Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Hey all,
I'm looking to buy a life vest and am thinking of buying the Sospenders belt pack. Does anyone use these and if so, do you like it? A site did say that a Secondary donning required. Does anyone know what this means. I think it is manual but am not 100% sure, have heard that if these get wet, it will self engage. Any info on this will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
T

Not familiar with the Sospenders belt pack, but I've been carrying the Stearns equivalent for several years as a manual back-up to my (and my son's) Sospenders automatic harness set.

"Secondary donning" refers to the fact that after you've belted them on (which is the first donning), if you need them, you'd first have to inflate them and then put them on, i.e., insert your arms into the openings and secure the chest fastener.

My son and I have had great service from our Sospenders automatic harness sets, and I strongly recommend them. They are so comfortable you don't even know you have them on. Leaving them on all the time is a no-brainer. Knowing that they will inflate themselves, even if you're knocked unconscious while being thrown out of the boat, is very comforting.

T, You will notice many of them being worn on the fishing shows, due to the fact that even when you take your main vest type off you still have something on, if you fall or are thrown out of the boat. One thing to remember is the belt type are not honored as a PFD in most tournaments, you must have a vest type, either the old standard or Sos type on when the big motor is running. So consider that when buying. However for personal use and pleasure fishing you would probably to fine. I believe the belt type are not honored by USGC as your main life vest also. Check that out with your boating authority. Bill K

...be aware that waist (or belt) type PFD's are not allowed by most tournament organizations. Just FYI.