Frequently Asked Questions
About Inflatable Life Jackets
Life jackets are an essential piece of gear for every angler, paddler, sailor and boater. As you consider what life jacket is right for you, keep in mind that the most important advice about life jackets is simply this: WEAR ONE!
Bluestorm™ inflatable life jackets are the most comfortable innovation in personal flotation devices. Their slim profile when not inflated makes them one of the best life jackets to wear all day.
Bluestorm™ inflatable life jackets use an advanced Halkey Roberts® inflator mechanism that will inflate in seconds when in water, when properly armed and maintained. The automatic design inflates when fully submerged and will not inflate from rain or spray if the shell and air chamber are properly repacked. Bluestorm™ automatic inflatable life jackets can also be manually inflated. Either pull the “Jerk to Inflate” cord by pulling sharply downward to inflate the vest using the CO2 cylinder, or use the oral inflation tube located inside the vest on the air chamber.
What people love about Inflatable Life Jackets
- They’re Unbelievably Comfortable: The slim profile is very comfortable and is less likely to obstruct your range of motion while fishing, sailing, boating, paddling.
- They’re Remarkably Cool: They cover less of your body than a standard foam life jacket, which can help keep you comfortable and cooler on a hot day.
- All Bluestorm™ Inflatables are U.S. Coast Guard Approved: Bluestorm™ inflatables are built and tested to meet or exceed the standards established by the U.S. Coast Guard. All Bluestorm™ life jackets are tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories and receive a U.L. Coast Guard Approved label.
Inflatable Life Jacket key features
- Inflatable life jackets marked with automatic inflation will only inflate when submerged in water. (Or manually with “Jerk to Inflate” cord or oral inflation tube.)
- Low profile design is less bulky than inherently buoyant foam life jackets.
- Provides excellent ventilation, to help keep you cooler on hot days.
- Large, high-visibility inflation chamber.
Product Lifetime Expectancy: How long will my Inflatable Life Jacket last?
Life expectancy of an inflatable life jacket depends on conditions of usage, maintenance of the life jacket and its component parts and storage conditions. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light (direct sunlight), high temperature and high humidity weakens synthetic materials and will shorten the lifespan of a life jacket. Because conditions of each use are unique, estimated life expectancy will vary from user to user. When used in a recreational environment, proper cleaning and storage conditions will help to provide several seasons of use for an inflatable life jacket.
Where can I buy a Bluestorm™ Life Jacket?
How much buoyancy do I need?
The average adult needs 7 – 12lbs of inherent buoyancy to keep their heads above water. Your weight is not the only factor when determining how much “extra lift” you may need in water. Also consider body fat, lung size, clothing and whether the water is rough or calm. Generally, the more physically fit you are, the more “lift” you need.
When should I wear my Life Jacket?
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends wearing your life jacket at all times when the boat is underway.
Can I bring my Inflatable Life Jacket on a plane?
In regards to the CO2 cylinders for inflatable life jackets: You should always check with your airline's policy before your flight. For more information regarding rules and regulations on flights, please visit the website for the Transportation Safety Administration.
Who can wear an Inflatable Life Jacket?
Inflatable life jackets are generally intended for persons over 80lbs and chest sizes between 30” - 56”. To meet life jacket carriage requirements, the intended wearer must be over 16 years of age. Non-swimmers are not recommended for inflatable life jackets. Review your life jacket's labels and owner's manual for additional information.
Can I wear my Inflatable Life Jacket on a personal water craft?
U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable life jackets are not approved for use on personal watercraft, for whitewater paddling, water-skiing and knee boarding or similar towed uses.
Am I required to wear a Life Jacket on stand-up paddle board (SUP)?
Yes, when used beyond the narrow limits of swimming, surfing or bathing area, the U.S. Coast Guard considers a stand-up paddle board (SUP) a vessel.
What U.S. Coast Guard type is my Bluestorm™ Inflatable?
The Bluestorm™ Cirrus 26 is a Coast Guard Approved Type V inflatable life jacket with inflatable Type III performance. A U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III inflatable life jacket must provide over 22.5 lbs of buoyancy. The Cirrus 26 provides 26lbs of buoyancy when properly inflated. It provides almost twice the buoyancy of a foam Type III life jacket. When properly inflated, it is designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water. The Cirrus 26 is great for inland and coastal water areas where there is a good chance of a fast rescue.
The Bluestorm™ Stratus 35 is a Coast Guard Approved Type II Inflatable life jacket. A U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type II inflatable life jacket must provide over 34 lbs of buoyancy. The Stratus 35 life jacket provides over 35 lbs of buoyancy when properly inflated. It provides twice the buoyancy of a Type III foam life jacket. When properly inflated, Type II inflatables are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water and are suitable for many rough water uses.
The Bluestorm™ Atmos 40 is a Coast Guard Approved Type II inflatable life jacket. A U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type II inflatable life jacket must provide over 34 lbs of buoyancy. The Atmos 40 life jacket provides over 40 lbs of buoyancy when properly inflated. It provides more than twice the buoyancy of a Type III foam life jacket. When properly inflated, Type II inflatables are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water and are suitable for many rough and offshore water uses.
The Bluestorm™ Arcus 40 is a Coast Guard Approved Type II inflatable life jacket. A U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type II inflatable life jacket must provide over 34 lbs of buoyancy. The Arcus 40 life jacket provides over 40 lbs of buoyancy when properly inflated. It provides more than twice the buoyancy of a Type III foam life jacket. When properly inflated, Type II inflatables are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water and are suitable for many rough and offshore water uses.
Why do some life jackets have to be worn to be legal and others do not?
Inflatable life jackets are given a performance type and a designation for whether they have to be worn to be counted in the vessel's life jacket inventory. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that automatic, water-activated inflatables with non-1F inflator mechanisms have to be worn to be counted in the vessel's inventory as a life jacket, such as our Cirrus 26. It is classified as a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V with Type III inflatable performance. This means you must be wearing the vest at all times when on the water for it to count towards your vessels life jacket inventory. Because our Stratus 35, Atmos 40 and Arcus 40 use new Halkey Roberts® Hydro 1F inflator mechanisms, they carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable Type II rating. This means if the device is properly armed you do not have to be wearing it to count towards your vessel's life jacket inventory and can be considered “stowable.” The U.S. Coast Guard recommends you always wear a life jacket when your vessel is underway. However the best life jacket is the one you are wearing and inflatable life jackets are so comfortable, you may just forget you have one on.
Max5 Camo Cirrus 26 Manual Override Option
Bluestorm™ also offers the Max5 Camo Cirrus 26 with a manual override option. This life jacket is great for users that know they will be in the water often. When the vest is set to “Manual Only” inflation, it will only inflate orally or by pulling the “Jerk to Inflate” cord. Please read your Owner's Manual for proper operation of your Bluestorm™ life jacket.
Manual Conversion for 6F Automatic Mechanism
The Max5 Camo Cirrus 26 inflatable is equipped with a 6F mechanism that features a yellow “manual only” conversion cap. To convert your 6F automatic to manual inflation only, follow these steps:
- Locate yellow “Manual” cap.
- Remove CO2 cylinder, then remove clear cap and bobbin.
- Install yellow “Manual” cap snugly on the inflator. (Warning flag hangs exposed on the outside of the PFD).
- Confirm cylinder is not punctured or damaged and install cylinder by rotating clockwise into inflator until cylinder is secured firmly. Do not over-tighten.
- Repack the vest and ensure the manual inflation “Warning” tag and yellow “Jerk to Inflate” tab hang freely outside of the device.
How do I re-arm my Bluestorm™ Life Jacket?
Stay tuned for a demonstration video
Deflation Process – How do I deflate my inflatable life jacket?
Locate the red oral inflation tube. Remove the black cap and invert it into the oral tube and hold. Squeeze or roll the inflated chamber (do not wring). All air must be expelled before repacking.
Once air has been expelled through the oral tube, replace cap to its original position and proceed to re-arm (if necessary) and repack the device.
Re-arming instructions after use - How do I re-arm my automatic inflatable life jacket?
1F Automatic: (Bluestorm™ model: Stratus 35, Atmos 40, Arcus 40) (Please read the instruction manual that was included with our device. If you have lost your instruction manual it can be downloaded from this website).
- Remove all air from chamber (see deflation).
- Locate the inflation mechanism.
- Remove spent CO2 cylinder by rotating it counter clockwise and pulling the cylinder out.
- Remove the cap by turning counterclockwise and remove the yellow bobbin from the cap or housing unit. Discard the yellow bobbin.
- Check that the device housing is dry and clean of debris.
- Confirm the new bobbin date stamp is within three years of today’s date.
- IMPORTANT: Install the yellow bobbin in the housing, aligning the slots on the bobbin with the ridges inside the threaded housing. (The bobbin will slide in easily when installed correctly.)
- Install the cap securely by screwing clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder. (No gap.)
- Confirm replacement CO2 cylinder face is not pierced and install new cylinder by rotating clockwise into inflator until cylinder is secured firmly.
- Service indicator window on front of inflator should be GREEN and ready for use. If RED, the device is not armed properly and these steps should be redone.
- Repack and ensure the yellow “Jerk to Inflate” tab is hanging freely outside the device.
- Verify green status indicator is visible through the window.
6F Automatic: (Bluestorm™ model: Cirrus 26) (Please read the instruction manual that was included with our device. If you have lost your instruction manual it can be downloaded from this website).
- Remove all air from chamber (see deflation).
- Locate the inflation mechanism.
- Remove CO2 cylinder by rotating it counterclockwise and recycle spent cylinder.
- Remove the clear cap by turning counterclockwise and remove bobbin from cap or housing unit. Discard yellow bobbin.
- Check that the device housing is dry and clean of debris.
- Confirm the new bobbin date stamp is within three years of today’s date.
- IMPORTANT: Install the yellow bobbin aligning the slots on the bobbin with the ridges inside the threaded housing. (The bobbin will slide in easily when installed correctly.)
- Confirm replacement CO2 cylinder face is not pierced and install new cylinder by rotating clockwise into inflator until cylinder is secured firmly.
- Align arms on the green indicator clip over red lever with the slots in the inflator. Push firmly in the middle of the clip to snap in place.
- Check that service indicator is GREEN and the green indicator clip is firmly attached.
- Repack and ensure the yellow “Jerk to Inflate” tab is hanging freely outside the device.
Repacking Procedure - After inflation, how do I repack my inflatable life jacket?
Remove air from chamber through oral inflation tube (see deflation process). Re-arm device (see re-arming). For specific model, follow “Repacking Instructions” in owner’s manual for complete instructions. View service indicators. If green, it is properly armed and ready for use. If red, re-arming is needed before proceeding. Verify green status indicator is visible through the window for 1F (Stratus 35, Atmos 40 and Arcus 40) models. Yellow pull-tab should be outside of folded PFD.
General Information
CO2 Cylinder Information:
Shelf Life & Disposal - What is the shelf life of a cylinder and how do I dispose of my used CO2 cylinder?
When properly stored and maintained there is no shelf life or expire date. If cylinder shows signs of abrasion, corrosion or damage, it should be discharged and replaced.
- Gas cylinders are 100% recyclable steel.
- Discharge gas before disposing of cylinder.
- Misuse of gas cylinder can be dangerous. Do not incinerate CO2 cylinder, expose to sun or store above 120oF (50oC). Do not throw into open fire or dump at sea.
Usage – How often can I use my CO2 cylinder?
Cylinders may be used one time only to inflate the life jacket and cannot be recharged.
Cylinder Size - Can I use a different size cylinder or alter my mechanism?
Use of cylinder sizes other that what was originally designed for your specific model may result in damage to the life jacket and/or injury to person. It is imperative to use only component parts and correct size CO2 cylinder (both thread size and CO2 gram) for your specific model. Any alteration or modification to the device may result in injury or death and voids the Coast Guard approval.
Re-Arm Kit Purchase - Where can I buy replacement Re-Arm Kits?
Replacement Re-Arm Kits may be purchased from www.bluestormgear.com. It is imperative to purchase the correct thread size and CO2 gram size as recommended for your specific model.
NOTE: It is recommended to have a stand-by Re-Arm Kit available at all times.
CO2 Precautions - Are there any safety precautions when handling a CO2 cylinder?
The CO2 cylinder contains carbon dioxide, which is a non-toxic, non-flammable gas, in a pressurized cylinder. However, caution should be taken to avoid skin contact when the discharging the CO2 cylinder.
Bobbin Information:
Shelf Life & disposal - What is the shelf life of the bobbin and how do I dispose of used or old bobbins?
- Inspect bobbin before each use to confirm white soluble substance is intact and there are no cracks, breaks or deterioration.
- Bobbins produced 2019-2020 have a 3 year shelf life. A manufacture date code is stamped on the side of the bobbin. Example: FEB03 19 HR (Month∙Day∙Year) Manufacture date for this example is February 3, 2019.
- Store in a cool dry environment. Yellow bobbins may be discarded in refuse.
NOTE: Bobbins exposed to excessive high humidity, high heat or vibration should be replaced more often.
Precautions - Is the white substance in the bobbin poisonous if ingested?
The white substance in the yellow bobbin is not dangerous or poisonous if ingested. It is a pharmaceutical grade of Microcrystalline Cellulose, commonly used as filler in medicine tablets.
Premature inflation with automatic mechanism – What causes it & how can I prevent it?
- Exposure to excessive high humidity, high heat or vibration.
- Improper storage – such as enclosed compartments under very high heat or humid conditions.
- Replace bobbin on a yearly basis, more often in humid climates or when exposed to excessive high humidity or temperatures.
Cold Weather Use - Can I use my inflatable when ice fishing?
A fully discharged cylinder may not adequately inflate your life jacket when used in cold weather or below freezing temperatures. Do not use your inflatable life jacket under these conditions unless it is already partially inflated, with three or four puffs of air, using the oral inflation tube.
Caution: If device is fully inflated using the oral tube, CO2 inflation could over-pressurize and damage your life jacket. Also remember, an inflatable life jacket should be worn over all clothing – do not wear under any type of clothing!
Detailed Information and Manuals for your Bluestorm™ Inflatable
Download your Owner's Manual here: