1st Sail wrote:I noticed there are several mfg making pfd with higher buoyancy ratings. What about the quality of the trigger/inflation mechanism on cheaper pdf's? I've seen an article about the differences in dependability except reminders to replace them per specifications.
AFAIK, there are only a couple of companies that make the inflator mechanisms.
But if it's auto-inflating,
be sure to replace the bobbin at recommended intervals, or less, or you may find it inflated in a locker or while you're enjoying the view on a calm day in the harbor. And the rearming kits are expensive, unless you just buy the bobbin and not bobbin and CO2 canister 'rearming kit'.
I don't remember if the shelf life of the bobbin is longer than the rearming interval if the package is unopened (hermetically sealed), but it might be. Slow moisture absorption will, over time, weaken the bobbin until it can no longer hold the trigger back.
