SOS Spenders.. Auto Inflate

[Bob Ritt]

Does anybody have any experience or knowlage about the SOS Spenders... either the manual inflate... but pref. the Auto inflate... Are they worth the price???? They look like they would be comfy... but any HORROR stories or problems I should know before investing in one??? Any info would be Greatly Appreciated... Thank's in advance, and Tight Lines.... Bob Ritt

[Box]

A buddy uses them when guiding duck hunting. The only real prob is that they seem to only really work (fortuneately never had to test one though...) if they are on the outside of your garments. Lots of taking on and off in weather changes.

Good fishing,
Box

[Starfish]

I decided on the manual kind, since I was afraid that leaving an automatic one out in the rain might dissolve the "automatic" tablet enough to either trigger it, or, worse, render it ineffective (though I have no real basis for the concern). I like the size and weight of the unit, but it seems a little scratchy on my neck-- I wish the neck was a little larger diameter (and I only weigh about 165) and was padded with softer fabric.

Still, I'm a whole lot more likely to wear it than any of my other jackets -- and therefore it's the best one in the boat.

[wallytap]

I almost bought one but decided against it for these reasons.You must buy the extra long set, the smaller version only supports up to 85 lbs.(read the fine print in the ads).The auto would be nice but could a person accidently trip it during a heavy downpour or laying in a pool of water in the hatch. Also regular vests would have insulating factors if a person would go overboard in cold water therefore preventing hypothermia. Lastly if you own a manual type and are knocked unconscious you'd drown.Soooo I myself would stick with the old standby vests.

[EB]

I own one of the World Class (Long) Auto Inflation Models and I absolutely love this vest. I'm a big dude and there is no chafing involved with this model, it's big enough to wear over bulky clothes. The "fine print" in the ads I've seen say that the unit provides 35 lbs of bouyancy, and that the unit is not designed for people under 80 lbs. I have worn the unit in driving rains and have not had any problems with accidental inflation. The reason I chose the auto model was so that if I hit the water and was really messed up my vest would still inflate. Am I saying that this is better than a "normal" life vest, no, but considering I refused to wear a regular vest I think this is the perfect setup for guys like me. It amazes me everytime I hear the drownung stats here is Wisc, the VAST majority of the people who drown CAN swim and ARE NOT wearing life jackets. For your families sake just wear a PFD, any PFD is better than none. Tight Lines-Eric

[Bob Ritt]

Thank You to all who replied.... I'm still going to think and ask before I buy..... and yes, I wear a PFD at all times while under power... I was looking for a way to wear one at all times and still be confortable while fishing....Thanks again and Tight Lines, Bob Ritt

[Dave G]

Do they still inflate in cold water (33-40 degrees)?

[EB]

According to the info that came with my vest, yes they do work in the cold, but it also stated that you might have to give a few puffs into the manual inflation tube (yes the auto model has a backup) if the vest doesn't fully inflate. I will not wear mine when its really cold out because I rely on a Mustang Survival coat during the period before and during ice up. Tight Lines-Eric

[Mark Murphy]

I have 4 of them on my boat and anyone who fishes on it must wear one all the time. Very comfortable for everyone who has worn them and the fact that we do wear them makes them worth the money. We rarily wore the std type vest and this alone is a 90% improvement in survivability should someone need a vest in the water. I believe that most people who die while on the water without a vest die because they could not find a vest or reach it in time to put it on. How hard would it be to put on a vest in the water anyways. Mine are long and Auto inflate models which can always be converted to manuals. The conversion kit is included and stores in the vest. The manual inflate valve is a pull cord which trips the firing pin inflating the vest. The auto inflate has a pull cord as well as the dissolving tablet that allows the pin to fire and inflate the vest. A mouth operated fill tube allows you to add air to the vest since the air leaks out slowly over several days and if you were on the water this may come in handy. With all the other money I've spent chasing salmon and Walleyes on the greatlakes this is probably the smartest investment because we us them.