03-20-2013, 05:15 PM
Even no PFD works in a semi-controlled emergency, like when floating in tight groups of people and not far from shore, in warm water, etc. The tube itself is likely to have at least one section which remains intact long enough to keep you afloat for rescue. Unless you have a motor/battery on your unit, which is likely to take you down fast, maybe trapping you before you can get out.
I like the automatic/manual/mouth inflatable suspender type, which would help in true life threatening situations. The air pockets in the suspenders will flip you so your face is out of water for breathing, and are so thin/comfortable your motion is not affected in a tube, (unlike most fishermen's vests). They can be partially inflated for extreme hazard situations, should one desire extra confidence about the self inflation mechanism. With extra capacity built in (even when partially inflated), they are more comfortable than the conventional types for me, because the bubble pushes out of the way when you move around. I don't see how waist pak types would help much, unless you go over at full function, where you can use the extra buoyancy to tread water with your face out.
Whatever type you use, always test them ASAP to see if they will do the job for you.
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote smallwaterpro]We like wearing life preservers while in our tubes, I know most dont. we wear suspenders but have been looking at inflatable waist preservers. Does anyone have any experiance with these? we think they may be even more out of the way in a tube. Thanks[/quote]
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I like the automatic/manual/mouth inflatable suspender type, which would help in true life threatening situations. The air pockets in the suspenders will flip you so your face is out of water for breathing, and are so thin/comfortable your motion is not affected in a tube, (unlike most fishermen's vests). They can be partially inflated for extreme hazard situations, should one desire extra confidence about the self inflation mechanism. With extra capacity built in (even when partially inflated), they are more comfortable than the conventional types for me, because the bubble pushes out of the way when you move around. I don't see how waist pak types would help much, unless you go over at full function, where you can use the extra buoyancy to tread water with your face out.
Whatever type you use, always test them ASAP to see if they will do the job for you.
Hope this helps.
Pon
[quote smallwaterpro]We like wearing life preservers while in our tubes, I know most dont. we wear suspenders but have been looking at inflatable waist preservers. Does anyone have any experiance with these? we think they may be even more out of the way in a tube. Thanks[/quote]
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