SALVS Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket for Adults | PFD for Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing | Life Vest for Men & Women | Red

I purchased a set of 4 of the Salvs auto-inflation PFDs for personal/recreational use. I am employed as a law enforcement underwater recovery diver and we use Mustang HID PFDs while underway in our vessels (retails for around 219.00 on Amazon). In the construction alone, the Mustang is in a much higher class than the Salvs and the hydrostatic inflator of the Mustang insures auto-inflation based upon water pressure to avoid premature/unwanted inflation. However, considering the price-point, it is not accurate to compare the two products. Salvs PFD offers exceptional value of an auto-inflation PFD with many of the same features of the Mustang at an affordable price. I like the comfort and convenience of this type of PFD; especially in the heat of summer. You stay cooler and range of motion is not inhibited compared to conventional PFDs. This PFD is rated at 25 lbs. of lift when properly inflated and worn; more than enough for any adult. When inflated, the bladder is secured by nylon web belt around the front torso and around the back of the neck to ensure a face-up orientation to keep your mouth and nose out of the water in case of loss of consciousness. No, it is not a Mustang, but it is just as safe when you need it and is more than 1/3rd the price.

So my review now is based on 1st impressions as I have not had it out on the water yet. It came in a bubble envelope, very tightly wrapped but all was well inside. The actual PFD came in a waterproof heavy-duty plastic bag. Honestly I thought I wasn’t going to get it out - it was so snug. Wish me luck getting it back in. Ha! The cartridge is not installed but looks VERY easy to put in. I found a random green plastic U-shaped clip. In reading the instructions (I’m not normally good at that), I found that it is just in indicator that the PDF has not been activated and is optional. I found where it fell off and replaced it. I imagine that piece will be lost with first deployment but it says its optional so I don’t care. In trying it on I found it very stiff and not overly comfortable around my neck at first but when I adjusted the straps it felt better. I’m sure I will appreciate the lightness and slimness of it on the wave runner! Now for the trick of remembering to take it off BEFORE I jump in for an intentional swim. Hopefully I will not have to find out if it works when tossed from a wave runner or boat but if that time comes, I promise to update my review with my findings - God willing!

despite what they said, the process was only started this year(if they are to be believed) and not as they stated last year.

I've been wearing this around the house for the afternoon and it is fairly comfortable. Hopefully I'll never really need it. The bag that comes with it is too small; once the PFD has been taken out it is not an easy task to get it stuffed back in. I will use a different bag.Made in China

Unit was extremely hard to inflate. Deflating the unit required a pen or similar small device to deflate as the end cap did not disengage the valve fully. Construction seems sound and the unit held air for 16 hours. I'll withhold final judgement until I test the co2 inflation. I would suggest to manufacturers that 2 co2 cartridges be supplied with these PFDs so users can test them and experience the inflation cycle.

Appears all of this genre of PFD are about the same in terms of function but this is the most cost-efficient one - if you factor in that they will send you a second CO2 cannister for registering your PFD on the SALVS store site after buying via Amazon. Comes with a pouch and one CO2 cannister. Just about everyone sailing wears this non-intrusive PFD type but other brands can cost quite a bit more. Automatic mechanism involves bobbin (vs pressure sensor.) Not Coast Guard Certified but who cares.

I used my new automatic life jacket for the first time yesterday, arming the device was easy. I’m 5’9” and 150 lbs and found that the life vest adjusted to me easily. I’m sure it would fit those smaller and a lot larger than myself. I plan to use the device while sailing, I wanted something that I could put on that wouldn’t be hot or restrictive, this seems to be it. I’m very happy with the quality and build, would definitely buy again.

This item allows for full motion while steady fishing all day on the boat.My wife loves the color and I love the security it gives her while on the water.We are in our 60s and would hate to fall overboard on a winter day or any day without this item.