Truckmechanic
Well-known member
I'm looking to purchase a inflatable PFD, I think. Anyone have experience to share as brands or advice?. I would like a comfortable one that is reliable as I can barely swim.
Truckmechanic said:Of course I would prefer something other than pink. (lol)
BigTerp said:Truckmechanic said:Of course I would prefer something other than pink. (lol)
Don't be worried with the pink. I bought a pink fish lip grabber (The Fish Grip) because it was a few dollars cheaper than any other color. My buddies do like to give me a hard time about it, but I saved a few bucks :lol:
RiverBottomOutdoors said:I bought pink handled screwdrivers for work...magically the screwdrivers stopped walking off.
SumDumGuy said:Pink is easier to see than a lot of the other colors as well.
I considered the automatic when I went searching for an inflatable vest. I thought about the possibility of it going off by accident but then I read that it must be submerged to about 4" deep before it would trigger. Guess they lied about that part huh? :lol: Then I read about the cost of the rearming kit and how they were supposed to be replaced (way too often IMO) and that turned my eyes away from the auto inflate and sent me looking at the manual inflatables. I love the comfort of an inflatable vs a standard vest. What I don't understand (actually I do I think) is how I could go through 4 years of training and working as a rescue swimmer in the military (we wore a very small manual inflatable), and never once did we have to replace the CO² cartridge in our vest, unless we had to inflate it for some reason. And we spent many many hours in salt water every year for rescues, training, and re qualifications. Yet they expect you to replace these PFD cartridges every year and at a cost of $22. First, I'd like to know how $22 is a fair price for a little CO² and secondly, since when does CO² go bad inside a sealed steel container? If you have any doubt, look at the cost of the CO² cartridges they sell for BB/pellet guns and the shelf life of those cartridges. I understand you need to remove the cylinder and inspect for rust/corrosion in the mechanism and cylinder, but to replace the cylinder just because it's 12 months older is a hell of a waste and a revenue scam by the mfg IMO. I don't know about the auto inflatables, maybe they have some part of the auto inflate device that expires with age but I just can't see that happening with the manual inflate style. Sorry for the bit of a rant but it irks me to see what I consider scams on the public designed to stuff the pockets of greedy businesses.jethro said:I highly suggest rethinking an automatic. Not a single pop yet and the rearm kits are $22.
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