Does anyone wear a personal floatation device?

[Mainehazmt]

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

[oc]

Anyone have any experience with the Fladen brand of suits and how do you get them in the States??? The price is rather appealing.

[runswithdeer]

I wear an auto-inflate belt, no hassle and worth the extra flotation if ever needed.

[Morrocco_Mole]

Yup life jacket!

MM

[jigpause]

anyone ever pull the tab on a auto inflate at -20 to see if they inflate in the cold?

[Mainehazmt]

Im sure the cartrige would work  but the vest   who knows   Im not gonna try mine   cost me 53 bucks!

[fishercat]

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. 

[VT snotrocket]

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.

[FISH-MITS]

Artic Armor's hard to beat for the price

[mricefish]

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.

[fishercat]

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.

[Mainehazmt]

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

[fishercat]

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  got no inflation issues with that. It just gets stiff in cold weather.   

[BigRock947]

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. If your not sure wear the vest and it kept me a little warmer too.

[draketrutta]

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.

[fishall30]

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

[Champlain Islander]

I got the Arctic Armor bibs and coat and am good to go. It is warm and lite with lots of pockets for gear.

[stoutbait]

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.

[firegems]

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!!