Anybody Use SOS Inflatable Vests While Fishing

[Crafty Angler]

Just wondered - there are some for sale for $69 and I wondered if any of my rock-hoppin' bretheren are using 'em.

I've been thinking about them for a while - a friend has been after me to get some - he knows the spots where I like to fish ( some are where we used to surf together) - and I usually fish alone anyway.

The only thing that bothers me is bobbing around like a cork in a swell that close to rocks and not being able to get under breaking surf.

Whaddya think? Go for it? Is that a good price or not?

[fishaholic18]

Crafty, if ya don't mind me askin', were did ya find them for $69????

[Joe]

I have one -
I have never pulled the cord, but I came close a couple of times.
If it is any comfort, for all the speculation about the merits of a pfd and the supposition that they cause the wearer to be bashed about the rocks - no angler on the striper coast has ever drown while wearing one.
$69 is $20 less than what I paid for mine 10 years ago.

[beamie]

Crafty,

For that money how can you go wrong.
Have never worn one but now that I have a couple little ones at home been thinking about getting one of the auto inflatable ones. Especially for when I go out alone to pull my 10 Pots.

I assume for $69 it is the Manual Model. Probably don't need the auto but if your on the rocks and hit your head....well might be nice. And they hardly take up any room.

[Crafty Angler]

Thanks, guys -

It's actually the auto inflatable one that's on sale - I'm afraid I'll have to wait until I order mine but I'll post it as soon as I do - I've been thinking about it for years, figured I'm getting too old to be that stupid.

I was thinking about 10x10 recently - as well as a coupla buddies of mine - and in each case it probably would have helped save them.

I'll post the sales outlet as soon as I get the OK from the commander-in-chief (also secretary of the treasury ) to order mine.

[maddog2020]

I use the camoflaged World Class SOSpenders. Got them on sale last yr and never looked back. Saw Sport model ones for as low as $59.88 plus shipping via mail order.

I went with manual inflate. I am in the surf most of the time and get splashed too much by water so the auto one I was afraid it would be going off on the time.

My 6 yr old daughter was the driving incentive to get the SOSpenders. My wife would just have TOO much fun without me!

[afterhours]

bought sospenders from ediscountbike.com on ebay for $39.99. they currently have some on ebay. sport model,mossy green, manual inflate, good deal. son and g/f glad i bought them,me too.

[Crafty Angler]

Thanks, afterhours - never thought to check ebay -

[spence]

Is that the belt model that's so cheap? Even on Ebay the full size World Class version is usually 90 bucks. I think I paid just over 100 for the World Class Manual.

I'll wear mine mostly when alone at night. Don't even really notice it's on.

-spence

[fishweewee]

I have two of 'em. Haven't pulled the cord yet.

While they are one part of my safety system I don't rely on them.

I think swimming laps at the local pool is just as important towards drown-proofing yourself, as well as a good dose of common sense.

[JohnR]

I use my SOSpenders when fishing sports where the breakyurassability factor is high. These will be going on the boat too.

Have not needed to use them but I got a little kid at home now and anyone that's surfcasted seriously has tumbled at some point. Damn, I remember a few times fishing a certain B-way when I was so tired I'm almost nodding off standing on the edge...

Crafty - check PMs...

[Steve K]

I have the auto-inflate model and I wear it in dangerous areas. After a while I don't even notice that it is on. As far as the auto-inflatable inflating while you are getting splashed by waves, I have never had it happen. The pellet that disolves quickly in water which triggers the inflation needs to be submerged for this to happen. However, I did have mine inflate on its own in my car because there was some moisture inside the mechanism and it was extremely hot in my car. Either way, buy one type or the other.

[tlapinski]

i am not a fan of these. sure no fishermen wearing one has ever died because they were bashed against the rocks, but i would still rather chance it. i would rather die in the surf than die in a hospital!

has anyone talked to a fisherman that has actually had to pull the cord?

[RIROCKHOUND]

I have one, use it very rarely from the surf, to be honest when it is really primal, I wear my wetsuit, (No comments about the fat seal fishing on the end of the breachway would rather swim in that than anything... I have it more for working in the winter on the water.. (Might as well be a floating popsicle if i fall overboard...

[Mr. Sandman]

I use the manual belt model on my boat. My kids wear the auto inflate type on the boat.

While surf fishing I don't were a PFD as I generally don't do much extreme surf fishing anymore. It is probably not a bad idea to have one on if you plan to get pounded by waves.

[Crafty Angler]

Hey, I ain't fishing with you around, Bryan - when the seals show up, the bass take off

[Surely Bassey]

I fish sandbars at Nauset Inlet and the undertoe at the race is serious. I'm not that great a swimmer either so I for Father's day last year I got the autoinflatemodel. Never had it go off yet. My swimming pool is opening this weekend and I thought I would wear it in just to see how this think works. I seem to remember the vests cost more for more pounds of "lift". The rearming kit is about $17 but I think the CO2 may be available at any bike shop for less.

[nor-easter]

I wear my SOSpenders from the truck till I get back to the truck. I sometimes find myself behind the wheel driving home with it still on. Very comfortable and if I go overboard I have but to "Pull the rip cord" and she inflates.

If you can buy the "Pull cord to inflate" type for $70.00 bucks then do it!
What's your life worth?

[JohnR]

I put this link up the other day: http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperT...ghlight=safety

I prefer not to fish in "cammo" as surfcaster cammo is really black, but for the price - hard to beat

[afterhours]

the sos in the johnr post are exactly the ones i bought from ediscountbike.com on ebay for $39.99, as of yesterday he had more.

[Crafty Angler]

Well, the reason I call it safety yellow is because a friend involved in a boating accident was saved because he was wearing a yellow foul weather top while clinging to the bow ring of an overturned SeaCraft - and spotted by a sharp eyed Coastie.

That sealed the deal for me on wearing yellow.

[JohnR]

was this upturned boat last year off, err, "Turkey Reef" ??

[RIROCKHOUND]

Yeah yeah talk smack there skinny lil crafty.. wait till I get ya on this side in june... oops he slipped!!
Go NCSWFC.....

[Bigcat]

I like the belt pouch models very easy to wear and don't get in the way. I keep 2 belts,and one sospender on board,and I incourage my guest to wear them.

[spence]

How do the belt models work? I assume you have to put it on once in the water???

-spence

[Bigcat]

Originally posted by spence
How do the belt models work? I assume you have to put it on once in the water???

-spence

It is a small pouch you wear around your waist.
I don't know how to post pictures,maybe someone will post a picture?

[Crafty Angler]

Sorry John, didn't see your question re the SC - no, this was a dozen years ago on Brenton Reef -