Super light lifejacket at Decathlon

[kerny]

I saw these in Decathlon very small,light and unintrusive ideal for fishing. £49.99. Anyone bought one ?

[Poly]

I was in Decathlon today. Remembering your post I tried it on (it was more expensive than your post (£54.99 I think) - but it seemed to be the same spec. It was OK, but nothing special that I could see/feel. Obviously I didn't test it in the water, but no sprayhood, crotch straps or light, external quality looked OK. It had to be put on over the head rather than like a waist coat which some people won't like.

[kerny]

The one I saw was like a waistcoat style so no crotch straps needed and it does looks more appealing for wearing while out fishing.

I know its not cheap but it is very light and unobtrusive and although probably no good for offshore use due to no light or spray hood, "maybe these could be added" for inshore fishing I would have thought this jacket would be just the job.

[Poly]

In fairness it has been a while since I bought a lifejacket and £50 seems to be entry level price on google (I also remember when mars bars were 27p (and bigger) and still am horrified every time I buy confectionary!).

I'm not sure the design removes the need for crotch straps when you are hanging in it in the water?

[kerny]

A lot of PFD'S do not have crotch straps especially the ones canoe and kayakers go for due to risk of being snagged and because they fit like a waistcoat it cannot ride up above your head because it stops at the armpits.

[m chappelow]

Originally Posted by kerny

A lot of PFD'S do not have crotch straps especially the ones canoe and kayakers go for due to risk of being snagged and because they fit like a waistcoat it cannot ride up above your head because it stops at the armpits.

Good point but Just make sure the armpit holes aren't too long i have known some ride/ float up way above the head ( wont come off but not much use if your mouths underwater ) not a bad idea to have someone pull or try lifting the wearer up by the shoulder part just to see how far it will ride or float up .

[Sheepish]

So, not wishing to hijack the thread or anything, but can anyone recommend a good auto inflate lifejacket, as safe as they come (used for sibbing)???

[ShinyShoe]

Probably going to need to define a bit more about your water use.

It needs a crotch strap. That send pretty much fact these days.

If you are in company a spray hood and light are probably unnecessary. Of not in company and raising the alarm and a search could run into dusk you want a light. Spray hood would be benefit too if any risk of delay in rescue.

Next question will be the auto mechanism. Hanmar may make some sense on a Sib?

Then comfort will be a personal thing.

No need for harness which you'll find on many yacht ones.

Worth remembering safety will be about durability not just when out of box. So how easy to test inflate with a pump and repack? How easy to manually inflate of auto or cylinder fails? How easy to inspect cylinder for rust and make sure it's right?

[jlandells]

Have a look at this video if you think crotch straps are unnecessary:

http://youtu.be/jgKi24Vztkc

[kerny]

Originally Posted by jlandells

Have a look at this video if you think crotch straps are unnecessary:

http://youtu.be/jgKi24Vztkc

I have not said that crotch straps are unnecessary just that certain lj or pfd are designed to be used without them for various reasons.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by m chappelow

Good point but Just make sure the armpit holes aren't too long i have known some ride/ float up way above the head ( wont come off but not much use if your mouths underwater ) not a bad idea to have someone pull or try lifting the wearer up by the shoulder part just to see how far it will ride or float up .

Fair point, I will get the wife to do that next time we are in Decathlon.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by jlandells

Have a look at this video if you think crotch straps are unnecessary:

Lifejackets - useless unless worn - YouTube

Yes they are necessary, but why did they have to increase the wave height for the second man?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by kerny

I have not said that crotch straps are unnecessary just that certain lj or pfd are designed to be used without them for various reasons.

IMHO comparing to a kayak PFDis not quite the same. The bouancy distribution is totally different to "get it" you need to try a gas lifejacket inflated in the water.There is also a whole load more bouyancy on a LJ. to rise up around your face. Also from my quick "try on" yesterday the Decathlon life jacket wasn't such that it only had small arm holes althoughit was probably better than some!

[ShinyShoe]

But.. Bouancy aids are intended to be used where assistance is immediately available so to some extent if you have to keep pulling it down a bit it's not the end of the world. If u go for a swim and get hypothermic you need the LJ to lie you with your face out the water or all it will do for you is to make it easier for the lifeboat to find your body...

I'd say if you need / want something that makes it hard to swim but provides better floatation it'd be a darn sight more useful if it wasn't suspending you below the water...

[Pikey Dave]

Don't forget if you're wearing a dry suit you should go up to 275N to ensure you're rolled into the correct position.


Scent from my iBone sow iguana any typos whore bed spillings

[kerny]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Don't forget if you're wearing a dry suit you should go up to 275N to ensure you're rolled into the correct position.


Scent from my iBone sow iguana any typos whore bed spillings

definitely not PD just my shorts for the July heatwave camping
trip.

[MustRib]

Originally Posted by m chappelow

Good point but Just make sure the armpit holes aren't too long i have known some ride/ float up way above the head ( wont come off but not much use if your mouths underwater ) not a bad idea to have someone pull or try lifting the wearer up by the shoulder part just to see how far it will ride or float up .

This illustrates the point I think - check out the first person out of the water.

Three rescued from capsized RIB by Whitstable lifeboat crew

[donegaldan]

If your looking for a 150N and extremely small, check these out (not extremely cheap!)
May not suit the Decathlon, but I have seen them up close and personal
and its on the shopping list at some stage.
Its the lifejacket you don't realise your wearing, its so light.

Compact - 3MV1 | Mullion