Hey everyone I just wanted to let you know that West Marine is having a sale on SOSpenders until 3/20... 30% off. Not a bad deal, especially if they save your life.

OK so who has used which model? For the extra 30 bucks do you get the offshore model????

My son-in-law bought the automatic model for me two years ago. I use them every trip. My fishing partners also wear them. They are now part of the uniform. The most sobering fact of drownings is that 90% of people that drown never intended to get wet in the first place. How could I teach safety to my grandchildren if I did not practice it myself? My model has large D rings that serve no purpose for me.

You can take off the auto inflate on them too. The thing is, rain,sea water from a wave,and even heavy fog can set the auto inflate off when you don't want it to go off. I know it's good if you hit yer head ,but I prefer to not have it go off every time it gets wet. It is a great thing to have though . I don't wear it onthe rocks all the the time, but when it is real rough it is a great piece of equipment to have.