Opinions on inflatable life vests needed

[Grayfox]

I'm looking at the suspenders and cabela's brand of automatic inflateable life vests and I'm wondering if anyone has a preference and do you need to rearm them after so many years? To be honest I don't wear my vest unless I'm fishing at night but my 11 year old always has his on and I would like to get us both a set as I've heard they're more comfortable. Let me know what you all think of these because I know I really should be wearing a vest all the time and setting a good example instead of ending up as turtle food because the vest was a little cumbersome to wear. Thanks.

[waskawood]

I would suggest trying them all on and see how they fit. Some have more relief in the back of the neck while others rub on the back of the neck and by the end of the day will rub you raw.

[Ufatz]

SOSpeners have been around a long time and are very well made. Try them on if you can, but they generally will fit just fine and, in my experience, do not rub as Waskawood suggests. But try 'em on if you can. It is a good idea to test them. Just so you'll know, we popped a couple of them that were ten-years old and POOOOFFF. Instant PFDevice!! If they were no good the USCG would not approve them. BUT....you MUST wear them. Nobody likes to wear them all the time, but at least wear them while running, in the dark, and it deep water,and rough water. My guess is that the Cabela's vests are equally as well made and dependable. Enjoy the summer and stay on TOP of the water.

[DinkADunk]

Choose the one with the most readily available rearming kit. As for mine I set it off and rearm it once a year. It's a good idea when you get one to walk into a lake and let it go off. It's quite a surprise the first time and you should know what to expect. Except for when it's cold and I'm wearing a Mustang Survival floatation jacket I always have my sospenders on.