Auto inflate PFD1 - best brand?

[spelchek]

Feel it's time to get a new autoinflate PFD (coming up on 3yrs old and figure may as well get a new one as do another 'self service' - it's a small price after all). I'm wondering if there is a recognised 'best brand' to buy or whether they are all pretty much the same?

Particular concern is quality of the self inflate mechanism as this is something I have not tested during self service.

[Boat Hog]

Can't really tell you which is the best brand, but I can tell you one brand to avoid at the moment it's the Ultra PFD Auto. I've had a hell of a time getting a replacement re-arm kit for the ones I have. I think the aussie supplier can't get the right colour "automatic firing indicator" on the re-arm cartridge. (which changes the validity of the pre wear visual check cos the only ones I can find online are black instead of green). The local supplier can't help and quotes "The Ultra PFD people said not to worry about the replace by date on the cartridge". This, despite the Ultra website stating to replace the cartridge before the replace by date! I think someone's telly porkies.

In the end I had to go with a re-arm cartridge with a black firing indicator and change the display on the pre-wear check that is on the flap inside the PFD.

There is also a big difference in mark up on the re-arm kits so it pays to check the prices between brands.

Also, a lot of brands use UML MK5 inflators and they (United Moulders Ltd) have issued a safety notice about re-arm cartridges with an expiry date of 08 2014. So check that if buying a new Auto PFD. See http://www.uml.co.uk/cartridge_check_english.html

Cheers,

[Spaniard_King]

Not sure if they are the best but they would go close http://www.stormylifejackets.com.au/

[wacoaus]

Not sure if they are the best but they would go close http://www.stormylifejackets.com.au/

this is brand i bought for my daughter mainly because i had read good things about them but also the model i got has the strap through the legs so it cant pop over her head, downside is they are pricey and have to be sent away for servicing every couple of years although you can buy the recharge kits im not sure on the laws as the company stipulates they are not to be self serviced

[LittleSkipper]

Spelchek!

RFD are a well known brand, I have 3 standard blue manual inflatables and one of there new black Auto inflatables.

[black runner]

Personally I use a Stormy Seas manual activation PFD1. Haven't had it serviced yet, I inspect it myself (take the bladder out from inside the garment clean it, unscrew the gas canister and check for corrosion on it and around the mechanism etc) and inflate it manually every so often and leave it for a day to see if it stays that way.

A lot of commercial and recreational operators use them down in Tas.

Cheers - Fred