Helly Hansen life jacket reviews?

[HUMPH]

OK, I ordered 4 super duper deluxe models!

 

[La Maddalena]

I agree - thanks for the post. I ordered 4 of the deluxe automatic PFDs (great price!) plus some other stuff - ditch bag, rescue stick, 2 youth vests, dog PFD, etc. so I can get my "dealer supplied" safety gear enhanced.

 

[La Maddalena]

I received the 4 deluxe automatic PFDs and went to order 2 more, but they're off the website now - I assume sold out. The re-arm kit in the manual is a Helly Hansen model number, but I can't find them on Defender.com anymore or any other site. I know I read that other re-arm kits were compatible (Mustang, Revere). Does anyone know the exact model number for a Mustang or Revere re-arm kit compatible with the Helly Hansen PFD?

 

[douglee25]

I received the 4 deluxe automatic PFDs and went to order 2 more, but they're off the website now - I assume sold out. The re-arm kit in the manual is a Helly Hansen model number, but I can't find them on Defender.com anymore or any other site. I know I read that other re-arm kits were compatible (Mustang, Revere). Does anyone know the exact model number for a Mustang or Revere re-arm kit compatible with the Helly Hansen PFD?

I have a question on the fitment of these jackets. I too ordered 4 of them and tried one on when they arrived. I'm a pretty big guy at 6'2" and these jackets come down to say my belly button. These jackets say universal so I'm assuming that's OK, but I wasn't sure if they were supposed to go lower towards your waist. I have other water sports jackets to are similar in style to those ordered from Defender, and they definitely are longer.

Thoughts?

Doug

 

[Jack F]

I have a question on the fitment of these jackets. I too ordered 4 of them and tried one on when they arrived. I'm a pretty big guy at 6'2" and these jackets come down to say my belly button. These jackets say universal so I'm assuming that's OK, but I wasn't sure if they were supposed to go lower towards your waist. I have other water sports jackets to are similar in style to those ordered from Defender, and they definitely are longer.

Thoughts?

Doug

I bought 2 of the deluxe from defender and they fit almost the same as the 2 Mustang ones I have.

 

[douglee25]

I bought 2 of the deluxe from defender and they fit almost the same as the 2 Mustang ones I have.

And how is that? Down to your belly button or lower towards your waist?

Maybe my question should be, how should a life jacket fit?

Doug

 

[Jack F]

And how is that? Down to your belly button or lower towards your waist?

Maybe my question should be, how should a life jacket fit?

Doug

Down to my belly button, I think the only thing they worry about is:

Sizing and Fit​

This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 lbs of buoyancy when inflated and
is designed for wearers over 16 years of age, with a chest range of 30-52
inches (76-112 cm) weighing over 80 pounds (36 kg).​

Donning Instructions​

It is important that the Inflatable PFD is properly adjusted to fit the
person wearing it. An incorrect fit or improper fastening of attachments
could impede its effectiveness.
​

1) All belts and straps are already threaded correctly and only need to
be adjusted for fit. The belt should fit below your rib cage adjusted to
a tight personal fit.
​

 

[douglee25]

Good point. I guess as long as it keeps you afloat and the buckles are strapped, it's considered a good fit.

Doug

 

[Alegria]

The black adapter on the CO2 cartridge looks to be the wild card and it should be 33g to match the original one.

Here is a bobbin that looks very similar to the one that comes with the Auto Inflate ones.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|320546|436865&id=666701

Here is the Mustang kit that seems to be the one.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|320546|436865&id=324423

 

[La Maddalena]

Thanks, this is the info I was looking for. But ..... how do you know it's the right one? Is there a cross reference of model numbers between manufacturers, or are you basing this on the 33 g cartridge size and visual comparisons of the connectors and bobbin?

 

[Jack F]

Try contacting Defender, I thought I read that even though Helly Hansen was not going to be making these anymore they use the same re arming kits as Mustang, Stearns….



I ordered 2 re arming kits with the 2 deluxe pfd’s Item:#55217 STEARNS RE-ARMING KIT

 

[La Maddalena]

Thanks Jack - appreciate the info. I was going to also call Defender and see if they have any more of the PFDs available even though they're off the website. I'll ask about the re-arm part number too.

 

[La Maddalena]

For anyone interested, I bought the Helly Hansen deluxe automatic PFDs. just talked with Defender - they are totally sold out and the HH re-arm kit is unavailable. The compatible re-arm kit from Mustang Survival is Defender item # 551679 - see link

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|320546|436865&id=81504

 

[Jack F]

Thanks.