Life vest suggestions

DesertNomad

DesertNomad

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DesertNomad
I am flying from Nevada to Florida and some of the Caribbean islands. Sporty's has a life vest For 119.95 that is constant-wear and says "Mustang" on it. Any feedback on this?

I think a constant wear makes more sense than one you have to put on in an emergency.
 
Mustang makes good survival suits but I 'm unfamiliar with the vests. Floatplane guys in AK favor Sterns CO2 inflatable vests. The nylon fabric isn't too uncomfortable and they have good pocket space. I've had one of mine for 25 years and it's still in great shape. In warmer climates I'd prefer the suspender type.
 
If it is a one-time use and you have a couple people, maybe it would be better to rent?
I'm pretty sure I have read about companies along the coast that will set you up with vests, liferafts etc.
 
I have the Stearns suspenders and like that I can keep a couple of survival tools (knife, firestarter, cord) in the pocket with the CO2 cartridge. It never gets in the way although I do turn up my collar when I wear it to keep the plastic off my neck.
 
Not a bad price. You may find something similar at a local marine outlet unless you live in a desert.

I wear a similar vest on a regular basis.
 
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe said:
Not a bad price. You may find something similar at a local marine outlet unless you live in a desert.

I wear a similar vest on a regular basis.
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I mentioned this on the Red Board thread but I'll repeat it here: if you go with a marine inflatable PFD, make sure it's configured for manual activation, not automatic. Some of the marine ones are designed to automatically inflate upon submersion in water. That's fine on a boat, but in an overturned aircraft fuselage that could be deadly as you may become trapped inside the cabin as it begins sinking. In a ditching you want to swim clear of the wreckage before inflating.
 
Brad Z said:
I mentioned this on the Red Board thread but I'll repeat it here: if you go with a marine inflatable PFD, make sure it's configured for manual activation, not automatic. Some of the marine ones are designed to automatically inflate upon submersion in water. That's fine on a boat, but in an overturned aircraft fuselage that could be deadly as you may become trapped inside the cabin as it begins sinking. In a ditching you want to swim clear of the wreckage before inflating.
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Agree.

Recent thread on same topic: http://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/life-vest.91582
 
Go with the stearns vest.
 
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