MUSTANG SURVIVAL
ELITE 38 MODEL MD5283
Mustang Survival is the brand many commercial mariners have relied on since 1967. That the jackets are pricier is immediately apparent and supported in style and design. Foremost, the hydrostatic trigger inflates the air bladder the moment it sinks 4 inches below the water, which is when hydrostatic pressure triggers it. Finely woven nylon fabric is tough, the cut minimizes chafing around the face and neck, and rubber reinforcement protects the most exposed areas. The back is wide and soft for support and comfort and ventilated for warm-weather wear.
PROS: Hydrostatic inflaters are the fastest inflaters and can’t be triggered by rain or spray. The provided 38 pounds of buoyancy is enough to right an unconscious person and hold their face out of the water in the roughest conditions. CONS: The trigger system is heavier and bulkier and costs $100 or more than lighter-weight but slower-dissolving bobbin-triggered devices. BUOYANCY: 38 pounds
CHEST SIZE: Fits 30 to 52 inches
TRIGGER: Hydrostatic
CLOSURE: Nylon zipper
REARM: Annually
COST: $260
TEST RESULTS: The hydrostatic trigger
activated almost immediately after being dunked and surfaced in our test.
REARMING: The CO2 cartridge and trigger are fixed together, and the cartridge fits inside the air bladder. The process is tricky; once accomplished, it’s easily repeated.
CONCLUSIONS: Hydrostatic triggers won’t deploy because of dampness caused by rain and don’t rely on a dissolving bobbin.
BEST FOR: These are the most expensive devices, and the rearming kits include a new hydrostatic sensor, so we recommend them for serious offshore boaters or professionals who are accustomed to detailed maintenance of all their gear.