Cabela's Guardian tournament 3500 PFD's?

fishin fool · 02-01-2008, 09:37 AM

I know there has been a lot of discussion lately about different inflatable PFD's on this board lately but I wanted to ask a few more questions before I spend a bunch of money on something I might not like. I have heard that the Cabela's Guardian Tournament 3500 PFD's are a good inflatable and during their grand opening sale they are 50% off which makes them only $75 each but have also heard some negatives. I am 6'3" tall and about 215lbs and have heard that they are smaller jackets than the Mustangs and while comfortable might feel small on someone my size. I also thought these were only manual pull inflatables but it looks like they have a auto feature which is probably from a disolvable pill of some kind. I have read about these auto kinds inflating by too much moisture from rain or storing them. The price from Cabela's is very desirable but wanted to know if any of you actually have this kind and any thoughts on them that I should consider or be warned about. I would like the Mustang hydrostatic but the cost is so high on them. Does anyone have a place they have found these mustangs for a good price? Any other brands to consider also? I have read the other threads on this but had a few additional questions. Thanks

Phil Layer · 02-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishin fool

during their grand opening sale they are 50% off which makes them only $75 each

Where is the grand opening? That is a heckuva price for an auto inflate.

blubeast · 02-01-2008, 10:44 AM

A great place to test different brands is the Pool Party which is part of the Salty Dog Convention in a couple of weeks.

Participants are given the chance to test their equipment in the pool - a safe warm environment - so you know how they work and what to expect.

In the past some manufacturer reps have loaned out their samples for testing so folks could try different brands.

The situation can be a real life saver - literally - last year some failed to operate due to canister mis-installation/failure. Other folks were surprised as to how tight theirs fit them around the neck - so had a chance to learn how to resolve that problem (deflate slightly). All great learning situations.

Come join us - the water will be great.

slabhunter · 02-01-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Layer

Where is the grand opening? That is a heckuva price for an auto inflate.

Lacey, WA

Triple C · 02-01-2008, 02:44 PM

I called them up and got a rain check. They sold over 500 of them at that
price. This a step from the type V inflatable and is an approved type III.
Just remember it'll do you no good unless you're wearing it.

Hagar · 02-01-2008, 02:52 PM

Actually I was going to head up tomorrow to Lacey and check these out. I am somewhat shorter and heavier than fishin fool and want to be sure of the fit. They appear to be shorter than the Mustangs (like the SOSpenders).

I just called them though to be sure they still had them since the sale has been going on for almost a week and currently, they are out of stock.

They will do a "rain check" over the phone though and anticipate more arriving in the next week or two. Good way to have them hold one at the sale price and also see what might be available at the Sportsmens show next week.

olybirds · 02-01-2008, 03:12 PM

save your gas, as they sold out of them in about the first 45 minutes on the first day of the Grand Opening. I happened to be there, since I live about 5 minutes away. I got one, before they were gone.

I have test fitted it, and its probrably going to feel a little small on a guy over about 6'. Im about 5'10" 160# and its as small as Id wanna go, with only a modest light jacket on. If there were sixe choices I would have gone bigger for myself. I suppose you could wear it under a jacket, but if you are looking for something to wear on the outside of a winter coat, this "one size fits all" PFD would not be a good chioce.

It looks like its well made and for the price, you cant beat it... I'd take a raincheck if anyone wants one!!

fyshndad · 02-01-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olybirds

save your gas, as they sold out of them in about the first 45 minutes on the first day of the Grand Opening. I happened to be there, since I live about 5 minutes away. I got one, before they were gone.

I have test fitted it, and its probrably going to feel a little small on a guy over about 6'. Im about 5'10" 160# and its as small as Id wanna go, with only a modest light jacket on. If there were sixe choices I would have gone bigger for myself. I suppose you could wear it under a jacket, but if you are looking for something to wear on the outside of a winter coat, this "one size fits all" PFD would not be a good chioce.

It looks like its well made and for the price, you cant beat it... I'd take a raincheck if anyone wants one!!

I worked with the State Marine board at the Portland boat show recharging and teaching folks about these PFD's and I must warn you not to wear these self inflators under your jackets

If you want to see what happens just put one on under your coat and inflate it using the mouth piece then let me know if you are still going to wear it under the coat

Silver Eagle · 02-02-2008, 06:52 AM

Stopped by there last Sunday on our way home from the Seattle boat show and they were out, we have four on the boat that has served us well for three season, we have checked them out in Green Peter by jumping off the flybridge and you come up like a cork, we ordered two more just for more back up, we usually use the float coats in the winter and the inflatables in the summer. They work and since there adjustable they seem to fit fine.................Just make sure there snug when they inflate...don't ask why I put that in....................Ray

fishin fool · 02-02-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Eagle

Stopped by there last Sunday on our way home from the Seattle boat show and they were out, we have four on the boat that has served us well for three season, we have checked them out in Green Peter by jumping off the flybridge and you come up like a cork, we ordered two more just for more back up, we usually use the float coats in the winter and the inflatables in the summer. They work and since there adjustable they seem to fit fine.................Just make sure there snug when they inflate...don't ask why I put that in....................Ray

Glad to hear you like them. Have you ever had any trouble with the auto inflate inflating because of rain or moisture from storage. Do these use the disolvable "pill" or something better. Do you feel like they fit well? I am afraid that they will not fit me well at 6'3". I have heard they feel short on a 6 foot tall person. Thanks