Floatation Jacket or suit
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riverdog
- Silver Participant
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- Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:25 am
- Location: Prescott Ont.
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Re: Floatation Jacket or suit
I wore it Sunday more as a trial...I'm hoping it pans out. If not I'll flip it & go with AA or Striker. The only reason I bought it online is that it wasn't available in the area. I did try on last yrs non floating model at Sail but I guess I didn't notice the bibs being so light in the back of the leg. On the flip side it's full of common sense pockets has a zipper on both ends of the bib making it easy to draw your name in the snow. The coat seemed more than warm just seemed to lack in the back side of the legs. I may have to get some hip high boots lol..
Fishing the St.Lawrence 12 months a year!
Re: Floatation Jacket or suit
Sorry for bumping...just my observations...
I have both Mustang and Stearns. Mine are all bomber style because I like the added mobility with less chance of "catching" the coat tails. I have been in the pool with my jackets and the elastic waist bands help keep some of the water in/out. Some of the longer coats have internal waist bands that may work as well.
They are not a substitute for a survival suit, but they are far better than just a life jacket. I wear mine all of the time unless I get too hot and will switch to an auto inflate only while fishing. The coat is back on underway and always across the bar.
My mustangs seem to be a little better made, but I have an old stearns that is still in service.
Finally, as I have told many of my water friends, camo looks cool and blue may be stylish but you don't want either one when the CG is trying to find you. Bright Orange, add reflective patches and a strobe in the pocket that can be fixed to your jacket or clip one on!(I also keep a light stick in the inside pocket next to my PLB.)
Just some suggestions that I hope will help.
I have both Mustang and Stearns. Mine are all bomber style because I like the added mobility with less chance of "catching" the coat tails. I have been in the pool with my jackets and the elastic waist bands help keep some of the water in/out. Some of the longer coats have internal waist bands that may work as well.
They are not a substitute for a survival suit, but they are far better than just a life jacket. I wear mine all of the time unless I get too hot and will switch to an auto inflate only while fishing. The coat is back on underway and always across the bar.
My mustangs seem to be a little better made, but I have an old stearns that is still in service.
Finally, as I have told many of my water friends, camo looks cool and blue may be stylish but you don't want either one when the CG is trying to find you. Bright Orange, add reflective patches and a strobe in the pocket that can be fixed to your jacket or clip one on!(I also keep a light stick in the inside pocket next to my PLB.)
Just some suggestions that I hope will help.
All the best: https://under-the-open-sky.com/best-ice-fishing-suits/
Re: Floatation Jacket or suit
I have the Arctic Armor suit and think it is great. My only problem is that it doesn't breath all that well. If I were you I would check the "Red Rock" store for their suits. They have some new ones that float and are claimed to have great breathing capabilities. The bibs also zip to the hip, which is another beef I have with the Arctic Armor suit. It never hurts to shop for the latest inovations. You will stay warm and dry in the Arctic Armor but may sweat a bit.