Is Your PFD Ready for Summer? Here's What to Check Before Your Next Day on the Water
At Pacific Angler, our retail staff and guide team spend hundreds of days on the water every year. Whether we're chasing salmon offshore, fishing the Fraser for sturgeon, or exploring local lakes, one thing is always the same - a properly functioning Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is an essential piece of equipment.
As we head into the busiest boating and fishing season of the year, now is the perfect time to take a few minutes to inspect your current PFD or, if it's time for an upgrade, check out some of the latest options from Mustang Survival. We have a great selection of inflatable PFDs and re-arm kits in stock, and we'd be happy to help you find the right one for the way you fish.
Take Five Minutes to Check Your PFD
Even if your inflatable PFD has never been deployed, that doesn't necessarily mean it's ready to go. Regular inspection and maintenance are key to making sure it will perform properly when you need it.
Here are a few things we recommend checking before your next trip:
- Look over the entire PFD for signs of wear, abrasion, mildew, oil contamination, or UV damage.
- Check all stitching, buckles, straps, zippers, and hardware to make sure everything is secure and functioning properly.
- Inspect the inflation system and confirm that the CO₂ cylinder and inflator are properly installed and haven't expired.
- If your PFD has been deployed or the inflator is past its service interval, it may simply need a new re-arm kit.
- Review your owner's manual so you're familiar with how your specific model operates and how it should be maintained.
Mustang Survival also offers excellent online inspection checklists and maintenance resources for their inflatable PFDs, making it easy to confirm everything is in working order.
Choosing the Right PFD
Not every PFD is designed for the same type of boating or fishing. The right choice depends on where you fish, how often you're on the water, and the conditions you typically encounter.
Here are a few of our favourite Mustang models that our staff recommends.
Mustang Elite 190 Inflatable PFD
For anglers spending time offshore or in more challenging conditions, the Elite 190 offers premium comfort and outstanding safety features.
Built around the same bladder design as Mustang's ATLAS series, it features Hammar® Hydrostatic Inflation Technology, preventing accidental inflation from rain, spray, or humidity while providing reliable automatic deployment when submerged. ADAPT Technology helps rotate the wearer face-up while providing additional head support in the water.
Transport Canada and US Coast Guard approved, it's an excellent choice for serious anglers who spend a lot of time on bigger water.
Mustang Elite 120 Inflatable PFD
The Elite 120 is the evolution of Mustang's popular Elite 28 and has quickly become one of our favourite all-around inflatable PFDs.
Designed for exceptional comfort, it features an updated fit that works well across a wide range of body types while remaining lightweight enough to wear comfortably all day. Like the Elite 190, it utilizes Mustang's exclusive Hammar® MA1 hydrostatic inflator for dependable automatic deployment without false activations.
If you're fishing local saltwater, lakes, or inshore waters, this is a fantastic everyday option.
Mustang MIT 100 Convertible Inflatable PFD
If versatility is your priority, the MIT 100 Convertible stands out.
This innovative design allows you to easily switch between automatic and manual inflation depending on your activity. Whether you're trolling, casting, or boating in changing conditions, the flexibility is a major advantage.
Mustang's Membrane Inflatable Technology keeps the vest lightweight, durable, and easy to repack after deployment, while still delivering 28 pounds of buoyancy when inflated.
Mustang Essential Belt Pack
For paddlers, kayak anglers, or anyone looking for a low-profile option during warm summer days, the Essential Belt Pack is a great solution.
Its manual inflation system keeps the pack compact and comfortable while still providing the safety of an inflatable PFD. Multiple storage pockets also make it handy for carrying small essentials while you're on the water.
Don't Forget Your Re-Arm Kit
One of the most common things we see is inflatable PFDs that simply need a fresh re-arm kit. If your vest has been deployed or it's been sitting in storage for a few seasons it may be time for a replacement cartridge and inflator.
We carry a full selection of Mustang re-arm kits to fit the most popular models, and we're always happy to help you identify which one you need. Check out our full selection here.
Stay Safe This Summer
Whether you're upgrading to a new inflatable PFD or simply making sure your current one is ready for another season, now is the perfect time to give it a thorough inspection.
If you have any questions about maintenance, re-arm kits, or choosing the right PFD for your style of fishing, stop by the shop or give us a call. We'd be happy to help make sure you're ready for a safe and enjoyable season on the water.
