Opinion Wanted: SOSpenders Auto or Manual

[James D.]

For my Christmas wish list i circled some items in the BPS catalog and received a present with some money in it for the SOSpenders life vest (had the 901 circled too, but that didn't happen). My question is wether to purchase the Automatic or Manual model. How much water does it take to trigger the automatics and do they go off when damp and not submerged or how about when you get caught out in the rain? looks like a great item which would not take up too much storage and not get so hot in the summer.



thanks.



jd

 

[Greg Meyer]

Get the automatic...safety reasons primarily... But, you can always convert to manual (the parts are included) if you don't like the auto feature (can't imagine why?). I have four sets of the auto inflation 38 lbs model so that "everybody" is safe. They are very comfortable... Only a Mustang suit would be better in the winter... In the summer there is nothing better.

 

[Alan Parker]

I received a pair of automatics for Christmas. Haven't had them out yet (sad to say), but from what I read in the manual the go off after about 10 seconds of being submerged.

 

[gone bye bye]

Be aware that there was a recall on the SOSpenders.....



Only on certain models, I think you can inquire to the USCG for more info.



Personally I like the standard life jackets....XPS of course!



Mini

 

[Greg Meyer]

Mini,



The recall was only for certain models and are listed at USCG site. I don't believe the recall (that is believe) was for anything sold through BPS. I like them in the sumnmer when you can put them on and forget about them.



http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/mse4/sospenders-recall.doc

 

[Staci Matheis]

If the Sospenders inflate, cna they be deflated and re-used?

 

[Greg Meyer]

Scott,



Even if you inflate them while they are laying in the back of your truck while you wash it and accidentally spray them "just so" through the little gap in the cap window; you can deflate them and repack them. I know!



Greg

 

[Staci Matheis]

THAT was a stooopid thing to do, Greg! :^)

 

[Greg Meyer]

Scott,



By now you must realize that if it can be done... I've done it! And, if it can done "Stoopid" I have certainly done it... I have a list...it does not end or begin with the dead deer falling on my foot... that was but a single chapter in the "Forest Gump" phase of my life...that is unfortunately an "on going" phase... I am living proof that God exists... You know the one that takes care of fools and drunks... And, I don't drink anymore but HE still has lots of work...

 

[gone bye bye]

I realize that Greg...I just wanted to warn people to check it out before their life depends on it. I really like the KISS principle here....



My intent was not to degrade the product. I think its a great idea in certain situations, but make sure you have a back up plan. I have seen them inflate in a wet rod locker and/or storage area.



I will admit I own a pair. One of the early models prior to USCG approval.



Mini

 

[Greg Meyer]

Mini,



One of the principal reasons I like them is that I can get people to put them on and leave them on... My wife is a non swimmer and I could neve5r get her to wear a jacket in the summer. She would always keep one close...b ut, we know that is not a foolproof idea. The auto inflate models will "probably" bring an unconscious adult/teenager upright if they are thrown overboard. I fish some waters like Lake of the Ozarks where nutballs can own and drive like maniacs in Cigarettes and their ilk. A forty-fifty foot "yacht" at 55+ mph will do a great deal of damage to my 19' tin can and occupants. If I can get my passengers to wear a lifejacket at all times I feel a lot more comfortable. The SOSPenders seem to fill my needs for passenger safety.



Greg

 

[James D.]

thanks for the info guys - automatic it is, especially if you can make them manual also. I read a big brouchure on the sospenders but it did not go into great detail on the auto model. on the lake i fish, hardly anyone wears life jackets except for the skiers and jet skis. when i bought my boat i got a couple of neopreme vest and like them a lot - i just haven't worn them since the first couple of rides in the boat. they are just too bulky and hot in the summer and don't do much good stored away. thoght i might actually wear the sospenders. thanks again, now i have to check out the group buys and see how all that works. hey greg - i'm still learning from you guys!



jd

 

[Larry Harp]

Hey JD

Just remember to NOT leave them on the back deck of the boat when you head back in. ;>)

Harpo

 

[James D.]

soonerfan -



especially in the dark! ha! glad they had reflective strips on them and the wind wasn't blowing too much. thought i'd try out the sospenders, especially since the water is so cold right now.



jd

 

[Scott Powell]

A question for the group - do you wear the SOSpenders when running or do you swap out once you've dropped in the trolling motor?

 

[Staci Matheis]

Scott -



I've only had the opportunity to use Sospenders once, when I was out with Greg Meyer and he lent me some of his. They are so unobtrusive that I was able to leave them on when I was actively fishing and didn't even notice them.



me!

 

[Scott Powell]

I'm gonna buy two this year. I like the idea of wearing one while I'm fishing. In 20 years of Bass fishing I've only gone in once - I was alot younger then and it was still a real shock hitting the water and hard to get my wits about me...



I have always worn a 100mph impact rated vest when running the big motor - I'm thinking I could just put my regular vest on over top of the SOSpenders when I need it, but I think I'll buy the manual inflation only model.

 

[Staci Matheis]

It would seem to me that if you wear the Sospenders under another, snug fitting vest, you could injure yourself if the Sospenders were to inflate.....

 

[Greg Meyer]

You do not want to wear SOSpenders under anything... Period...end of story... Broken ribs, etc.. or worse.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Greg..... Don't tell me..... You've done THAT too?!!?