bigkavr
Well-known member
Auto-inflators VS Hydro-inflators
Since I started working with the Coast Guard two years ago, I’ve kept a real close eye on what they use.
(believe me, the way they abuse equipment, if it’ll last for them, it’ll last for anyone…) Until last year, the CG used the Mustang auto-inflate PFD. The only two problems with these PFD’s is one, they need to be serviced on a regular basis (and how many of us do that?) and two, they can also auto-inflate if it’s raining hard or you get hit with a big bow wave…
When I wanted to replace the rescue PFD’s that I was using on the airboat with something that was a little more “user friendly� I looked at the inflatables. One of my worries was what some of you have stated about the manual ones, also, knowing what the CG goes through with their auto-inflates I wanted something better.
In January, Mustang came out with a Hydrostatic inflating PFD that really turned my head. The only way it will inflate is if it gets submerged into 4 inches (or deeper) of water. Then, due to the difference in hydrostatic pressure, the PFD inflates. I’ve tested this using a fire hose (much to the chagrin of my fellow firefighters) and could not get it to inflate. But put it in a pool and push it down about 4 inches and pop, it inflates. No more accidental inflations. As an added benefit, it doesn’t have to be serviced for 5 years..
Well, Mustang has come through with a great product this time. It’s not cheap, but it’s very user friendly and to me, that equates to better safety. I’ve never put a maximum price on my safety so the cost (to me) wasn’t an issue.. Hope this helps someone.
Brian.
Since I started working with the Coast Guard two years ago, I’ve kept a real close eye on what they use.
(believe me, the way they abuse equipment, if it’ll last for them, it’ll last for anyone…) Until last year, the CG used the Mustang auto-inflate PFD. The only two problems with these PFD’s is one, they need to be serviced on a regular basis (and how many of us do that?) and two, they can also auto-inflate if it’s raining hard or you get hit with a big bow wave…
When I wanted to replace the rescue PFD’s that I was using on the airboat with something that was a little more “user friendly� I looked at the inflatables. One of my worries was what some of you have stated about the manual ones, also, knowing what the CG goes through with their auto-inflates I wanted something better.
In January, Mustang came out with a Hydrostatic inflating PFD that really turned my head. The only way it will inflate is if it gets submerged into 4 inches (or deeper) of water. Then, due to the difference in hydrostatic pressure, the PFD inflates. I’ve tested this using a fire hose (much to the chagrin of my fellow firefighters) and could not get it to inflate. But put it in a pool and push it down about 4 inches and pop, it inflates. No more accidental inflations. As an added benefit, it doesn’t have to be serviced for 5 years..
Well, Mustang has come through with a great product this time. It’s not cheap, but it’s very user friendly and to me, that equates to better safety. I’ve never put a maximum price on my safety so the cost (to me) wasn’t an issue.. Hope this helps someone.
Brian.
