Auto inflating life vest recommendations?

One other thing to consider is that auto inflaters work assuming that nothing catastrophic has happened. If you're in the water because you hit submerged rocks or had a collision with another boat there is the possibility, that conscious or unconscious, you and your life jacket may have sustained some damage. Foam floats no matter how damaged. Poke or gash your auto inflater in an emergency situation and you are done. 

One other thing to consider is that auto inflaters work assuming that nothing catastrophic has happened. If you're in the water because you hit submerged rocks or had a collision with another boat there is the possibility, that conscious or unconscious, you and your life jacket may have sustained some damage. Foam floats no matter how damaged. Poke or gash your auto inflater in an emergency situation and you are done. 

True ... I'd love to see some statistics on how often this has happened, if ever.  I'm ok with the fact that they are USCG approved.  If it's my time to go, it's my time to go.

This discussion could veer into statistics, probabilities, "what-if" ... could become a total spin out from the root topic if so allowed to.  In the end, the facts of the matter is they are USCG approved IF & ONLY IF you are wearing it.

One other thing to consider is that auto inflaters work assuming that nothing catastrophic has happened. If you're in the water because you hit submerged rocks or had a collision with another boat there is the possibility, that conscious or unconscious, you and your life jacket may have sustained some damage. Foam floats no matter how damaged. Poke or gash your auto inflater in an emergency situation and you are done. 

True ... I'd love to see some statistics on how often this has happened, if ever.  I'm ok with the fact that they are USCG approved.  If it's my time to go, it's my time to go.

I concur.   

"If it's my time" is a poor philosophy for safety. "Plan for the worst, hope for the best" would be a better one. Also statistically, the vast majority of us will never be in an emergency situation, so if we are going to plan based on statistics we wouldn't wear a pfd at all. You can wear a pfd that will keep you afloat no matter what, or play the odds and hope it's "not your time." This is the Safety Board after all...

Anytime you are wearing a PFD, you are planning for the worst & hoping for the best.  There will always be those situations & possibilities that you simply cannot plan for thus "if it's my time, it's my time".  Statistics I was referring to wanting to see is in regards to the number of times a properly serviced, auto-inflating pfd has failed in an emergency situation.

Generally speaking, higher quality auto-inflating PFD's carry a higher buoyancy rating as well which equates to a conscious or unconscious persons head being higher out of the water.  An inlfated PFD will form a cradle around your head providing great support.  A Type 3, which is what MOST vests a kayaker wears (conventional vest) will generally NOT turn an unconscious person face-up.  Result - at least there is a body to bring home to the family.  Alas, we as a kayak 'Safety Board' group are generally very good with a buddy system so rock on & be safe out there everyone!

In the end, wear a PFD that you have confidence in & make sure you do routing inspections (same goes for conventional PFD's).

I came back to read the replies on this subject and I see some good reasoning here. And some dumb statements.

Auto Inflate is fine on a boat but on a kayak they suck imho. HT and I each had them but one day we both launched in a tall surf and by the time we busted through the second crest both of our pfd's "auto-inflated" making it almost impossible to paddle. At one point I almost stabbed the vest...but we both made it through and fished the rest of the day with de-flated vests. Lakes and rivers they would be fine (again imho) as long as you don't get them wet.

I totally agree with O2B'S first statement and that's why I stated "Mustang on the bass boat. The best"

Inflating vests are made for bass anglers who think they will never need one. The ocean is a different story. A lot of things can go bad on the ocean, adding one more thing like your PFD inflating is not good. You are rolling the dice with your life that the technology will work. Boat anglers can live in the delusion that they will never end up swimming for their life. Kayakers know that it is something that could happen.

Now this quote just sounds like a boat basher who may not have a clue and I know you are a educated man how can you make these statements? "Inflating vests were not just made for bass anglers who think they will never need one" or for delusional boat anglers like you state. Do you really believe "Kayakers know that it is something that could happen" and boat people don't.
I am well aware of the power of water. Be it salt or fresh water in any condition. I think the gentleman who started just was interested in PDF's and not the rest of this bull. So apologies to one who started this subject. My rant is over.
 

His question was "brand" of inflatable for a boat.

   The West Marine & Mustang vests are both good brands.  The Halkey-Roberts inflator used in them is the most common for service parts (that needs to be done for maintenance).

   Three inflator choices are : Manual, Auto & Hydrostatic

   Hydro will virtually eliminate any chance of one auto inflating when paddling.  The newest generation of Halkey-Roberts inflators used in the West Marine vests are pretty darn impervious to accidental inflation on a kayak, even when getting hit by waves.

http://www.kayakfishmag.com/videos/caught-on-film/test-firing-an-inflatable-pfd/

I tested this for a friends article. It was a rip cord style instead of auto inflate but still a inflatable.
I did not appreciate the experience and it was so big that it felt like it impaired me from getting back in the boat.


http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=56665.msg640472#msg640472

thought it might help