Review of Mustang Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT (Auto-Hydrostatic), Black/Carbon

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Mustang Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT (Auto-Hydrostatic), Black/Carbon
By: Mustang Survival Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 8
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Saves Lives

On: 2010-02-26

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 dont want it inflating in the cockpit) when flying over water. It could save your life.

great fit, light and flexible

On: 2009-12-02

im a merchant mariner and wear this on deck aboard a sea going tug/barge unit where weve 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 Im 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.

Be Cautious!

On: 2009-09-29

My father-in-law was wearing a mustang inflatable life jacket when he fell overboard, the life jacket CO2 cartridge did go off. We believe it blew up, however it did not hold its air and he drown. I think people should know to be cautious when thinking about one of these. If you need it to save your life you are better to go with a regular life jacket, because you may never know when these will fail! He has used these before and maintained everything so you just NEVER know!

A few remaining questions

On: 2009-08-02

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 cant offer an opinion on its main function.

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

Im still looking for the backup oral inflation tube. Im sure its there but I have not yet found it.

Light Weight and Good Fit

On: 2009-06-17

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 didnt 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, 64" 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.