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In my opinion, you can't really rely on what some government contractor has with a certain customer. The Coast Guard probably has a contract with Mustang. The company who fabricates Mustang is also on the security advisery board. Government contracts also mean that a company has to have a certain volume of units. No doubt that Mustang makes a good suit but I'm sure that there are better ones out there and, who knows, maybe the Coast Guard will buy from another company. If that's the case, all the suits already in service will have to be replaced. Will this added expense overwrite the expected budget allocation?
I have a full body mustang suit, and am confident enough to go out on 3" of ice in -20F windy as f**k weather. There's no wind you feel in that thing. I can honestly say I've never been cold in it - the bonus is you float, it has an inflatable head/neck brace to keep your face out of the water if you fall through (if you inflate it manually prior to bonking your head on the ice), and I don't think I've ever worn more than street clothes when I'm in it. Would not recommend it in spring (probably when it's most functionally valuable as you'll sweat your nads off. Opening up the proverbial can of worms here, but I'd be confident enough in the suit to go commando when the air temp's over 25F. My 2 cents, but worth the $$$. The most important thing is that you find the size that fits you just right - excess is bulky and opens you up to water leakage.-bigfish_1556
I read that certain suits were not Coast gaurd approved because of the color. I guess that would only matter if you are in an area that requires life vests etc. Ever hear of this?