Advice on PFDs please
Hi all Im after a bit of info on PFDs if anyone can help
living in Carnarvon I spend a lot of time on the quobba rocks (hence the nickname i guess) and have decided to do the right n safe thing and get myself a lifejacket to wear when im on some of the lower ledges, just incase the worse happens and i end up in the drink...
I dont mind paying whatever for one, but am a bit picky as to what it must be like:
-must be self (auto) inflating, ie: if i was to bash my head and go unconsious it would inflate by itself and give me half a chance.
-must be light and not too cumbersome- some of the ledges are a pain in the a** to climb to during the summer in even the lightest clothing.
anyone have one they could recommend or know of one that fits the above description? Id found some on the net a while ago when I was looking at them, but buggered if I can find the website again.
Thanks in advance for any help/ advice anyone can give!
fishintruckie
Posts: 198
Date Joined: 22/07/08
Try
Try www.whitworths.com.au
They have a reasonable selection
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Just disscussed this one but -
There are a couple of points that you may want to consider. The inflatable PFD sold now in most stores is a bladder (not inflated) with a strip of light canvas like material wrapped around it with the edges fastened with vellcro tape.
On inflation the vellcro rips apart as the bladder inflates. The bladder is now exposed to damage i.e. rocks, sharp shells etc. On top of that the material part is still attached but floating about with potential to get caught by you or other obstacles.
I found that the Stormy yoke PFD apart from fitting flat on your chest, on inflation, the bladder remained protected by the outter canvas material cover, so you have double the protective layer for the bladder. I.e. the outter cover is made big enough to contain the inflated bladder.
I thought the Stormy was easier (of the two types I have) to manually inflate, it comes with a pocket for some other device you may want with you. And Stormy offer a postal service if you need to get it repaired or inspected.
Both of the types I have are made in China, though the outter cover and strapping of the Stormy may be made in Tassie. It comes with the auto inflate option. They have a shop on the net and sell for $130 incl postage.
Another product they market that may interest you is a life-ring "Bomb", its done up as a small throwing device and auto inflates as a life-ring when it hits the water. That is just incase one of your mates fall in.
Hope this info helps. Do a search, info on inflateable PFD's has just been a recent topic.
Quobbarockhopper
Posts: 393
Date Joined: 28/05/10
Thanks guys Ive done a
Thanks guys
Ive done a bit of research and found 3 that i think look ok- stormy, ballistic and a rashie type one called aquasafe reapercheater....
has anyone got/had/seen any of these and could give me some feedback on them? or any recommendations on other brands? have searched the archives here and not many people actualy name names or give any idea whats good or not
cheers again
carnarvonite
Posts: 8708
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Rescue boat
Come down to the sea rescue building and get who ever is there to give John a call and I'll come down and show you the ones we use. Not positive on the brand but they are good gear and comfortable to wear.