Fishing Vest..which one?

[Sluggo / NY]

Now that I'm going to try tourney fishing, I've decided I should buy a more fashionable USCG approved vest. It might be a bit embarassing to be in public with the old orange "horse collar" on! There are so darn many choices out there, I thought I'd check and see which are most popular. Although we of course carry life vests in the boat, I seldom wear one unless the weather warrants it. But I believe in the tourneys, you have to wear one if the boat is moving. Thanks & Good Fishing, Sluggo

[mbrandt]

Stearns has perhaps the widest collection. Very nice looking too for the most part. I even sometimes forget I have it on. West Marine carries them so you can actually look at them and try them on. You want to make sure they fit over your jackets and stuff. They are also sold by Bass Pro and Cabela's.

Mark

[cisco]

By far the most comfortable are the Sospenders. They are available in automatic or manual (pull) inflation.

[bob oh]

I'm not sure the automatics are Coast Guard approved??? They were not when I purchased one, but might be now.
Bob

[solarfisher00]

Most of the new inflatables are type III coast gaurd approved. All of the Sospeners in the Bass Pro Shop catalog are coast gaurd approved, even the the waist belt ones.

Solarfisher00

[Chad]

It would depend on how fast your boat goes. If you have one that goes over 40 mph I would at a minimum get a life vest which is rated for 50 mph. There are others rated for 100mph. They both have a padding behind your neck and have a zipper front along with buckle straps. I believe that most 100 mph jackets come with 3-4 straps and straps for under the crotch area. This will prevent you from flying out of your jacket in case you get thrown across the water at 60 mph.

Dont skimp on the jacket!!! And always attach your kill switch. Had a buddy that didnt and he almost didnto make it!

[Sluggo / NY]

Thanks for the input..and good advice on the kill switch. Although I'm guilty of not always connecting it (Boat tops out around 35), I do attach it and put a vest on in rough water. Thanks & Good Fishing, Sluggo

[Dave G]

Do the inflatable vests work in cold water (35 degrees) conditions?
Dave G