plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

How do you have your PFD set up?

Automatic deployment or Manual?

And Why?

Personally I went Automatic in the event I have a physical problem with going manual.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

Automatic. if you get knocked out or go into shock from the cold water manual ain't gonna help.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

I tend to wear a conventional PDF about 95% of the time with no CO2 cartridge. It is more comfortable when sitting down low in a sea kayak and adds some back support to the low profile cockpit combing rim. So...of course no deployment needed on that style...

That being said, I do have a slim CO2 styled alternate version that is less bulky for when I am out in my Pescador Pilot 120 pedal kayak, or a smaller, shorter sea kayak that I use when on camping trips.

My unit does not have the "auto" feature. It must be deployed via the pull cord gripper, or manually inflated by the user via the air tube filler. I feel comfortable with it but understand what can happen in a capsize, especially if you are hit by a speeding boat and not a slow motion roll over.

This thread reminds me that it is time to change out the CO2 cartridge and put a fresh one in. The last time I made the change my daughter was with me and just for kicks I had her put it on and pull the cord to see if the unit was still OK. It "was", and we both had a good laugh as she bloated up while standing in the garage!

Good post Plumb...kind of gets me to thinking about investing in a more modern CO2 PDF that does have the auto mode.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Thanks fy. Andy B's post of ending up in the water made me think of it. I just changed my 6 year old cartridge this past spring.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

This is the first year that I've worn any PFD on a regular basis. I went with an Auto/manual inflatable, after recent heart and COPD issues. Also getting knocked off my feet by a wakeboat last year, sealed the deal on the auto version. It's a pain to have to rearm them, but at least I'll be here to do so.

PS: The "Bobbin" that activates the auto function has an expiration date on it. If expired, it's no longer a legal PFD in the eyes of the USCG.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

I have mine setup in automatic mode mainly because I fish in cold weather and cold water. Numb fingers have trouble with fishing sometimes but I have hand warmers. Would not have any if I went into the water. Just not taking that bet anymore.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Automatic, for the same reason, Bob.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I bought an automatic pfd last summer. Didn't need one standing on a beach, but In my Tracker it's a different story. Have a little problem with my balance these days so if I fall there's always a chance of whacking my head, so auto it is.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Auto/manual Bob.
After first winter fishing from a boat I came to a conclusion.
Insulated coveralls n a regular lifejacket wasn't working
Drop on the deck then try picking it up.
Couldn't bend over far enough.
Bought Auto late 90' 2 yrs ago I set it off getting it out of storage box.
Originally pill n cylinder it worked just fine 👍👍

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Just don't get pulled into the surf by a big Marlin Jimmy.

MoJoe Loc: Springfield, MO

Auto/manual backup. For 50 years, kept the old style stowed so as to be legal, never used.
But now: I'm old, and want all the help I can get if I hit the water.

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

Ditto that

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Speaking of backup, I just purchased a throw cushion for my kayak. Dual purpose though, got me 2" in height as i have it as a seat cushion too.

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

Mine is on automatic or I can't fish solo per a deal with spouse.

Uncle_T Loc: Georgia

I have manual pfds because I don’t want them going off if I get rained on or if I fall in and am ok I don’t want to pay the price for recharging unless I actually needed to use it, I’m rarely around anything I would hit my head on and if it’s that cold I’m not fishing