08-23-2011, 05:04 AM
The best PFD is the one that is worn, especially as one's age goes up or fitness goes down. We have had an unusual number of mysterious drownings this hot summer (record number of 100 degree+) in my area. http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Water-res...65998.html Also, some commercial deep sea deck hands use them because they allow enough comfort/mobility to do vigorous work. That's good enough for me.
I think it is a good idea to test all features of an inflatable PFD at least once after purchase. You may find the inflation point where your face is out of water is considerably less than the full inflation provided by the canister. A partially inflated vest has a lot of give, as the bulk is less and it can move around to accomodate some contortions compared to a foam block on your chest.
Walking around with an open umbrella is still better than walking around holding a foam block over your head for rain protection. Wearing partially inflated works for me when I expect special hazards, but it's not for everyone. Most of the time (90%+), I wear uninflated and don't even know it's there. Still, I'm against any law that forces someone to purchase a PFD.
Pon
[signature]
I think it is a good idea to test all features of an inflatable PFD at least once after purchase. You may find the inflation point where your face is out of water is considerably less than the full inflation provided by the canister. A partially inflated vest has a lot of give, as the bulk is less and it can move around to accomodate some contortions compared to a foam block on your chest.
Walking around with an open umbrella is still better than walking around holding a foam block over your head for rain protection. Wearing partially inflated works for me when I expect special hazards, but it's not for everyone. Most of the time (90%+), I wear uninflated and don't even know it's there. Still, I'm against any law that forces someone to purchase a PFD.
Pon
[signature]