Manual or Auto Folks?
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Manual or Auto Folks?
My2c worth.
If you go over either from a boat or the rocks, and smack your head in the process, then a manually activated life jacket is not as likely to save you as auto
My thoughts too, although I just had a sales man (who didn't have the one in stock that I wanted) tell me if im under the boat and it auto inflates I might get stuck... Catch 22?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pengy
So im curious as to what others though...
The flip side with auto is if you are continually getting wet that it may inflate when you don't want it to. Then it is the breathalyser test to fill it when you need to which would be worse than a manual version. So it largely depends on what you will be doing and what the craft is like. For a kayak the recommendation is non inflatable.
I use a manual for the boat. Looked at an auto but the potential of it inflating when I got out of the boat to sort out a net was too high.
I would use either in a kayak or similar, I'm usually to busy grabbing other stuff floating away to be wanting to worry about having to inflate a vest as well :D
I've read an article about PFD's and kayaks by Rob Fort I think. He advised against any inflatable jackets on kayaks, and suggested the neoprene type. He said you will fall out often, either launching, fighting a fish or landing, and a 'proper' jacket means you can jump back in the yak and carry on. The others could mean your trip was over, or needed a recharge
I have manual for adults and vest type for kids.
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When doing a bar crossing course the coast guard all had inflatable life jackets, they said when doing their annual maintenance on the lifejackets they inflate them and leave them overnight to see if there are any leaks, every year they have about 10% fail. I bet most boaties wouldn't be doing checks that often, I wouldn't be surprised if a much higher percentage are wearing jackets with potential leaks in them. Im happy with my old school jacket, at least I can be 100% sure it will float if I fall in.
Manual. If you trip and fall in 2 inches of water, you don't want it going off.
And burnsco have them at $84 with members card at the mo.
Do not wear an inflatable life jacket under your wet weather gear. You can't get to it if needed (manual) & if it does go of there is nowhere for it to expand. Makes breathing difficult.Quote:
Originally Posted by berg243
Manual or auto depends on the use. If there is a strong likelihood you're going to end up in the water (kayak or bar crossings) I'd go old school.
Food for thought.
Why is there no NZ standard for life jackets/flotation devices ?
Bit confusing when looking to safeguard ones self and family
@Pengy, there is mate.
Lifejackets | Water Safety New Zealand
[QUOTE=ROKTOY;599942]@Pengy, there is mate.
[url=http://www.watersafety.org.nz/resources
Very interesting. I have never seen a notice on a lifejacket or PFD to this effect.
Pretty sure the ones we have do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pengy
All mine have got either NZ or Australian standards https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fecdbd8eca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b86bb4d698.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...42a46befcd.jpg
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Non-inflatable seems the foolproof way to go. They are not heavy either way and they double as an insulated, raised seat.
In the bush though, a common danger is from slipping, falling, hitting your head against something. Any of you routinely wearing a simple climbing helmet? Can you recommend any type or a particular model?
Looked up the Petzl helmets on trademe, they don't look too geeky.
Especially sensible if going bush on your own.
And some colours might prevent non-identified-target headshots.
Attachment 69951
Trouble is they are bulky and uncomfortable so dont get worn and are used as a insulated raised seat:faill:Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
At least with an inflatable they are hardly a hinderance so get worn....I certanly was guilty of having the life jacket as a seat for a long long time till I got inflatables. Now I wear one 90% of the time.....old habits etc.
