I am thinking of buying an inflatable life jacket. I have never owned one so how about some input as to the pros and cons. Also is automatic better than manual inflatable. I know they sure look more comfortable than a standard vest. 8)

My .02 here. I'd find one to try before I spent the $150. I did buy a automatic SOS. A manual is useless if you are incapacitated. For me it just wasn't a good solution for these reasons. Even the auto model takes some time to inflate. Neither model will inflate fully in cold temps - like now. I didn't like the way if rubbed around my neck especially when wearing anything without a collar. I also had concerns about how well it would stay on, and the lack of protection it provided if you got tossed at speed. There are a bunch of vest styles out there. After some "research" I wound up replacing my old vest with a Stearns from Walmart for about $30. I'm selling the SOS. Do what you think is best for you. None of them are any good if they're laying on the seat. Good Luck!

Well look at the price of these thing, and how long you plan on wearing them.

During a tournament, you may only wear them while the engine is on and the boat is moving, then you take them off.

For the money I'll buy the regular jackets, as for comfort, you can buy these with neck support also cheaper.

Had one, gave it away to a friend. My friend gave it away to someone else...Enough said?

I have a question about those inflatable ones....how does the automatic one automatically go off?  Just like jb said, if incapacitated the manual one is useless, so how does the automatic on inflate if you are out cold?  If you say it goes off the moment you hit the water...then don't go out in the rain with it....lol.  I will stick with my comfy Triton Life Jacket.