Dangers of inflatable PFD's

Thinking about getting an inflatable PFD?

Here are some reasons not to get a inflatable PFD for a kayak:

Major Concerns with Inflatable PFD's
* They are used in a "Panic Situation", usually for the very first time being used
* Bulky when inflated, hindering Self Rescues
* CO2 cartridges are not all the same for each manufacturer
* If you are a poor or non-swimmer, you have to hold onto your boat, hold onto your paddle and with your THIRD hand pull a leaver to inflate the PFD, all during a possible panic situation…….good luck!
* Salt Water can damage the CO2 Cartridges
* If physically damaged, they fail!
* No pockets for Flares etc. (not all of the Inflatable PFD’s)
* There is no insulation value when not inflated
* Once inflated they are very bulky
* They are a mechanical device which lends itself to failure
* You might be in VERY FRIGID WATERS! Cold Hands will make it next to Impossible to pull the Inflation Lever

http://www.meetup.com/KAYAK-GULF-NATURE-COAST-CENTRAL-FLORIDA-RIVERS/pages/Dangers_of_Inflatable_PFDs/

Yes the link has a few references to spray skirts but most of the points are relevant to SOT's.

Foam PFD's are pretty damn comfortable, they are dependable and work immersion after immersion after immersion. I'm not sure what one is gaining by wearing an inflatable PFD (a little bit of comfort? well sitting in your kayak anyways) and there are numerous risks listed above. So the downsides are significant and the upsides are...?

I have an inflatable PFD that I wear during the summer and then only on water where the potential and consequences of an unplanned swim are low.  In the right conditions the comfort factor outweighs the risk.  There are many times and  places (ocean, cold water, etc.) where an inflatable PFD is not a safe choice.  I think in the end it all comes down to the level of risk you are willing to accept.   

I have an inflatable PFD that I wear during the summer and then only on water where the potential and consequences of an unplanned swim are low.  In the right conditions the comfort factor outweighs the risk.  There are many times and  places (ocean, cold water, etc.) where an inflatable PFD is not a safe choice.  I think in the end it all comes down to the level of risk you are willing to accept.   

I bought one for hot weather in warm, calm water. I plan on using it this summer on Hagg Lake.

I wear one on the SUP and prone boards. I find it uncomfortable whilst in the kayaks. If you get one, take it for a practice use.  They can be a pain to repack, but it's worth the peace of mind experienced from being familiar with the inflation/wearing.

I agree with the opinions on the inflatable PFD's; however, in some cases, they are the only option other than not getting on the water.  With the typical "Pear Shape" or "Beer Gut" of most larger people like myself, there are just not any non-inflatables made for us that work for kayaking which makes the inflatable the only option.  Eventually some sporting goods company will realize that there is profit in making gear for larger people looking to get smaller by doing those things that we are technically and physically able to do like Kayaking and Kayak angling.

This style will absolutely NOT protect me if I suffer a stroke or a heart attack that knocks me out or something like that while on the water.  I accept that risk based on my end of life choice to be DNR.  (Do Not Resuscitate)

Ndogg made a great point about accepting risk.  For me, I am secure in my faith and do not fear the end, but will do everything within reason to secure a long life. (PFD, drysuit, practice, correct safety gear, getting in proper shape, etc...)   I am also an expert swimmer, USMC survival  trained, and grew up living in/on/around the water.  I personally would not ever recommend an inflatable PFD for anyone that is not fully competent in the water.

If I had a choice, I would have purchased a standard foam PFD in the beginning. Soon I will be able to fit into one and plan on switching over to it because it is a better option for my safety. 

Thanks Micahgee for the thread!  Excellent info and opinions here!

I agree with the opinions on the inflatable PFD's; however, in some cases, they are the only option other than not getting on the water.  With the typical "Pear Shape" or "Beer Gut" of most larger people like myself, there are just not any non-inflatables made for us that work for kayaking which makes the inflatable the only option.  Eventually some sporting goods company will realize that there is profit in making gear for larger people looking to get smaller by doing those things that we are technically and physically able to do like Kayaking and Kayak angling.

I didn't think about that good point.

I believe there are already companies out there with real life-jackets for larger people.
Most companies like Extrasport carry models in 2XL and the Stearns brand has lifejacket models with sizes up to 7XL.

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Competitor-Seriestrade-Fishing-Vest-P18.aspx#.UV3sCZBDvhl

If I were to use an inflatable, I think I would get the self-inflating.  That being said, I was in Charleston, SC for some maritime training and we were told to jump in the water to be familiar with the vest.  I was probably about 10-12 feet under water before I ended up having to pull the back-up manual inflate tab.  The self-inflation vests will not always self-inflate.  A little tablet has to dissolve first.  It was pretty cool when it did inflate.  I got a quick ride to the surface.

I tested miine this year in real conditons.  I plan to have my dad (almost 80, overweight with bad balance ) put it on before he even hits the dock.  He took a tumble last springer season getting out of the boat onto the dock and I then realized if he falls in I need time to help him back to safety.  The inflatable will give me that time without wrapping him in a bulky life jacket.  I jumped out of the boat into the Willamette fully clothed. Took about 5 seconds to find the pull cord and once it deployed I floated like a cork.  I plan to increase the size of the pull tab to make it easier to find with old fingers in a emergency situation.  I feel confident  trusting my life (and my dads)  to one in any inshore (rescue is close by) conditions.

  The self-inflation vests will not always self-inflate.  A little tablet has to dissolve first. 

Not true for all of them. The new kind we use at work has a hydrostatic release, which is far and away a better choice, not only for quicker reaction, but also because working in adverse conditions all the time can cause those tablets to get wet, and I've seen more than one decide to give a guy a hug he didn't ask for. Pretty funny actually

It was pretty cool when it did inflate.  I got a quick ride to the surface.

[Hunt for Red October] Full rise on the fair water planes.  EMERGENCY BLOW! [/HFRO]

  The self-inflation vests will not always self-inflate.  A little tablet has to dissolve first. 

Not true for all of them. The new kind we use at work has a hydrostatic release, which is far and away a better choice, not only for quicker reaction, but also because working in adverse conditions all the time can cause those tablets to get wet, and I've seen more than one decide to give a guy a hug he didn't ask for. Pretty funny actually

Ha! That would be funny to see.