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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Safety => Topic started by: appleman on Dec 22, 2010, 08:20 PM

Title: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: appleman on Dec 22, 2010, 08:20 PM
just wondering if anybody is wearing a pfd while out on the ice? i am looking at the auto inflate ones. just for a extra measure of protection. :tipup:
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Hardguy on Dec 22, 2010, 08:32 PM
Appleman, if it makes you feel more relaxed do it. I bought a couple of the auto inflating waist belts. I could wear them under my coat. A couple of years ago I bought a mustang one piece float suit. It is very warm and keeps the water out if you cinch the wrists and legs etc. Now I feel better and I am not so nervous on thinner ice. I still watch and know cold water kills but I find I enjoy myself more now.
Dont save a few bucks and chance your life.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: bobbyjr on Dec 22, 2010, 08:34 PM
i just bought a mustang suite this year,and i love it. it is really warm,and will keep u afloat if u go trough. totally worth the money.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: appleman on Dec 22, 2010, 08:35 PM
It seems like some good insurance. I just didnt know how many used them. thanks for the replys
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Wizzofd69 on Dec 22, 2010, 08:45 PM
I have used a regular pfd underneath my snow suit whenever i have fished on 3"  or less.. Never fell thru but it did give me some comfort. Hear the pfd snow suits are top notch but come with a nice price. Def worth the investment if you have the change.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Hardguy on Dec 22, 2010, 08:48 PM
Appleman, they are warm and dont look like a float suit. I like the one piece as it stops the draft from going up your back. One most days I just wear underarmour and the suit. That is all you need. Rarely do I wear much more. Money well spent.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: jopes on Dec 22, 2010, 08:51 PM
I just picked up arctic armor suits for the wife and myself, super warm and they float you if you fall through.  Now I sure do not want to test it, but it is nice knowing it can save me.  I also wear picks around my neck just in case.  And have 100 or so feet of rope in my sled.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Blue83 on Dec 22, 2010, 08:54 PM
Nope, never will spend my money on them. I have been trained to escape from ice. So i put my life in my own hands, even with a PDF you can still panic and drown
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: jopes on Dec 22, 2010, 10:11 PM
Thats great that you can escape from the ice if you go through, but if your totally soaking wet hypothermia will set in not long after unless you can get dried off and in a heated place. 

The suits that float will help keep you dry as well.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Dinga LING on Dec 22, 2010, 10:14 PM
I just fish on 6" of good black ice or not at all.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Blue83 on Dec 22, 2010, 11:07 PM
I'm actually not too worried....i only fish in 2fow, maybe 3, i can stand up in it.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: jkskeet on Dec 22, 2010, 11:58 PM
I keep tellin myself i'm gunna grab it outta the boat but keep forgetting.

I know it's no excuse...

So yea, i mean to wear it but havn't yet ???
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: flyfisherman83 on Dec 23, 2010, 12:44 AM
i wear one when i go out alone and it saved my ass early this year... now i never go out without one
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: icecube on Dec 23, 2010, 06:46 AM
  I wear a Stearns coat has a PFD type III built right in to it. ;)  It is Coast Guard approved.  Catalog#7077. Model: 29-73   It does keeps me plenty warm but it is a little bulky. 
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Wiener on Dec 25, 2010, 07:55 AM
I wear the Sospenders.

They inflate when you hit the water.
I wear it in the early part of the season, or when I am on a new lake for the first time.


Wiener
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: mr.bartender on Dec 25, 2010, 08:53 AM
just wondering if anybody is wearing a pfd while out on the ice? i am looking at the auto inflate ones. just for a extra measure of protection. :tipup:
i don't wear one but take 2 square boat cushions. they are great to kneel on and could also safe a life by giving you time needed to get out!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: fishercat on Dec 25, 2010, 09:03 AM
Early and late ice I use a Stearns float coat.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 25, 2010, 04:27 PM
I wear the "Pumpkin Suit"
(http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20100701/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/products/m-63/MP80817063.jpg)

RG
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: spoonfeeder01 on Dec 25, 2010, 07:15 PM
thumbs up on the mustang suit, especially this time of year, when the ice thickness can vary quit a bit from one spot to another. as far as ice training I'd rather put the odds in my favor especially in 20 to 30 fow.  cya
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Woodsman on Dec 25, 2010, 07:25 PM
I wear a Helly Hansen - Delta II flotation suit. Transport Canada approved as a PFD.
(http://www.helly.ca/images/CMS_6-123-thumbImage.jpg)
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 26, 2010, 04:34 PM
thumbs up on the mustang suit, especially this time of year, when the ice thickness can vary quit a bit from one spot to another. as far as ice training I'd rather put the odds in my favor especially in 20 to 30 fow.  cya
How come my friends always want me on point ???

RG
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: ekozlo on Dec 26, 2010, 06:37 PM
HI ALL
I own a stearns float coat in camo and it is great and always warm!
Last year i took a quick dip in lake , and very glad i had that float coat on!!  it sure was warm!
Also i purchased a one piece stearns float suit!!
And sure hope i don't have to take another quick dip in the lake or pond?
I hope nobody ever falls thru any ice anywhere!
Well all please stay safe on all ice anywhere you go!
on my sled i always have a throw float cushion just in case somebody might be in distress in the water!   thanks ed kozlo
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Icepuppy on Dec 26, 2010, 06:52 PM
I wear a Mustang and it's great. Went through a few years back in 80 FOW, suit worked 100% as advertised, made it very easy to get out and help my partner (no suit) out. I didn't even have anything sinched down and I stayed mostly dry. Think of how much money we all spend on ice gear and a lot of people won't spend $200.00 to save their own life. I am young and fit but I can tell you it's very scary to go through, the cold, shock etc. sets in right away and you might think you're invincible but you're not. A lot of other things can also go wrong, if you fish early/late ice, explore new lakes or fish less than 4" you are very foolish to not wear one.  :tipup:
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: mricefish on Dec 26, 2010, 07:17 PM
Late ice I will use one.  Ice gets very mush and soft guess feel better with on that time of the year.  but mid season when ice is good and hard usually is a couple of feet of ice so it stays at home then.  If it makes you feel better with one on, I would go for it I know no one will give you crap for it if you end up haveing to use it some day, then It will be worth it. 
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: jigpause on Dec 26, 2010, 07:40 PM
wear the full 1 piece tella tubby floatation suit...water cuffs sinched up tight. never wear sloppy winter boots that fill with water, always wear high end hunting boots that are water proof and lace high and tight.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Hobo Hilton on Dec 26, 2010, 07:50 PM
  Look at a IDI Arctic Armor Plus Floatation Suit,  Its a very warm suit,and it floats approx. 278lbs. of body weight.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: bigfoot697 on Dec 27, 2010, 12:01 PM
glare ice kreepers and a snowmobile helmet maybe?
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Perfect Hook Set on Dec 27, 2010, 06:16 PM
I wear a life vest I picked up for $40 that i bought for open water.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: GCD on Dec 28, 2010, 06:03 AM
(in fact if it were me I would relax and take a few deep breathes and not try to just get out as quickly as possible).  Once you are in and wet you can take a little bit to get your cool and gather yourself before attempting to get out.


Yeah, you'll be taking deep breaths alright! A persons first reaction when they fall into cold water is to gasp for breath, it's an involuntary reaction and everyone does it... if your head is under water when this happens your lungs fill with water and you drown! It is the main cause of drowning in cold water and is why it's so important to wear a PFD.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Icepuppy on Dec 28, 2010, 07:57 AM
Yeah, you'll be taking deep breaths alright! A persons first reaction when they fall into cold water is to gasp for breath, it's an involuntary reaction and everyone does it... if your head is under water when this happens your lungs fill with water and you drown! It is the main cause of drowning in cold water and is why it's so important to wear a PFD.

You are 100% right, you do not have moments, seconds, fractions of a second. My fishing partner both had rods etc. in our hands when we went in? Due to your natural reactions you will drop everything. This is what was trying to explain, it doesn't matter how young, fit, experienced, great swimmer etc. A PFD is a simple and fairly cheap way to save your life, you can easily die in 6' or more water without it.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Mainehazmt on Dec 28, 2010, 08:36 AM
I went with the idi gear for that reason  and use it for more than icefishing  stays warm snowmobiling too!  wasnt worth the risk  I did by one of those inflatable ones this year though   (must be getting older) as I didnt want to have to explain to the 6 yo why dad wasnt wearing one and he had to  but was also in the back of my mind it might be good on thin ice  but I dont go thin ice   lol  I wait for the 10 12" :)   be safe all  wear something as even in the worst case it will help bring closure for the family  if you dont care about yourself
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: oc on Dec 28, 2010, 09:47 AM
Anyone have any experience with the Fladen brand of suits and how do you get them in the States??? The price is rather appealing.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: runswithdeer on Dec 28, 2010, 12:11 PM
I wear an auto-inflate belt, no hassle and worth the extra flotation if ever needed.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Morrocco_Mole on Dec 28, 2010, 01:49 PM
Yup life jacket!

MM
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: jigpause on Dec 29, 2010, 02:40 PM
anyone ever pull the tab on a auto inflate at -20 to see if they inflate in the cold?
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Mainehazmt on Dec 29, 2010, 02:50 PM
Im sure the cartrige would work  but the vest   who knows   Im not gonna try mine   cost me 53 bucks!
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: fishercat on Dec 29, 2010, 04:49 PM
anyone ever pull the tab on a auto inflate at -20 to see if they inflate in the cold?

Supposedly it will work but the "fill" time on the full inflation of the vest (device) will be longer.  :unsure:

Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: VT snotrocket on Dec 30, 2010, 01:20 PM
I used to wear a pfd vest under my coat on early and late especially. Also when fishing a new place I used to wear it. Now I have a mustang punkin suit. It is very warm and comfortable and it is a good measure of safety if you fall in.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: FISH-MITS on Jan 07, 2011, 11:48 PM
Artic Armor's hard to beat for the price
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: mricefish on Jan 12, 2011, 08:15 PM
anyone ever pull the tab on a auto inflate at -20 to see if they inflate in the cold?

think you cold call or get a hold of the manufacture that makes the vest to see if it has been tested in cold weather?  or maybe they would have a web site with some specs for temp range or something.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: fishercat on Jan 13, 2011, 01:49 PM
think you cold call or get a hold of the manufacture that makes the vest to see if it has been tested in cold weather?  or maybe they would have a web site with some specs for temp range or something.

The vest that I have says do not use in below freezing temps.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Mainehazmt on Jan 13, 2011, 05:10 PM
The vest that I have says do not use in below freezing temps.
well  if you fall in   it technically isnt below freezing  or you wouldnt have fallen in   lol
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: fishercat on Jan 13, 2011, 05:34 PM
well  if you fall in   it technically isnt below freezing  or you wouldnt have fallen in   lol

Got ya but when in doubt I where my Sterns float coat  ;)2 got no inflation issues with that. It just gets stiff in cold weather.   ;D
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: BigRock947 on Jan 31, 2011, 02:10 PM
I went fishing by myself yesterday to local pond. I was the only one on this pond all day so I decided to wear my PFD under my coat. I have to admit I felt a little weird wearing the vest but I realized that I was on my own if I did go through the ice and besides no one else was going to know anyway. ;D If your not sure wear the vest and it kept me a little warmer too.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: draketrutta on Jan 31, 2011, 05:48 PM
think you cold call or get a hold of the manufacture that makes the vest to see if it has been tested in cold weather?  or maybe they would have a web site with some specs for temp range or something.

Anything mechanical may not be dependable in frigid temps - including self inflating life vests.

I practice the K.I.S.S. principle - a type III Stearns may be a bit bulky - but it works everytime.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: fishall30 on Feb 05, 2011, 11:26 PM
Going to get a pair of Arctic Armour Bibs and wear a life vest. With the bibs I can hopefully keep my pack boots on and still be able to get out. I've watched the videos and the legs floating are the key to getting out especially for a big boy like myself. And yes I'm getting older and worry more HA. Be Safe
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: Champlain Islander on Feb 15, 2011, 05:49 AM
I got the Arctic Armor bibs and coat and am good to go. It is warm and lite with lots of pockets for gear.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: stoutbait on Feb 16, 2011, 11:54 AM
I have worn a PFD on late ice. Took 50 feet of rope with each of us in case someone fell in. But we did have to walk across a board to get to the ice. So we knew what we were in for. Only trouble we had was getting back off the ice we got wet.
Title: Re: Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?
Post by: firegems on Feb 21, 2011, 08:30 PM
Started out with a pair of SOSpenders now I have been in a Mustang suit for the last 12-15 years....can't believe I can still fit in it!!