Automatic lifejackets: UML or Hammar?
A UML automatic lifejacket is triggered by contact with water, unlike the Hammar hydrostatic lifejacket. Between advantages and disadvantages, knowing the different types of activation and characteristics of automatic lifejackets will help you in your future equipment purchase.
UML automatic lifejacket: how does it work?
First of all, please note that all automatic inflatable lifejackets include a manual release system for added safety. Whatever the buoyancy level of your automatic lifejacket, as a general rule it will always be available as a Hammar hydrostatic release system or as a UML automatic. The buoyancy of this type of lifejacket is usually greater than that of a foam lifejacket. The automatic lifejacket operates on water contact. All the wearer has to do is fall into the water, and the lifejacket inflates automatically. The vest's triggering system contains a water-sensitive tablet. When it comes into contact with water, this pellet melts until it releases a needle directly onto the vest's gas cartridge. The cartridge is instantly pierced, releasing air throughout the inflatable vest for 3 to 10 seconds, depending on the model.
The Plastimo Pilot 165 lifejacket is the perfect example of a versatile UML automatic lifejacket. Equipped with a harness, this vest is also designed to support various vest accessories such as a subcutaneous strap, face mask, lanyard and more. This product is reasonably priced for its quality. A Plastimo Junior model, available in the children's vests category, may also be suitable for your offspring.
Advantages and disadvantages of a UML vest
The advantage of the UML automatic system is that it guarantees very fast and reliable activation. The lifejacket inflates almost instantaneously as soon as you fall into the water. What's more, this type of lifejacket is very practical, as it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space. The higher you go up the range, the more robust the lifejacket becomes, and the greater the safety it guarantees. UML automatic lifejackets are designed for all types of person and all types of activity. The latest models have been designed to minimize unintentional activation of the vest by splashing water or rain in heavy weather.
To stay safe on your boat at a lower cost, we recommend Plastimo brand products. Our lifejackets are suitable for both children and adults, and always contain the accessories you need for boating: subcutaneous straps, harnesses and lanyards, etc.
However, this type of lifejacket is not recommended for deep-sea sailing or extreme conditions, due to the risk of untimely activation. If you're looking to buy an automatic inflatable lifejacket, it's a good idea to find out about its technical features. Give priority to product quality, and rely as much as possible on product tests carried out by manufacturers. Customer reviews are also a good way to get an idea of the vest's performance in real-life conditions. Customer feedback also gives you an idea of the different uses you can make of the product in question.
UML automatic lifejackets on Nautisports
Spinlock's Deckvest range is the best-performing range of UML automatic lifejackets, guaranteeing you won't have to suffer these drawbacks. The Deckvest Lite + Spinlock vest with harness is one of the strongest and lightest vests on the market. When you buy this product, you'll benefit from free delivery on purchases of 150 euros or more on Nautisports.com.
