Association Forum - Which would you choose

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Which would you choose - inflatable PFD's

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

JimGo
Admiral

Member Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/29/2012 : 06:24:08

My wife still isn't convinced about the inflatable PFD's, but I'm thinking about getting one for myself. I'm torn between two, both of which are on sale at Defender. The first is the [URL="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|786358&id=1618950"]Revere ComfortMax with harness[/URL], which is currently $79.99. The other is the [URL="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|320546|436864&id=1809786"]Mustang M.I.T. 22[/URL], which is currently $94.49.

The Revere has 35 lbs of bouyancy, where the Mustang has only 22 lbs. The Revere has a built-in harness in case I decide to run jacklines (or otherwise want to clip in), which I also see as a plus. I know Mustang is a good brand, and I'd probably lean in that direction if the Revere didn't have these advantages. Any thoughts?

- Jim
Formerly of 1984 C25 named Dragon Wing

NOTE: In my case, PLEASE don't confuse stars/number of posts with actual knowledge. On any topic.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:07:32

I'll be there this afternoon--I'll try to remember to check 'em out--maybe try them on... (It'll be mayhem there!

)

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:19:27

I could give you my shopping list, Dave...

Any feedback you have on them would be greatly appreciated! Good luck, stay safe!

Edited by - on

vipermagic
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:35:32

I bought the revere last week (It was on sale for $99 - come on!) and its really nice. Very comfortable. Seems well made, and looks like its easy to repack if it goes off.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:37:43

Thanks! Have you looked at the rearming kits? Are they a standard type, or are they proprietary to Revere?

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:44:22

Aha! I see that [url="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|786358&id=789026"]the rearming kit[/url] appears to have "standard" parts.

Edited by - on

vipermagic
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 07:51:01

I hadn't actually looked any further than noting they were ~$20. I haven't fallen off the boat yet, and I don't mean to start now!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 10:14:36

There are other threads on the issue regarding inflatable pfds, so you may want to do a search within this Forum. The argument in favor of inflatables is that since they are so compact, they become habit forming wearing them every time you go out but their costs are considerably more than vest type PFDs. I guess the three main issues besides deciding whether to go with manual or auto-inflatable is the amount of bouyancy, the comfort level and the availability of re-arming kits and pills/hydrostatic valves. The instructions for the inflatables will usually point out that in cold water conditions, whatever the bouyancy rating you get (22lbs or 35lbs) the bouyancy will be far less in cold water. So, if you sail in the fall/winter, I would definitely opt for the 35lb buoyancy. Comfort level - It is definitley a benefit getting others input on this from their experiences but best to try one on yourself since different body frame may make a difference as to the comfort level of a specific inflatable PFD...and this is important since you wear it all the time. Lastly, is the issue regarding availability of the pills/ hydrostatic gages and the re-arming kits. The hydrostatic gages are the latest thing and are only on the more expensive inflatables - They have an expiration of 5 years...date is stamped on the gage. Pills are supposedly to be replaced every year or two. Re-arming kits replaced generally only if you are doing periodic testing or had a reason that you set off the inflatable PFD. I would check to see if other inflatable models have the same model number re-arming kit because that is your best insurance that a re-arming kit will be popular enough that it will be available a nuimber of years from now.

Edited by - OLarryR on 03/29/2012 10:16:38

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 13:20:01

it's been on my mind to get a new auto-inflate, w/ a harness, for a few weeks...just ordered the Revere

Edited by - jerlim on 03/29/2012 13:20:46

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 14:02:00

You're welcome Jerry!

Edited by - on

CarbonSink62
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 14:57:37

I've ordered and received the Revere ComfortMax from Defender. It's comfortable, but I only put it on and adjusted the straps. Wearing it all day will be the real test.

Defender seems to be the place. Great prices and fast turn-around.

Ken

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 15:44:24

Jim--I tried both on and liked the Revere much better--wider webbing and more comfortable on my neck. (YMMV) Their rep explained that the ComfortMax Plus (w/ or w/o harness) is the same as the ComfortMax, but with some additional reflective material and an additional pocket--all for LE$$ than the ComfortMax. Why? They're discontinuing the "plus" due to a large increase in the cost of the reflective material, so they sold their entire inventory to Defender. The arming kits are the same, so it won't be obsolete.

That's what I would've bought today if I were in the market.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 15:48:31

Dave, thanks for the feedback!!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2012 : 20:08:24

I've got a Mustang MD3084? and it's very comfortable to me. Once it's on I don't even notice I've got it on.

I believe Mustang makes some models with 35 lbs of buoyancy but they are more than the Revere. I believe those models also hold your head higher out of the water even if you're uncontentious.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2012 : 02:47:06

Both Peggy & I purchased these last year
[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=99804&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50469&subdeptNum=50470&classNum=50481"]WM Coastal PFD's

[/url]

Extremely comfortable. We still have the original pair we purchased 7 years ago, but keep them for visiting 'crew' that don't have their own (we recommend they bring their own, and they have to wear them if we are off hook or off dock)

I have two recharge kits onboard too... I don't think they are 'standard', had to order them as WM didn't have any in stock the day we got the pfd's.

As mentioned, comfort encourages usage.

I would go up a model to get the benefit of a jack line harness.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2012 : 11:53:32

Thanks for all the feedback! Dave, I especially appreciate you elbowing everyone aside to inspect them, and chatting up the salesperson. That's really above-and-beyond! If you're ever down in NJ/PA, please let me know!

I went ahead and ordered the Revere last night as part of a larger order.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2012 : 14:19:33

Well, "shopping" in a big marine store isn't exactly hard labor--even if you have to shove your way through the crowd!

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.