Deckvest Hammer or Pro

[Time2Go]

Hi Friends,
Buying a new PFD, Spinlock Deckvest
But am a bit confused about the pros and cons of the two models:

Hammer model, activates by water pressure, 20 bucks more to purchase
rearm kit is 80.00 US

Pro model, activates by saturation, 20 bucks cheaper
rearm kit 40.00 US

Which technology is better, pressure or saturation?
Any issues taking these on an airplane in checked baggage?
Same for rearm kits? I have heard stories of folks getting
rearm kits confiscated out of their checked bags.

Thanx in advance

Cheers
Neil

[JGHR]

Its the ProSensor everytime for me. Its easier to maintain, very reliable - will all ways work as it is water sensitive. Hammar units are suited for very very wet boats and if you can accept a potentially very slow inflation unless you go a long way under water and stay there a while. They work on a spring pressure valve that holds the water out, until enough water builds up on it to release and activate the cylinder. This can lead to a delay in inflation I wouldn't want for any of my crew

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, JGHR.

Good points.

[Steadman Uhlich]

where to use HAMMER
developed to answer the concern that premature inflation would be caused if the vest got wet.

Are you sailing in conditions or on a boat that causes you to get drenched by green water (Open 60 Racing in the Southern Ocean?)?

If so, you might want that Hammer mechanism so you don't become an inflated vest wearer before it is needed.

hope that helps.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Where to use PRO

[Time2Go]

As much as I'd like imagine myself dashing across the
Southern Ocean, I think the Pro Model will do fine for my plans this year.
The DelMarVa rally
A trip from the UK to Portugal for which I got great input from
members here regarding Biscay. I will remember Monte while crossing.
The Caribbean 1500 rally
My white knuckle days are in the rear view.
Plus I'll have an extra 60 bucks for grog.
Cheers
Neil

[Dave Lochner]

The water pressure units are preferable. At least on the Mustang version the inflation starts within seconds of immersion.

The water activated kind have a water soluble pill. It does not require immersion and I found out at 65 MPH when one inflated in the front seat of my truck.

Also the water activated ones can degrade over time in humid conditions. Since the process is slow, it is possible to pierce the CO2 cartridge and discharge it without inflating the jacket. Had that happen too.

[LTDsailing]

I have been using the Pro model in the Caribbean for 8 years and have had no problems with pre-mature inflation. It is plenty humid here and we get rain squalls that soak you to the bone in seconds. My Spinlock vest has never gone off in these conditions. I think they have a pretty good system and great customer service.

[NoFireOne]

Great choice, I love my Spinnlock, so comfortable I've even slept many a night wearing it. Either is great, however I apted for the Hydrostatic, proved invaluable during my Alaskan & Gulf of Mexico sails, where wet became the norm.
Regarding flying, no problem, just inform the airlines during check in & leave your spare in the original packaging.

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by Time2Go

Hi Friends,
Buying a new PFD, Spinlock Deckvest
But am a bit confused about the pros and cons of the two models:

Hammer model, activates by water pressure, 20 bucks more to purchase
rearm kit is 80.00 US

Pro model, activates by saturation, 20 bucks cheaper
rearm kit 40.00 US

Which technology is better, pressure or saturation?
Any issues taking these on an airplane in checked baggage?
Same for rearm kits? I have heard stories of folks getting
rearm kits confiscated out of their checked bags.

Thanx in advance

Cheers
Neil

Neil,

In 2014 we went through the same questioning before settling on the Pro sensors for our Deckvest 5D PFDs.


This video helped convinced us we would be fine with the Pro sensors, and we have been:

Spinlock Pro water spray test

May I also recommend their Belt Pouches for securely carrying additional gear? [e.g., VHF, flairs, flashlight, etc.]

We installed the first generation AIS transmitters when we received our vests. Today I wouldn't hesitate to order one with a factory installed MOB1 which as you know is AIS and VHF DSC [DSC auto to own ship, manual to ALL ships...]

Regarding flying with the PFDs and/or rearming kits: Spinlock has a section on their site re: Int'l considerations. We have only flown in the US with ours [so far...] and had no issues. [We always check the MyTSA app on our smart phones before flying... The "Can I bring...?" portion is pretty handy for a quick sanity check. A quick check revealed that today if we fly out of Fairbanks, Alaska, we can bring a life vest with up to 2 cartridges built-in, and 2 spare cartridges.]

Cheers!

Bill

[Chuck Hawley]

I would recommend the Pro sensor. I am aware of multiple instances where the Deckvest with the Hammar inflator did not inflate when sailors jumped into pools. Lots of excuses, but for a device that is supposed to activate in 4" of water, I have seen examples where it did not inflate under 4' of water.

Chuck

[Hobiehobie]

Agree these vests are very comfortable. Re flying you need to check with specific airlines on your trip. I just flew British Airways JFK to London to Glasgow, Tromso to Oslo. After checking with them they said it was fine to have the CO2 vests in a checked bag...but not all airlines are the same. BA person had to check with their safety section before giving me the info.