Floatation devices : Cheapest/best?

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

I just looked up some on paragear and they are like 50+$. Are there cheaper/good alternatives to these vests if you want something for beach jumps?

thx.
-A

[councilman24 37]

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/air/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=/Aircraft/Accessories/LifePreserver.html

Same as one chamber Paragear but cheaper. Buy small fanny pack or make your own pouch (as I did). Hmmm Haven't tried cypres fanny pouch. Might just fit. Maybe not. Or wear under rig for water jumps. Undo chest flap and inflate orally.

This is the best and cheapest I've found in many years. More expensive alternatives exist with included pouch etc. http://www.go2marine.com/frameset.jsp?servletPath=/g2m&action=search2PL&family=70112F,86504F,86500F,86499F,86496F,70320F,70117F,70118F,86485F,86506F,86507F DOT shipping is a pain.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[koz2000 1]

I got one out of an aircraft (GA-12) and it will fit into a cypres pouch.

You have to take it out of the plastic to make it work though.

D.

.

______________________________________________
- Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes -

[councilman24 37]

Actually you might check local marine dealers. Some of these inflatables are now Coast Guard approved. I still think, even with DOT shipping which I think Paragear charges to (but check), that the link I gave above is the cheapest.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

Quote

Actually you might check local marine dealers. Some of these inflatables are now Coast Guard approved. I still think, even with DOT shipping which I think Paragear charges to (but check), that the link I gave above is the cheapest.

Thanks, i'm gonna call up some local dzs and see if they have anything. I don't really want to pay 60$ if I can get it cheaper locally. I thought there'd be some cheap alternative that worked well, but apparently it's expensive for an air pouch

:)
Angela.

[koz2000 1]

Call around to some of the FBO (gas stations at an airport) and see if they have any. Aircraft operators need them to fly to the Bahamas so you might get lucky and find some.

D.

______________________________________________
- Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes -

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

Quote

Call around to some of the FBO (gas stations at an airport) and see if they have any. Aircraft operators need them to fly to the Bahamas so you might get lucky and find some.

D.

Cool idea! Thanks!

-A

[mjosparky 4]

One thing to remember, cheapest and best are very seldom the same item. I have never had to use one but I think if I really did need it, cheapest is not what I would want. But then if I had to wear it, but never had to use it big bucks would seem silly. Should I or should I not? decisions, decisions.

At minimum it should be USCG approved.

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[ChileRelleno 0]

I agree with mjosparky... Cheapest is not the best... Ever... IMPO.
My motto when shopping is you get what you pay for, you can shop around and find the best price for said item but if its quality its gonna cost you.

ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414
Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868

[headoverheels 334]

Here ya go, $20, two chambers, just like the one under your airline seat. I think the "east coast" location is in Peachtree City, GA (my folks home town)

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/lifevest.php

I bought a couple of used ones in ~1987, and they are still fine. I check them out before use by orally inflating them and sitting on them to see whether they pop. I bought them for overwater flights in my small plane.

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

Well, what i've got now are the SOSpenders, which is a CO2 inflatable worn in a pouch around your waist. I think i'll have to tape it a bit for freeflying (pouch closure is velcro), and it is a little bulky for my liking, but we're down to the last minute and didn't find anything better so I guess we're going to use these.

Thanks everyone.
Angela.

[councilman24 37]

Quote

Here ya go, $20, two chambers, just like the one under your airline seat. I think the "east coast" location is in Peachtree City, GA (my folks home town)

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/lifevest.php

Site didn't give hazardous shipping charges but I ordered one to see. UPS Ground from CA to MI was $7.60. Looks like the best deal I've seen.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[John4455 0]

Stearns. The fanny pack. A really good vest type that fits in a fanny pack. Theres enough room in there to put your sun glasses also. I think that you can get them at Bass Pro Shops. I bought mine at Emerald Coast Beach Boogie.

How do ya like it Johnny?