Customer Reviews

Mustang MD3183 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have tried on several self-inflating life jackets at West Marine and Cabelas, but no one stocks this Mustang model MD3183. All vests that I tried on were tight around the neck and seemed bulky. This model got good reviews at a sailing website, so I decided to take a chance. It arrived today and surprisingly it didn't squeeze my neck and was less bulky than most others. It can not be activated by rain or humidity. It must be submerged at least 4" to inflate. The inflation mechanism is good for 5 years, but it costs $80 to replace. I am 60 years old, 6'4" and 230lb. I do lots of fishing and had a close call this spring. Also, a local grandpa drowned when he went in after a grandchild that fell overboard. (the kid was OK) So this should be a requirement for us old folks.

i'm a merchant mariner and wear this on deck aboard a sea going tug/barge unit where we've encountered some heavy weather in the past. I was always concerned about accidental inflation with ordinary automatics, because when its worn, its because I had to go out on deck in some nasty stuff, usually in the pouring rain and the seas whipping up over the deck edge. The hydrostatic inflator solves that concern however, to make sure it inflates when i actually fall over the side, not when I'm drenched from head to toe from the weather. Its a similar mechanism to those found securing the life rafts to the deck and made by the same company, so one can reasonably trust it, but when in doubt, theres always the pull cord, thats why its there.

I found this vest to be well fitting and of good quality construction, it should hold up well to the abuse. it wraps around your neck and shoulders comfortably and is flexible to wear when working that you forget its there sometimes. This compared to lesser models by other manufactures that feel like the vest is hanging on your neck and is rigid against your body at every move. The SOLAS tape on the inflation bag, whistle, and strobe attachment are nice touches as well. I plan to add some solas tape to the outside (mustang does make another model with that on it from the factory, but for more $$), but other than that small personal deficiency, its a great product.

Lightweight, comfortable to wear and the Carbon/Black colors blend well with dark clothing. Don't worry, once inflated the bright yellow bladder with reflecting tape on it will deploy and be visible for rescue. The first inflatable PFD that I received had a slow leak. As instructed by Mustang, when you first receive the vest, perform an oral inflation test. Inflate the vest to a firm state and let sit on a counter. The vest should remain firm. After 10 minutes, I noticed the vest lost its firmness and more so as time went on. I suspected a faulty check valve in the oral inflater. I sent the vest back and exchanged it for a new one. When the new one arrived, I orally inflated the vest and it stayed firm overnight, at least 16 hours. It worked fine and passed the test. I would recommend this vest for sport fishing, sailing, boating, etc. It is not recommended for impact water sports, i.e. water skiing. As recommended by Mustang, just make sure you perform an oral inflation test on the vest when you get it!

I just received a 3183. Mine is red and Black. The price was excellent. I agree with previous Reviewer that fit and feel are great. It is also much lighter than I expected, which is good.

I gave the vest a 4 rating because there are some remaining questions that I will now have to investigate. Also I have not seen the thing work so can't offer an opinion on its main function.

The product description suggests there is a whistle. Did I misunderstand? I have not found it yet.

I'm still looking for the backup oral inflation tube. I'm sure it's there but I have not yet found it.

This life jacket was supposed to have five years on the auto inflating mechanisim but apparently it sat on the shelf for a while and only had four years left on it. These can't be returned so I lost a year of use.

I am an Army Helicopter pilot and we use a product similar to this (in fact it might be mustang that makes it). This is a good product and though expensive, gives you much more flexibility while on dry ground and saves lives if you inadvertently enter water. I will be buying one for my wife and I as soon as summer comes around. Always wear a vest when you going to be over water! I would highly suggest the one without HIT for civilian sport pilots (you don't want it inflating in the cockpit) when flying over water. It could save your life.

I needed a life jacket that I could wear all of the time on the boat. This is the one to get! My kids have to wear one so I need to wear one. It is cool, and comforatble.
Andy

I bought this PFD for my husband. He goes fishing alone and I always worried about him getting knocked overboard. He hated wearing a regular life vest because they are big and cumberson. Since getting the mustang he wears it all the time and said that it is comfortable and that he really doesn't notice it is on. Heaven forbid anything get in the way of his fishing!

Ordered two of these and they are really nice. No bulkiness and they are comfortable. They are quite expensive, but they are worth it for our safety. Especially since we wear them religiously now when traveling on the lake or up and down the river. I feel much safer while moving on the water with this PFD on.

This life vest is so comfortable you don't even know you have it on. Even my husband is willing to wear his when we are out fishing. Gives me peace of mind.