Who out there uses an inflatable fishing vest? What are the bests brands/ models? Thanks in advance.

Before xmas I bought the Stearns inflat. at G.I Joes for $133. A well made vest and is C.G. aproved,but hangs to low for deep wading.I took the Stearns back and bought the Stormy Seas inflat. for $114. not as many pockets and it is not C.G. aproved. The Stormy Seas is a much lighter vest and perfect for deep wading.The only other inflat. that I know of is made by Mustang in Canada and not being C.G. aproved they would not ship to the U.S..

I bought SOSpenders Sport Models on Ebay for 69.95 each. They are USCG approved type V and are automatic or manual inflate. ?The World Class are about 20 more.

I've had various size people in them so far and everyone seems to like them.

Here's where I picked up my inflatables. Landfall Navigation

I have three of the auto inflatable vest and love them. they are lite weight and after a while you for get you have it on. I often wear mine under my rain jacket. last year me friend cliff wanted to test his vest. He sat on the side of the boat and just fell in like he was unconcious. the vest inflated so fast he hardly got his hair wet. I mean it just poped like a cork. i would not go out with out one , and my wife makes sure i don't.

I love my Sospenders. I got the extra long model with extra buoyancy. They are sure comfy to fish in and not too hot out here in the desert in summertime.

The best PFD is one you will actually WEAR, so I recommend these because you don't know they're there so you'll wear them!

I do not have the auto inflatables, but I suspect they're a better idea in the event you bump your noggin on the way to the water. Hmmm, maybe I need to make a new purchase. . . .

I use the Stormy Seas V200, locally made and available from Seattle Marine. I believe in the premise that if it is comfortable you will wear it... this is.

I'll vouch for the SOSpenders.. lightweight & good quality.

I have the SOSpenders auto-inflate. It is a Type V for USCG. Doesn't count towards the required number of life jackets on board unless you are wearing it. It is comfortable.

You can check out my pink (it's really red) Stormy Seas vest on the "Sol_on_the_Duc eats crow" thread. It's awesome. Just rip off the velcro pocket, and it's instant Micheline Man.

Sol - where did you purchase your vest and what model number is it?

Looks like I'll have to add modeling to my resume. Good to know I'll have something to fall back on when the bottom drops out of the engineering industry.

I'll have to check on the model number and PM you.

Seattle Marine. Its a V200

Thanks for all the replies guys. Anybody else tried the Stearns inflatable?

are these inflatable vests reusable.

Yes... the Story Seas vests have an "insert" system that is easily removed for washing the vest, etc.

It does take a bit of work to get the air out of the insert once you have "tested" the CO2 system.... ala air matresses on a camping trip.