I ended up getting the mustang MD3183 Hydrostatic.  I went with the hydrostatic because I'm a chicken about the thing going off in a rain storm (especially with the weather lately!).  I got it from Tackle Warehouse with a price match off of Hodgesmarine.com for $192.21 delivered.  Not cheap, But at least I'll be safer now.  

Oh, and it came with a free T-shirt  

Weeellll Smitty, I guess that just DEPENDS........

Why sarge, I didn't realize you liked young men in diapers.   How about old guys in Depends?

Smitty

Yeeeaaaahhh. I'm going to need you to go fishing on Saturday. Ok? Greeaaat.

Quote:


I think I used the old coversheet.

I just realized I'm going to need an automatic diaper too if I fall in the water and one of those big Muskies desides to swim by and check me out.

dilbert wrote on 05/13/08 at 14:33:07:



It's with your TPS report!

Good info guys.. thanks!

I guess I need to look around a bit more and probably go and try them on.  Cabelas has their Tournament 3500 on sale for $89.95 (item v14-94-3059) and the SOSpenders look like they don't sit right up on your neck like some of the others.  I think I overanalyze things... now, where did I put my decision matrix?

I don't have the Mustang version, rather, the SOSPENDER version that originally came out.  I've had it for years and used it in every type of weather and fishing venue.  I've never had an accidential discharge and I have the automatic version.  It's comfortable and I can wear it all the time, as I do, and it doesn't get in my way.  Wouldn't have it any other way.

Chuck P

Yes i have the hydrostatic one as well and driven in the rain with it many times and love it. No problems here.

Russ

I love mine.  Comfortable, lightweight and you won't even know you have it on.  I've had water splash on hit and in the rain and no accident deployment so far.  Great quality.

What's everyone's take on the Mustang Survival PFDs?  I'd like to get something that I'm a little better about wearing and was thinking of either the MD3087 or MD3087BC (is there really any difference in those models other than graphics?)

I've read a bit about these inflating in heavy rain or splashing, but that could be just to lack of maintenance since the bobbin (part that dissolves when immersed) should be replaced every three years at a minimum since it degrades over time.  I know the Hydrostatic ones are supposed to be more reliable, but they are $55 more and the hydrostatic re-arming kits are spendy too.

Anyone here use these? Ever have an accidental discharge?  How about a failure to fire when you are in the water?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpagePFDMUST-MDA.html#