Designed for safety, comfort, and functionality, the MD3085 CM Sportsman's Deluxe Inflatable PFD in Mossy Oak Duck Blind camouflage print combines the advanced safety of inflatable technology with product enhancements such as comfort-improvement features and a safety inspection window to tell users if the inflator is ready for use. The Velcro closure makes it easy to wear and maintain while closing to the outside to reduce chafing around the neck and chest, and the neoprene Comfort Collar eliminates neck irritation. Made for all sportsmen alike, the MD3085 CM is designed with a manual inflation system, and is lightweight and close fitting to ensure it doesn't interfere with daily activities.
Manually activated inflatable PFDs are inflated by pulling an inflation cord hanging at waist-height, as opposed to automatically activated PFDs that inflate when immersed in water. Manually activated PFDs are a great choice for paddling, wade fishing and swimming where theres a reasonable chance you will end up in the water and are confident you will be able to pull the inflation cord when you need it. They are also ideal for situations where inflation control is desired.
Features: - Lightweight, comfortable and compact design
- Neoprene comfort collar for extra neck comfort
- PFD inflates by pulling activation cord
- Easy to use and re-arm
- 35-pounds of buoyancy when inflated can self-right a face-down person in seconds
Manufacturer's Warranty Mustang Survival products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year after the date of purchase
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
I bought this life vest as gift for my brother the fisherman. He and I often fish from small boats in big water, or along side some big rivers. After reading Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon I started thinking about cold water and how long you have to save yourself if you fall in, when we wear our life jackets (we've got the basic foam filled sterns models) and why we take them off.
So the basics is that we always wore our old life jackets, except when it gets really hot out and the water is calm. And then the tendency is to take it off and soak in the sun. This PDF, covers less of you when un-inflated and so is cooler to wear so we wear them longer, like all day. It's comfortable with just a tee shirt on, or over a full set of foul weather gear. The camo covering doesn't spook the fish. But inside it's bright yellow, so when you actually need it, you'll be seen. There is a bit of soft material behind the neck so it doesn't rub. It's very comfortable.
I picked the manual vs the auto inflated version because we aren't doing stuff where we are likely to be hit on the head and unable to pull the cord. And thus won't have to replace the auto inflate mechanism yearly. Plus being fishermen, these get tossed about in the bottom of the boat when we haul out.
Con: It's expensive vs those basic PDF's. (and I'm not talking about the May West version that they made you wear in camp, no one I know wears one of those unless the boat is actively sinking.)
Once you use it, you'll have to buy a new CO2 cartridge. So if your buddy is a jerk and pulls the handle on it before you actually need it, you'll be wearing a fully inflated vest for the rest of the day...or taking it off, which defeats the purpose of these.
Pro: you'll wear it longer and probably have it on when you most need it. And who can put a price on that?
