Life Jackets

[StarBoard7]

Hello all,

In the market for a new life vest and was just wondering if I should consider anything than just your basic life vest for  boating/fishing on the great lakes.
I don't mind paying extra for safety if possible.
I was looking at the mustang 100mph excel any thoughts?

I have a mustang inflatable jacket already which i wear on the inland lakes  but on erie every other time i go out i get soaked and i just feel more confident in a regular jacket i guess anyway.

Any thoughts are appreciated thanks.

[Lightningboy]

I take a different tack with life jackets than most. 

I like to go fast on occasion.  One of the problems you can run into is to "hook" the boat.  You lose grip with the L/U, and the boat suddenly turns sideways, as it suddenly stops.  The driver tends to get thrown to the side against the gunnel.  I like a full jacket for driving fast, as a "flak" jacket in case something goes wrong.

For regular fishing and boating, the inflatables are awesome.  Hardly know it's there, so you tend to wear it more.

I've sometimes considered the mustang flotation jackets for fall/early spring.  Just never have the extra cash laying around...

[djkimmel]

My advice is DON'T hook the boat!! The 'flak' jacket idea isn't a bad idea at all though. Especially for you!!

I have heard of less expensive inflatable blowing up when you get splashed real good or just soaked over time. I never had that happen but my inflatable did 'explode' inside a damp box in my boat after 1 too many soakings during the last wet year we had. I've mentioned that before. Popped the box right open.

I've had the high end inflatable the nice person gave me for a while now and so far, no rain or a few quick soakings have made it go off. I like that I keep it on most of the time. Which also means when I'm fishing alone I don't forget it is on the seat and make a short run across a lake blowing another fairly nice life jacket into the lake (along with a nice fleece liner too).

[LAPORTE]

I have been wearing the mustang inflatable for 5 years and had no trouble at all with it. I have been soaked to the bone in it several times including this past northern open.  Yea the are more money .... but whats your life worth?

Don L