Gear Guide: Safety Gear

By Perry Mack

Fell Marine MOB Wireless Kill Switch

No one likes to be tied down and one of the best aspects of fishing can be peace and solitude. Enter MOB+, an electronically controlled, wireless kill switch, recommended for all boats with a size of 12 m (40 ft) or less. The xFOB is your personal safety guard at sea which doesn’t restrict your movement and should you fall into the water the engine(s) will stop in just one second.

As long as you stay within wireless range 15 m (50’) you are free to drive your boat and move about as you feel like. If you were to fall overboard and still be within the wireless range of MOB+®, rest assured that the engine will stop anyway because when the xFOB gets submersed in water, breaking the wireless signal.

MRSP: $200 USD - Fellmarine.com

Frabill I-Float Suit

Best of Show – Technical Apparel goes to this new flotation-assisting ice fishing suit certified by the Coast Guard as a personal flotation device. Designed for the cold extremes, the jacket (and matching bibs — sold separately) can help keep you alive and on top of the water. The ergonomic design and durable construction with features like mesh self-drainage openings, ice picks with holsters attached to the chest (to help enable self-rescue) and waterproof and windproof outer fabric with a 3M Scotchlite reflective material make it a valuable piece of kit. Sizes to XXXL.

MSRP: $300 USD - frabill.com

MTI Neptune Inflatable Life Jacket

Boating and kayak anglers who want a little extra peace of mind will float easier in the new automatic-inflating Neptune life jacket from MTI Adventurewear. Neptune automatically inflates when immersed and the over-neck, yoke-style jacket also features a back-up jerk tag for rapid inflation.

Engineered for all-day wear, the U.S. Coast Guard-approved (Type III) Neptune features a comfortable ergonomic collar and easy-breathing mesh yoke.

Additional features include daisy-chain attachments on the back and a D-ring for clipping on gear, reflective trim and zippered front storage pocket. Available in high-visibility Orange nylon Ripstop or in Realtree® MAX-4 camo.

MSRP: $160 USD - mtiadventurewear.com

Mustang Survival Debuts Spring 2017 Flotation

New and improved performance-focused PFDs for fishermen

For almost fifty years, Mustang Survival has been engineering high-performance marine gear for military, coast guard, and rescue personnel. With a focus on applied research and field-testing, the brand remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection and enhancement of those who push themselves to extremes.

The spring 2017 line sees new additions to the inflatable flotation category with the DLX Inflatable, REV Young Adult Vest for serious young anglers, and a new MOLLE compatible fishing pocket that can be easily attached for convenient storage of tackle and accessories.

New for Spring 2017

DLX Inflatable PFD –With a more comfortable fit around the head and neck, the DLX features a MOLLE-inspired attachment system for custom configuration of gear, a discreet anodized side- pull inflation handle, and dual side adjusts for easy size adjustment. An ideal choice for kayak fishermen, coastal cruisers and general boaters seeking high buoyancy inflation.

MSRP Auto: $190 USD;  MSRP Manual: $160 USD

REV Young Adult Vest – Built for a serious fishing mission, this vest is as versatile as its owner. From fishing to boating to days of summer fun, safety meets performance in the REV Young Adult Vest. Specifically designed interior foam panels form-fit to the body to fit better than a size small adult vest.

MSRP: $80 USD - mustangsurvival.com

ThrowRaft TD2401

Save space while meeting requirements with the first and only USCG Approved Inflatable Throwable Device Type-IV PFD. Automatically inflates when submerged and can also be thrown fully inflated. Nine times smaller than a life ring when packed, the ThrowRaft TD2401 is the most advanced Type-IV PFD on the water. Legally replaces all square cushions, ring buoys and horseshoe buoys on recreational boats. High visibility yellow for search and rescue situations. Easily rearmed and repacked for multiple uses with Leland 24 Gram CO2 with V86140 Bayonet Assembly re-arm kit. Made in the USA.

MSRP: $129.99 USD - www.throwraft.com