05-05-2006, 05:02 PM
[reply]
[#0000ff]I'm thinking of going to the SOSpenders just to eliminate another item of bulk and to be protected in all cases.[/#0000ff] [/reply]
I've been using one of the Stearns inflatable PFDs for about three years. It works very well. Compared to the foam ones it is so comfortable you hardly know you have it on. One less thing to stow in the boat since its on your person.
Have I ever tried it? Once. One day I was walking back from fishing a small trout pond on foot. I had it on *under* my vest. (Dumb move.) I thought, "Ya know, I've never really tried this thing." At that instant I reached down (without contemplating the wisdom of such a move) and pulled the ripcord. The thing went off like a gunshot. Instantly I was puffed up like a toad in mating season. Well... it works, I thought, as I carefully exited my stretched to the limit fishing vest. I was glad no one was watching.
Now the whole world knows.
On that shakedown I learned three things: (1) It works - fast. (2) Don't wear it under your clothing. (3) Don't try it if anyone is watching unless you are in the process of going down in the waves.
The thing cost me about 80 bucks. It was $16.95 to replace the spent cartridge. My life is worth that much - for comic relief if nothing else.
BTW Tube Dude. I like your new avitar. You design that?
z~
[signature]
[#0000ff]I'm thinking of going to the SOSpenders just to eliminate another item of bulk and to be protected in all cases.[/#0000ff] [/reply]
I've been using one of the Stearns inflatable PFDs for about three years. It works very well. Compared to the foam ones it is so comfortable you hardly know you have it on. One less thing to stow in the boat since its on your person.
Have I ever tried it? Once. One day I was walking back from fishing a small trout pond on foot. I had it on *under* my vest. (Dumb move.) I thought, "Ya know, I've never really tried this thing." At that instant I reached down (without contemplating the wisdom of such a move) and pulled the ripcord. The thing went off like a gunshot. Instantly I was puffed up like a toad in mating season. Well... it works, I thought, as I carefully exited my stretched to the limit fishing vest. I was glad no one was watching.
Now the whole world knows.
On that shakedown I learned three things: (1) It works - fast. (2) Don't wear it under your clothing. (3) Don't try it if anyone is watching unless you are in the process of going down in the waves.
The thing cost me about 80 bucks. It was $16.95 to replace the spent cartridge. My life is worth that much - for comic relief if nothing else.
BTW Tube Dude. I like your new avitar. You design that?
z~
[signature]