SOSpenders

[marknamy]

Looking to purchase SOSpenders for both my wife and I.
Vest or fanny pack?
Automatic or manual?
Looking for safety and comfort. I am not a big fan of the old fashioned lifejacket and don't feel like spending a lot of money on an expensive jacket when I could spend the same amount and get a lifejacket that my wife and I would wear without being uncomfortable.
Any and all feedback would be greatly apprecieated.

[redhooks]

Might want to think about an automatic-just in case someone gets thrown from the boat and isn't concious to pull the cord. I have 2 and wear them most of the time but the one time I really needed one I pulled the cord, it inflated and slowly deflated as I was swimming to shore-I found a small burn hole from a cigarette. Now I test mine a couple times a summer and still have a real lifejacket hanging on the back of my seat. I have a vest style made for stearns which is nice becasue it has lots of pockets for wading w/ flyfishing gear.

[Guest]

Dont get the fanny pack type. I have the regular kind an love it. The fanny pack type will not role you over if you are knocked unconcious and fall into the water. The regular kind will. This was by far the best purchase I have made for my boat. Most people dont wear their jackets because they are uncomfortable/hot. I find that I wear my SOSpenders all the time. I dont even know I have it on, you wont either. It doesnt matter if its super hot out, you cant feel it. It will not interfere with fishing either. And get the automatic inflation one. For the same reason above. Also with the auto one, I have had mine pritty wet with boat spray and it hasnt inflated so dont worry about that. Just make sure you inflate it manually every year and see if it still has air in it the next day. Get one you will love it.

[mnrstrider]

I have one, I love this thing, I probably should've gotten a automatic one since I fish alone a lot, but I always do have extra life jackets aboard. And yeah, I alwyas wear my jacket now, I forget I'm even wearing the thing.

[Ufatz]

I remember when these things came out. They are one of the BEST safety products ever developed. Buy 'em and use 'em. They could save your life.
Don't leave the dock without 'em.

[marknamy]

Thanks for the replys,
I was leaning toward the automatic vest. Now I'm sold.
Now if someone could develop a SOSpender for children. I can't imagine how uncomfortable the vest is on my 18 month old son. He is my best fishing buddy and always wears his vest. Would be nice if he could also be cool and comfortable.