Posts: 165
| I tried using the search topic but couldn't come up w/ any threads about this so here goes:
I've been doing research on inflatable pfds. I've looked at the Cabelas, Bass Pro, Onyx and Mustangs. The Mustangs are sized to a 52 inch chest while just about all others are sized to 50 inches. I'm right there between 52 to 54 so I am leaning towards one of the Mustsangs along with a belt extension. The US Coast Guard laws state an extension is only legal for folks who need it, so I am literally right on the line. Until this morning I was going to go with an Onyx mostly due to price but I called Onyx and they don't sell their own extensions. For some reason I just fell better about buying a Mustang since they make their own extension.
I was hoping to get some opinions on Mustangs w/ H.I.T. versus the ones without it and also the ones with M.I.T. What I've learned in a nut shell is that the ones with H.I.T. will not inflate unless there is 4 or more inches of water and will not inflate even while fishing in a hurricane, not that anyone's going to do that anyway. The H.I.T.s rearming kits are about $70 versus $30 for the others. The basic pfd w/ the new M.I.T. specs are 20% lighter than other pfds in their class.
For those of you that have these or have used these is it worth the extra price (as much as $100 extra) for the piece of mind to know that if you leave the H.I.T in your storage locker and they get wet they still wont inflate?
I would like to hear general comments about the Mustangs,the ones w/ H.I.T and/or M.I.T. or without.
I'm all ears about auto vs manual too. I would think that if you are someone that fished by their self an auto is the way to go. If you fall off the boat and hit your head on a log the manual isn't going to do much for you.If I'm wrong let me know.
I've also decided to get a Mustang flotation coat for late fall and winter. That one should actually be here before Christmas I think. I'm just having a hard time deciding on the pfd for summer/spring.
Here's the H.I.T. info:
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/hit%E2%84%A2-inflatable...
Here's the M.I.T. info:
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/mit-22-inflatable-pfd-m... |
