Inflatable PFD Jacket Liner

dsorrell · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003

Curious to see what you guys think of a new product.

http://www.orcagear.com/products/floattech.html

It''s a jacket/vest with an inflatable liner currently pending coast guard (Type III) approval. The liner can be removed and used on it''s own as well. Could be the next evolution of Sospenders-type technology.

Any opinions?

Drew

pblais · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2003

For $395 I''m not so sure. You can get a decent inflatable with a harness plus a decent jacket for less and still have the harness as part of the PFD. I should think they also need to build in a harness to make this sell at this price. Jackets get into a lot of personal preferences and peope like a lot of different styles. This may be the real problem with it.

Right now I like my inflatable / gortex jacket plus my float coat. All together I spent less than $400.

For any kind of colder weather the float coat is great since it adds insullation as part of the floatation and requires no inflation. It does suck in the heat of summer however so a second alternative such as T shirt and just an inflatable is nice too.

I think it comes down to flexibility and options. I''m sure you can get a lot of different ideas on what makes a great PFD / jacket. Where you sail makes a big difference too.