We stock those low profile PFD's. They do them in 2 sizes, 40-60kg and 60kg+

We've got the 60kg+ ones in stock but they are not auto inflate. They are manual inflate with a pull cord. They auto one has the pull cord as well but able to self inflate when submerged for a period of time.

The auto ones need to be submerged for roughyl 15-20secs for it to activate and inflate. If the person using can swim and thread water, then its best to go with the manual one. If not, the auto one would be better.

Hope that helps.

How and when do you propose to use these devices.

Got some that would fit a little bloke like me Honsu?

Cheers
Dale

Whilst travelling to and from fishing destinations and whilst fishing.

Cheers

what are they worth??

They are low profile enough so you can wear all day with it. Its lightweight and not bulky so it doesnt hinder you whilst fishing.

Yes Dale, they're rated 60kg+.....probably limited to about 150kg!! Im sure you are within that.....hehe

Priced at $100 to FW members.

I need something that will not hinder me whilst fishing. I have seen some on the IFish show, is this similar to the ones they have. My current Type 1 PFD is a bit bulky and I have to pull it down every so often.

HI Johan

Yeh very slim line. Its basically U-shaped and goes around your neck and the front. Slim straps behind you and around the waist. Thats it, not chunky foam or metal parts to weigh them down.

Looks like this but different brand and in black.

Does it have the Australian stamp of approval as a Type 1 PFD?

but if you hit the water unconscious, for what ever reason, the self inflating PFD gives me some confidence that I may take another breath.

Just a couple of points on inflatable life jackets.

These can be used as your primary, or secondary life jackets.

If they are your  primary, i.e you have no other non inflatable life jackets on hand, (and you are on a boat) then they must be tested and certified each year (12 months). Except on initial purchase, then must be tested 12 months after the purchase date.

If they are your secondary life jackets, you can service them yourself.

How do I know this, I spoke to God at the marine department, after many phone transfers etc.

I test my own at this stage, and can say that Stormy are much better designed and made than others I also have. While the bladders are all made in China, the stormy yoke when inflated retains the tough fabric cover around the bladder as protection, while the others, the bladder is exposed.

Quality of materials, stitching etc is better. Servicing $50 each, ex Tasmainia if required.

PS I have also been checked on the water by the Police, and they checked test dates and the life jackets I had on board.

I wear the stormy all the time at sea and find it fine.

Yes it does...all PFD Type 1 jackets must be approved to be legal to use and sell.

What does the servicing involve

Is servicing puttin on a new cylinder and inflating it looking for leaks ?

Examine all components, stitching, etc for damage, fraying, detoriation.

Manually inflate and leave over-night, if the pressure held its OK.

Check that the gas bottle has not been fired. Replace if it has or shows any sign of damage.

Clean the jacket, and (try to ) put the jacket back to its origional uninflated condition.

The jacket shown looks like a stormy. Check out their web sight. As far as these products are concerned you do get what you pay for.

If it is going to be your primary type 1 PFD, it must be checked every 12 months by a certified tester, no but's. So Sormy will test at $50 per jacket, plus parts, postage included.

here in Perth the price varies between $60-80 plus parts for the "Yoke" style.

The only people legal to check and service in Perth is Life Raft Services.

I'd always check them as if they are stamped out of date than they are out of date. Often when you buy them new there are allready out of date. Recent fishing grand final in Sydney harbour there were all checked and even though they were brand new fines were issued.

Also need to check for Australian Cert stamping. Many arn't legit..

That;s the thing that worries me, maybe I will stay with the old fasioned jackets for now.

Whilst on a jetski I would look into it more carefully.  Some guys i know have been put thru the ringer by dpi water police etc about there use on jetski's..  There argument if you come off at 80-100 clicks will you have time to inflate it before you hit the water and knock yourself unconscious..

Some guys where the pfd 2-3 jackets under and the pfd inflateable on top to overcome these situations to be leagl when offshore but safe if they come off..

This is where these laws get stupid because in eastern states pfd1 's on jetski's are banned..  risk of a high speed off and the neck peice catching water and causing serious neck injuries

food for thought...

Thing is I go up to 5 miles of shore some times and past 400 meters here in WA we must have PFD type 1. The one I have rubs me on the chin and cheeks and after some time it becomes very irritating and gives me a rash, to top it all the salt water makes it worse. I was therefor looking into something thats more comfortable and less irritating. The rules are funny sometimes, not sure who makes them but it amazes me as well.

For boats its easier as the Jacket just has to be on the boat. In my case I have to have it on all the time. Maybe in a year or two technology will have improved and more comfortable jackets will be available.

I am also worried about the 10 - 15 seconds it takes to auto inflate. By that time I have probably inhaled and drowned. That is a bit dodgy for me. I don't speed so I gues falling off at high speed is not so much a problem for me but I can always bump my head against the Ski when falling so I guess it is a cuase of concern.

Better safe than sorry

Comparison of inflatable life jackets

Type: RFD 150N manual : Inflatable Adult PFD Type 1, AS 1512, manufactured in China

Design

RFD 150N manual : Yoke style, Stainless steel buckle, Stainless ring for lanyard etc on waist strap beside buckle. Activates by pulling a cord coming out of right hand bottom of yoke.

Has a separate single chamber bladder contained within a separate outer cover.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Has a separate single chamber bladder contained within an outer cover. On inflation the bladder stays contained within the outer cover.

Quality of materials

RFD 150N manual : Strap made of black nylon webbing, quality of stitching good.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Quality of materials appeared to be very good.

Quality of manufacture

RFD 150N manual : Well made.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Well made, quality of stitching good, Webbing and buckles good.

Ease of fitting

RFD 150N manual :

Stormy Yoke 150N: Easier to do up waist strap buckle.

Both vests would be near impossible to put on if inflated.

Comfort

RFD 150N manual : Around the neck un-inflated comfortable, seems a bit bulky on the chest, back strap tends to twist, sits high above waist. Front strap hard to adjust.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Waist strap easier (just) to adjust. Sits flatter on chest. Less comfortable around neck.

Accessories:

RFD 150N manual : mouth piece to allow oral inflation, Whistle on cord and a short hand lanyard.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Accessory pocket supplied. mouth piece mounted near cylinder, harder to reach. Whistle on cord.

Comments:

RFD 150N manual : The bladder looks like a cabin aviation type life jacket. Probably just modified to suit marine use. Outer cover  looks as though it may become a tangle or hinderence in the water. Main instructions and service details written on the bladder.

It is easy to pack the inflation cord inside the cover, i.e. unaccessable to wearer. It is also possible to fit the cylinder 180 degrees the wrong way up, and it becomes impossible to inflate.

Stormy Yoke 150N: Bladder is made for “Global PFD Tasmainia, but by china.

I think in an emergency situation, the Stormy “Pocket Pull” method of inflation would be easier to use. The small knob on a cord of the RFD may be hard to find in emergency situations.

One cannot swim effectively with these on when inflated.

Servicing:

Stormy Yoke 150N: Annually, not easy to examine the bladder. It is easier to repack after inspection.

RFD service their own jackets here in Fremantle.

Stormy offer a quick turn around from Tassy.

For use on a boat i would recomend the Yoke style, As during summer the jacketed models may get a bit hot.

On a Jet ski, I would contact Stomy, they make quite a few different types, including specials for the fishing and yachting industry.

I bit of advice that should be considered always. DO NOT WEAR YOUR INFLATABLE JACKET UNDER ANY CLOTHING WHAT SO EVER. AT ANY POINT.

A guy i new would wear his self inflating jacket under his wet weather gear. Any way the jacket slowely soaked through and activating his jacket. Wet weather gear wouldn't give and it nearly colapised his chest cavity. serously it was nasty accident.

As for jet skis i would always argue that my 100mph rated vest wasn't good enough but a $15 over head jacket was adequate. Stupid. My suggestion is that you try differenet brand jackets. Some have a different cut than others and that may help with the rash.