"Mark Sanders" <sandmarks_at_comcast.net> wrote: >Has anyone here used Sospenders or some other brand of inflatable PFD? Arethey a lot more comfortable than a regular PFD? Pros and Cons? I have a demo inflatable PFD from another company I was comped a few years back in return for a a gear review. I find myself continuing to wear foam PFDs. Generically speaking, the pros and cons of inflatables are: + very low profile. + very cool (this might be really important for tropical paddling, where an inflatable you'll actually wear is argueably safer than a foam PFD jammed on the back deck). - doesn't fit as well once inflated and in the water or float you as comfortably as a foam PFD - awkward to paddle with when fully inflated (can be partially deflated and then reinflated orally if needed) - high front volume forces you higher and less stable during paddle float rescues (again, could be deflated / reinflated, but that's just one more thing to do at an already busy and breathless time.) - CO2 inflator mechanism needs constant care (any divers on the group will know the typical BC CO2 safety mechanism corrodes into uselessness unless well cared for.) - not a "passive" safety device - the user must inflate it (the water-activated types aren't practical for the wet decks of a kayak.) - once "fired," the PDF doesn't meet legal requirements until rearmed with a new cartridge. - pontential for puncture or delamination. A damaged foam PFD will still provide bouyancy. - no pockets for VHF, flares, or survival gear, no lash tabs for a knife or strobe (all things I'd especially want if I were seperated from my boat.) Bottom line for me: unless I was paddling in really hot conditions, where it was an inflatable or heat stroke, I'd opt for a foam filled unit. Cheers, Philip *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Apr 27 2005 - 09:14:19 PDT
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