SOS vs MUSTANG

RobGallagher · #1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2003

I will be replacing my manual inflatable PFD/Harness with an automatic PFD/Harness this XMASS (thank you Santa)

I currently use SOSpenders. Does anyone have information as to which is better, Mustang or SOSpenders or others?

Also as to SOS they make two models, one is a Westmarine model and a little more expensive than the SOSpenders model. Any idea why or if one is better then the other?

I went to both websites but it wasn''t much help picking a winner

Thanks,

pblais · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003

I''ve not found any reliable evidence that one is any better than the other. A West Marine label would not idicate anything significant as far as I can tell either.

I think between the two price would be the last criteria for the same type of unit.

Just be careful how you store the auto infaltable vests. In a wet car trunk in the summer they go off VERY easily.

carib99 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003

West Marine hasn''t upgraded to the new ones that require submersion to inflate. I have a West Marine one that self inflated in my cabin after a week of sailing in the Caribbean - with some rain and the usual high humidity.
I''d look for the one that requires submersion even though it might not inflate as fast.

1bigeasy · #4 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003

Hey Rob

I''m interested in what you found out. I am a new kayaker, and looking for a low profile PDF. I am trying to make an educated decision.

e-27 sailor · #5 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003

I have two different models of the SOSpenders Auto-inflate w/harnes, both sold by West Marine. The 1st one is marine blue, with the air bladder incorperated into the cover. This model opens from the inside. It''s a little lighter, but I found that the inside seam chaffed my neck a little. My wife wears this one. The 2nd one I bought is the off-shore model and is heavier. It''s navy blue, and the bladder is independent of the cover, which opens from the outside, so you have a seamless yoke around your neck. As for SOSpenders, after the problem they had with the auto-inflate bobin vender last year, they gave me a full refund for the earlier model I had, plus an additional $20 gift cirtificate to West Marine.

Mustang Vs SOS: buy the one you''re willing to wear full time, all the time. Either one will save your life.