RE: [Paddlewise] Foam vs Inflatable PFDs

Rob posted (big snip):
>Pros:I would say, that if you were upside down and without a paddle it 
>looks like it could get you close to the surface. A bit of hip flick and 
>hand sculling and viola, a hand roll. Wearing an inactivated inflatable 
>gives the  user freedom to duck under surf that a worn foam pfd does not. 
>You can get  around the *no pockets* issue with a waist belted dry bag. I 
>don't know what the technical name is but they kept our cameras, snacks, 
>etc., dry and fairly accessible, though not as conveniently as foam pfd 
>pockets. The best benefit of  an inflatable pfd instead of a foam one on 
>the back deck is that I can be seen wearing a pfd and not have to explain 
>to everyone why I wasn't wearing a  pfd. 
>_http://www.mustangsurvival.com/inflatable-pfd/_
(http://www.mustangsurvival.com/inflatable-pfd/) Cheers, Rob G<

I love my Mustang inflatable. I can't imagine paddling without it anymore, 
though I'm not aware I'm even wearing it when I'm paddling anymore. Forget 
the sleek body contouring and anatomically correct fit of high-end PFD's, my 
inflatable is awesome in summer heat and doesn't bunch-up winter drysuit 
wearing around the torso. I see PaddleNews just added a Sospenders link, so 
inflatables must be a good thing , right? :-)

http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/accessories/

I have not tried any of the other brands, other than the Mustang units (I 
have two), but I have seen some of the others up close. I do like the 
quality and fit of the Canadian Mustang product - the fit is far less 
f*asci*st!  :-) I've never had any corrosion issues with the mechanism.

I've heavily modified mine with side pockets that fit on the belt, left and 
right, and a small back pocket that fits a hydration pack and my SeaSeat. I 
doubt this is an approved device anymore (though the pockets are a Mustang 
product). Do I care? No. Do I feel inflatables are the answer for everyone. 
Of course not. Will I ever go back to a fat foam floaty PFD thingy? Probably 
not, though a Kokatat hybrid PFD/Inflatable is now available, which I might 
consider for surf-only use.

http://www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/os-pf.php

I can send a picture to anyone that wishes to view my Mustang inflatable 
modifications. I carry a knife, VHF radio, neo scull cap, and neo gloves in 
the approved pockets (plus some smaller rescue items). I could carry much 
more in the modified hydration-pack bag, if I didn't have the SeaSeat in 
there. The items I do carry are all I need in the event of real-life 
in-water emergency. If things are really bad out there, I usually use a 
boat-to-paddler leash, so what the heck, I have everything I need attached 
to me already, um, including my boat. :-)

I find the inflatable vest raises my torso so my head remains under water, 
just below the water surface when I pull the inflator (during tests). Yes, a 
very good hand roll (in the event a paddle was not available) would be 
needed to get upright and breathing again. Unfortunately, the inflatable 
vests do not work like the BackUp righting device/aid, though you can 
quickly unclip an inflated vest, then push yourself up. But what the heck, 
if it takes that much trouble to right yourself after a capsize, perhaps one 
should just stick to open Canadian canoes.

Well, I'm happy with mine. Maybe Mark (the original poster, I think) should 
weigh the pros and cons as Philip laid out, and if budget allows, why not 
get one of each (an inflatable and a normal PFD, then mix 'em up, using each 
one individually per outing depending on preference, season and activity). 
Or, he could make me an offer on all my used foam PFDs that never get used 
anymore.

Well, I'm just happy all around. It warm and sunny in Victoria, the 
afternoon/evening thermal westerlies are kicking up again at Race Rocks with 
some hopeful 45-knot days soon to come, I passed my EKG treadmill with 
mostly flying colours today and got my forehead stitches out from a head 
injury last week, and Gordin wants to hit the waves with me in favour of his 
club dread paddles. Why, I feel positively bouyant!!!


Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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