Was looking for some experience, opinions, evaluations of the waistbelt style SOSpenders. Have you seen/used one? What did you like or not like about it? Thanks in advance for your input. T J
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Love Them
Most of my friends have them and, if they don't wear them all the time, wear them when shorthanded or night. They are very comfortable, highly adjustable and not hot. You hardly even notice them when you are wearing them. I would absolutely buy the model with the built-in harness. The water-triggered inflation control is your call, but I prefer it. You cannot generally ship it with the CO2 cartridge, so you have to buy one locally if you fly somewhere with it. Around here, they are pretty well the standard. Rick D.
Most of my friends have them and, if they don't wear them all the time, wear them when shorthanded or night. They are very comfortable, highly adjustable and not hot. You hardly even notice them when you are wearing them. I would absolutely buy the model with the built-in harness. The water-triggered inflation control is your call, but I prefer it. You cannot generally ship it with the CO2 cartridge, so you have to buy one locally if you fly somewhere with it. Around here, they are pretty well the standard. Rick D.
By waistbelt do you mean...
the kind that you wear like a fanny pack, and have to put on over your head when you go overboard? These types seem like they'd be really comfortable to wear, as long as you don't have to use them. Wouldn't work if you're conked on the head, and go OB unconscious, though. Also would be difficult to get it on if the water is rough. My inflatable is the "wear over your head" type, which makes me feel more secure. I've got both the manual and automatic (CO2) inflate types. I prefer the auto type just in case I do get knocked on the noggin before I go OB.
the kind that you wear like a fanny pack, and have to put on over your head when you go overboard? These types seem like they'd be really comfortable to wear, as long as you don't have to use them. Wouldn't work if you're conked on the head, and go OB unconscious, though. Also would be difficult to get it on if the water is rough. My inflatable is the "wear over your head" type, which makes me feel more secure. I've got both the manual and automatic (CO2) inflate types. I prefer the auto type just in case I do get knocked on the noggin before I go OB.
boat/us testing/review
T.J. Here is a link to the BoatU.S. Foundation test results for belt pack inflatables. Not sure when it was written but hopefully it would help you. http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/findings38/default.htm Rick seems to be addressing the inflatable vests because I don't know of a belt pack that has a harness (although just because I haven't seen them doesn't mean they don't exist). He suggested going with the harness, which is great if you will use it. I have inflatable vests (not belt packs) both with and without the harness and I would say, unless you are definitely going to use the harness, get the model without it. As comfortable as they may be, the harness adds noticeable weight and is less comfortable than the standard model.
T.J. Here is a link to the BoatU.S. Foundation test results for belt pack inflatables. Not sure when it was written but hopefully it would help you. http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/findings38/default.htm Rick seems to be addressing the inflatable vests because I don't know of a belt pack that has a harness (although just because I haven't seen them doesn't mean they don't exist). He suggested going with the harness, which is great if you will use it. I have inflatable vests (not belt packs) both with and without the harness and I would say, unless you are definitely going to use the harness, get the model without it. As comfortable as they may be, the harness adds noticeable weight and is less comfortable than the standard model.
Oops, Sorry About That...
...I didn't read your post correctly.
However, I also have four of the waist packs. Guests will often wear those without complaint. I also wear it when in good conditions and when there is crew aboard. Same comments as to triggering device. Rick D.
...I didn't read your post correctly.
However, I also have four of the waist packs. Guests will often wear those without complaint. I also wear it when in good conditions and when there is crew aboard. Same comments as to triggering device. Rick D.
sospenders waist belts
we have them and love them! It's easy to get crew and guests to wear them, and while you do have to pull it over your head when you inflate it, it's not hard-much better than a life jacket in a locker! We carry the full auto-inflate harness style too, for heavy weather, but they're much less comfortable and they interfere with easy movement
we have them and love them! It's easy to get crew and guests to wear them, and while you do have to pull it over your head when you inflate it, it's not hard-much better than a life jacket in a locker! We carry the full auto-inflate harness style too, for heavy weather, but they're much less comfortable and they interfere with easy movement
sospenders waist belts
Practical Sailor plans to test the belt pack inflatable PFDs in the near future. If you can wait for their review, that makes more sense. As previously noted, the Boat US Foundation did a test of these PFDs that can be found at the link below. I've considered buying these type PFDs but have been cautious because as best as I can tell, they require "secondary donning"; that is, after they inflate, the wearer must pull the collar over his head and adjust to fit. How does a weak swimmer or injuried or unconscious person deal with this?
Practical Sailor plans to test the belt pack inflatable PFDs in the near future. If you can wait for their review, that makes more sense. As previously noted, the Boat US Foundation did a test of these PFDs that can be found at the link below. I've considered buying these type PFDs but have been cautious because as best as I can tell, they require "secondary donning"; that is, after they inflate, the wearer must pull the collar over his head and adjust to fit. How does a weak swimmer or injuried or unconscious person deal with this?
Inflatable with Harness
TJ, Its me again. I have raced in several offshore/overnight races and remember one just a few years ago where a crew member from another boat was knocked overboard and never found. So, we all went for the inflatable vest with harness. Everyone wears and clips on in rough conditions or mandatory after dark. The vest/harness combination works very well and inspite of what others have said, are not uncomfortable at all. You get used to them. I believe you are probably considering this equipment in preparation for the Chicago to Mac race next summer. With the conditions on Lake Michigan, mainly the cold water AND HYPOTHERMIA issues for anyone going over the side I feel safety should be foremost in order to avoid at all cost any tragedies. You must try to prevent anyone from going over the side and should it happen, you must have a practiced plan for finding the victim and recovering a quickly as possible. The fanny pack life belt won't help you in this situation. Good luck, hope your planning is going well, you are really asking great questions and doing a terrific job of research.
TJ, Its me again. I have raced in several offshore/overnight races and remember one just a few years ago where a crew member from another boat was knocked overboard and never found. So, we all went for the inflatable vest with harness. Everyone wears and clips on in rough conditions or mandatory after dark. The vest/harness combination works very well and inspite of what others have said, are not uncomfortable at all. You get used to them. I believe you are probably considering this equipment in preparation for the Chicago to Mac race next summer. With the conditions on Lake Michigan, mainly the cold water AND HYPOTHERMIA issues for anyone going over the side I feel safety should be foremost in order to avoid at all cost any tragedies. You must try to prevent anyone from going over the side and should it happen, you must have a practiced plan for finding the victim and recovering a quickly as possible. The fanny pack life belt won't help you in this situation. Good luck, hope your planning is going well, you are really asking great questions and doing a terrific job of research.
Streans
I've got a Streans which is made in your state. It was less expensive than SOS and they all use the same valves. I think the waist belt is great for inland and calmer conditions. I wear mine all the time singlehanding.
I've got a Streans which is made in your state. It was less expensive than SOS and they all use the same valves. I think the waist belt is great for inland and calmer conditions. I wear mine all the time singlehanding.
Hate Them
I bought one of the new $99 Sospenders waist belt style inflatables - what a mistake. I thought it would be more comfortable to wear on day sails than my full blown Crewsaver Crewfit Inflatable with harness, but I was wrong. The damn waist pack was huge, and always in the way. If it was in front you couldn't bend over. If it was in back, you couldnt' sit back. It it was on the side, you were always catching it on the rigging when moving around, or when you tried to sit sideways to look forward. For my money a regular inflatable is much more confortable and less instrusive, though it may be hotter. Steve Christensen
I bought one of the new $99 Sospenders waist belt style inflatables - what a mistake. I thought it would be more comfortable to wear on day sails than my full blown Crewsaver Crewfit Inflatable with harness, but I was wrong. The damn waist pack was huge, and always in the way. If it was in front you couldn't bend over. If it was in back, you couldnt' sit back. It it was on the side, you were always catching it on the rigging when moving around, or when you tried to sit sideways to look forward. For my money a regular inflatable is much more confortable and less instrusive, though it may be hotter. Steve Christensen
Pouch Style... Not in Canada!
In the Great White North we can only use the waistbelt (pouch style) PFD's while rowing or paddling... And then not if you're under 16. I've seen sailboaters wear them but they aren't approved for sailboat use in Canada. I honestly don't know about US CG regulations on them. I always wear mine but the law says that a PFD or lifejacket need only be close at hand, except for an inflatable PFD. To meet the Cdn requirements an inflatable PFD must be worn to be approved.
In the Great White North we can only use the waistbelt (pouch style) PFD's while rowing or paddling... And then not if you're under 16. I've seen sailboaters wear them but they aren't approved for sailboat use in Canada. I honestly don't know about US CG regulations on them. I always wear mine but the law says that a PFD or lifejacket need only be close at hand, except for an inflatable PFD. To meet the Cdn requirements an inflatable PFD must be worn to be approved.
inflatables are the pfd of the future
I have the West Marine version of the manual inflation type so I can't tell whether there's something about the SOSpenders brand that caused Steve such discomfort, but mine is as light as a feather and very comfortable to have on. I generally wear it in front of my waist to make it easier to sit. I always wear mine on board because it's comfortable, and as the editors of BoatUS's Seaworthy magazine point out, the best pfd is the one you wear. These are now so inexpensive that I would expect to see fewer people carrying just the dumb hassock full of chunky type 1's as their pfd supply. As for the Canadian issue, it's my understanding that for the US any of the types I-III and V are approved for adult use on a sailboat. Inflatables would be a type V. (Type IV are throwables such as cushions).
I have the West Marine version of the manual inflation type so I can't tell whether there's something about the SOSpenders brand that caused Steve such discomfort, but mine is as light as a feather and very comfortable to have on. I generally wear it in front of my waist to make it easier to sit. I always wear mine on board because it's comfortable, and as the editors of BoatUS's Seaworthy magazine point out, the best pfd is the one you wear. These are now so inexpensive that I would expect to see fewer people carrying just the dumb hassock full of chunky type 1's as their pfd supply. As for the Canadian issue, it's my understanding that for the US any of the types I-III and V are approved for adult use on a sailboat. Inflatables would be a type V. (Type IV are throwables such as cushions).
Thanks Darrel
I am still working on the Chi-Mac race plans, but the thought on inflatables was more directed towards local daysailing and guests aboard being uncomfortable in a standard vest. The standard vests I have are nice Extrasports that are designed for rowing, but work great for sailing. They are shorter, made to be worn sitting down, unlike a ski style vest. They do get a little warm in the summer though. I appreciate the input from all, and will probably stay away from the waist-belt style, simply because of the need for 'secondary donning', which would be a problem for someone injured or a weak swimmer...those that would need it most. Thanks all - T J
I am still working on the Chi-Mac race plans, but the thought on inflatables was more directed towards local daysailing and guests aboard being uncomfortable in a standard vest. The standard vests I have are nice Extrasports that are designed for rowing, but work great for sailing. They are shorter, made to be worn sitting down, unlike a ski style vest. They do get a little warm in the summer though. I appreciate the input from all, and will probably stay away from the waist-belt style, simply because of the need for 'secondary donning', which would be a problem for someone injured or a weak swimmer...those that would need it most. Thanks all - T J
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