scary when you take a pee off the back and the boat rocks a little bit.
jhoffman reply :
When the water is cold enough to kill I wear it the entire time
J Francho reply :
Mustang HIT.
wnybassman reply :
Another vote for the Mustang H.I.T. I have caught myself forgetting it was on after I got in the truck to head home. I have had mine for 3 or 4 full years now (I'll have to look at the expiration, I know they are good for 5 years) and the only signs of wear is the red material has gotten slightly fuzzy due to use. Even relatively comfy in the summer heat.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 9:01 AM, BassnChris said:Mustang is the way I went...........just bought it a couple of months ago so I can't speak to durability just yet, but have heard very good things about them.
Take care in storing it. I have heard tales of them inflating after being left inside the truck in the summer, or put away damp.
I kind of go over the top sometimes......but I will treat it like it was a high end electronic device......seeing as how I am trusting it with the task of saving my life.
Like Aretha says, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."
X2, I have a BPS model and wear mine all day while on the water, I forget I have it on. When I get home, it goes in the house and hangs on a hanger to keep it safe.
When you get one, buy an extra cartage for it; and keep the cartage in a dry box for storage on your boat, it wont do you any good at home.
Question: How often do you guys change out your cartages? I have one person tell me he does it every season; and another person says he's never changed his. And has anyone ever tested theirs by jumping in the water or a pool?
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 9:01 AM, BassnChris said:Mustang is the way I went...........just bought it a couple of months ago so I can't speak to durability just yet, but have heard very good things about them.
Take care in storing it. I have heard tales of them inflating after being left inside the truck in the summer, or put away damp.
I kind of go over the top sometimes......but I will treat it like it was a high end electronic device......seeing as how I am trusting it with the task of saving my life.
Like Aretha says, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."
X2, I have a BPS model and wear mine all day while on the water, I forget I have it on. When I get home, it goes in the house and hangs on a hanger to keep it safe.
When you get one, buy an extra cartage for it; and keep the cartage in a dry box for storage on your boat, it wont do you any good at home.
Question: How often do you guys change out your cartages? I have one person tell me he does it every season; and another person says he's never changed his. Has anyone ever tested theirs by jumping in the water or a pool?
wnybassman reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 12:25 AM, Traveler2586 said:Question: How often do you guys change out your cartages? I have one person tell me he does it every season; and another person says he's never changed his. And has anyone ever tested theirs by jumping in the water or a pool?
Should be an expiration date on it somewhere.
And no, for $79 a pop for a re-arming kit, I have not tested it by jumping in the water. lol
ww2farmer reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 12:36 AM, wnybassman said:Should be an expiration date on it somewhere.
And no, for $79 a pop for a re-arming kit, I have not tested it by jumping in the water. lol
If some one would like to pay-pal me $80 to buy him the re-arm kit, I'll push him in the water while taking a video to put on you-tube............for research purposes of coarse.
J Francho reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 1:51 AM, ww2farmer said:If some one would like to pay-pal me $80 to buy him the re-arm kit, I'll push him in the water while taking a video to put on you-tube............for research purposes of coarse.
This must be caught on film. 
A-Jay reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 1:51 AM, ww2farmer said:If some one would like to pay-pal me $80 to buy him the re-arm kit, I'll push him in the water while taking a video to put on you-tube............for research purposes of coarse.
Would it be possible to have the boat on plane at the time ?
A-Jay
tbone1993 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 2:01 AM, A-Jay said:Would it be possible to have the boat on plane at the time ?
A-Jay
I'll throw in to see this ... for science lol
Brian Needham reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 2:01 AM, A-Jay said:Would it be possible to have the boat on plane at the time ?
A-Jay
only with the proper insurance release forms....
Traveler2586 reply :
$80.00 ?? Where do you buy from? Mine only cost $35.00 at todays listing and I think it was less that that four years ago when I got mine. http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-Rearming-Kit-Model-MA7202/product/75745/
OK, mark your calendars ! If I don't do it before, in August when we go to the beach, where we have a pool, I'll have someone video me testing my PFD and I'll post it for laughs. But I would like to see how it works & feels, and how well it keeps me up; I would also like to see how to rearm the PFD.
BTW, there's no mfg. date on the device, just a green status window and a bunch of code numbers stamped into the CO2 cylinder, one of which must have a date encoded in the number.
I'll move this subject to another thread on PFD Maintenance.
But IMHO, get the best PFD you can afford, and treat it with all the loving care of your new born baby.
J Francho reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 3:18 AM, Traveler2586 said:$80.00 ?? Where do you buy from? Mine only cost $35.00 at todays listing and I think it was less that that four years ago when I got mine. http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-Rearming-Kit-Model-MA7202/product/75745/
OK, mark your calendars ! If I don't do it before, in August when we go to the beach, where we have a pool, I'll have someone video me testing my PFD and I'll post it for laughs. But I would like to see how it works & feels, and how well it keeps me up; I would also like to see how to rearm the PFD.
BTW, there's no mfg. date on the device, just a green status window and a bunch of code numbers stamped into the CO2 cylinder, one of which must have a date encoded in the number.
I'll move this subject to another thread on PFD Maintenance.
But IMHO, get the best PFD you can afford, and treat it with all the loving care of your new born baby.
That is not the HIT hydrostatic model. That uses a dissolving bobbin. This is the HIT rearming kit: http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Inflatable-Life-Jacket-Rearming-Kit-Model-MA7218/product/72461/
Here is what yours looks like, inflated:
And the story: http://plan-b.smugmug.com/Family/Fishing-Journal/i-8tHfw2r/0/L/20100328-MendonPonds-05-L.jpg
Traveler2586 reply :
I don't have the Mustang model, I have the BPS model http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Deluxe-Automatic-Inflatable-Life-Jacket/product/10204824/
I've had this for four years (or there abouts) now and have never tested it cause the status window always shows green. A friend told me that I should test it annually; and I just read a user manual at the Mustang web site that says he's right. Oh well, guess I never recalled that from the info that came with the PFD. For $35.00 I'll have a little fun and learn a little about my PFD in the process.
J Francho reply :
That was my point, we have different vests, with different technology. HIT relies on water pressure to trigger, while yours has a dissolving bobbin.
As far as yearly testing goes, I guess you'd just be testing for leaks.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 4:48 AM, J Francho said:That was my point, we have different vests, with different technology. HIT relies on water pressure to trigger, while yours has a dissolving bobbin.
As far as yearly testing goes, I guess you'd just be testing for leaks.
X2, testing for leaks is the big thing. I guess the plastic might dry out and crack at the folds?? I went with the BPS PFD because it was cheaper (I'm Scottish & cheep) and I knew nothing about the technology at the time; it was an experiment. But I'm glad I went with an inflatable, it's far more comfortable, and I therefore keep it on while fishing (unless it's very calm and I'm working a shoreline.
BassnChris reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 4:38 AM, Traveler2586 said:I don't have the Mustang model, I have the BPS model http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Deluxe-Automatic-Inflatable-Life-Jacket/product/10204824/
I bought the basspro/mustang model.........the returned and bought the H.I.T mustang........then when I saw the cost of the H.I.T. Replacement cartridges......$70ish dollars a pop.......I returned it and bought the BP/mustang model again with 35 ish replacement costs.
I think are quality products.......with the main difference being the technology. Decided to take a chance the the rain and humidity don't get to it here in Oklahoma.......I know some other guys have this one around here without issue......Mike being one I think.
Goose52 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 12:25 AM, Traveler2586 said:Question: How often do you guys change out your cartages? I have one person tell me he does it every season; and another person says he's never changed his. And has anyone ever tested theirs by jumping in the water or a pool?
My PFD requires replacement of the cartridge and bobbin every three years. I just re-armed my PFD and posted about it here: PFD Re-Arm
PFD Re-arm kit:
I did discharge my PFD...but not by jumping in the water (too cold for that)...so I used the manual pull-tab. Fired right off. I also tested the old bobbin in water - disolved like an alka-selzer... 
Inflated PFD after firing it off:
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 7:08 AM, BassnChris said:I bought the basspro/mustang model.........the returned and bought the H.I.T mustang........then when I saw the cost of the H.I.T. Replacement cartridges......$70ish dollars a pop.......I returned it and bought the BP/mustang model again with 35 ish replacement costs.
I think are quality products.......with the main difference being the technology. Decided to take a chance the the rain and humidity don't get to it here in Oklahoma.......I know some other guys have this one around here without issue......Mike being one I think.
Don't know what it's like in Ok, but summers around the Wash. D.C. area are always "Hazy, Hot, and Humid" to the point sweat just runs down your face and shirts get soaked. But in four years I haven't had any issues with mine.
dave reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 7:09 AM, Teal said:Mustang auto/manuel. Low profile, light, can wear all day and not know its there.
I dont always wear it on the bass boat, but when im on the river on my jon boat it is a must.
Everyone must remember that if you want the inflatable to "count" as being onboard as a PFD, by USCG regulation, it MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. I guess if you stow extra standard types, that may be acceptable. If it is the only one for a particular person, it must be worn at all times.
http://sailing.about.com/od/lawsregulations/a/InflatablePFDlegal.htm
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 9:06 PM, dave said:Everyone must remember that if you want the inflatable to "count" as being onboard as a PFD, by USCG regulation, it MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. I guess if you stow extra standard types, that may be acceptable. If it is the only one for a particular person, it must be worn at all times.
http://sailing.about.com/od/lawsregulations/a/InflatablePFDlegal.htm
X2. I was at a fishing expo this past winter where I stooped by the CG Aux booth to ask a question. The CG rep was talking with two men about inflatables and if I heard correctly he said they must be worn at all times when the craft is under power (moving) even if that power is the Trolling Motor.
One other point the CG rep made was about properly adjusting the straps; an inflatable could come off over the head if the waist straps are too loose.
I personally like my inflatable and would buy a replacement when the time comes; but I would like to get a larger size for a proper fit based on the discussion I heard.
J Francho reply :
I don't know about the rest of you, but I always have three standard PFDs in my boat's dry storage. That way, there's never a question if I get stopped.
Maico1 reply :
Same here........
Teal reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 10:05 PM, J Francho said:I don't know about the rest of you, but I always have three standard PFDs in my boat's dry storage. That way, there's never a question if I get stopped.
Saame here, i carry two more of the standard pfd from bass pro along with a pfd for my two yr old.
Maybe i should have been clear... i also keep the cheap old orangenpfd in my pond boat.
Traveler2586 reply :
For those of you that have the Bass Pro/Mustang model MD-3087, MD-3084, MD-3083, MD-0200, MD-3032, MD-3031MD-3002, MD-3001, MC-1900HR, or MC-1900 I've just found that BPS carries a Mustang "Halkey Roberts" replacement bobbin (MA-9210) for only $9.99; so if your CO2 cartage is good (not punctured) all you need to do is change out the bobbin. These bobbins are date coded and the two I just got are dated Feb 22, 2016 if you keep them in their blister package.
I did find Mustang instructions stating to change out the bobbin every three years, or sooner depending on usage environment.
Check out the BPS link for more details at http://www.basspro.com/Mustang-Survival-Replacement-Bobbin-for-Inflatable-Life-Jackets/product/10209471/
NBR reply :
Why are you forced to use the boater's PFD? I am not a strong swimmer and I fish alone in my boat often so I bought a self inflating PFD and I take it with me when I fish the back seat. I put it on when I get in the boat and take it off then the day is done.
When I have someone with me I have them bring their PFD. A poorly fitting or worn PFD is not acceptable to the coast guard or other marine safety officiers.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 4/6/2013 at 10:20 PM, NBR said:Why are you forced to use the boater's PFD? I am not a strong swimmer and I fish alone in my boat often so I bought a self inflating PFD and I take it with me when I fish the back seat. I put it on when I get in the boat and take it off then the day is done.
When I have someone with me I have them bring their PFD. A poorly fitting or worn PFD is not acceptable to the coast guard or other marine safety officiers.
Personally, I wouldn't want to take pot luck on what the boater may have available for me to wear; I've seen guy's that have some rank PFD's covered in mildew from damp locker storage..... No Thanks
Jake... reply :
The new Mustang MIT 100 looks awesome, very compact and not bulky when inflated.
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/md2017?country=25
I'm in a kayak though and will probably go the traditional foam route, but the MIT 100 sounds nice for Summer time.
Traveler2586 reply :
Here's a tip I got at a Coast Guard class years back....
When you buy a PFD take a marker and write the date of purchase somewhere on the PFD; this is it's "in service date" (ISD) Knowing the ISD years down the road will be helpful in letting you know it may be time for a new PFD.
On my Mustang inflatable it has instruction booklets sewn inside; these have plenty of blank pages where you can record the ISD, inspection dates, and arming system service dates. Show these records to any officer preforming a safety inspection on your boat and watch him smile; your inspection may go a lot faster when they know your on the ball 
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