spearos,
Before I posted this I contacted 2 of the top prominent people associated with R&D of the Maas Automatic SWB Vest. Both answered positively and quickly. Thanks to both.
I freedive/kayak alone [not smart] off Miami and have been worried about SWB since 1975. I am eager to buy the wonderful Anti-SWB Automatic Vest by Terry Maas [one of my spearfishing heros]. As I kayak I have been using a cheap [price] West Marine Manual Inflatable Comfort Series Type V vest to meet the boating regulations here in Florida. One day years ago I forgot to take this vest off before my first freedive of the day. As I was already in the water I just left the vest on and started my freedives. I had no problem diving with this vest 40-50fsw so I just kept wearing it while diving the rest of the day and have worn it every day diving since. I have blown this vest up by the tube while on the surface to rest and relax, etc. I was not sure that this manual inflate vest would work for SWB until last week when I must have passed out while freediving. I knew that I was a little to deep/to long and tried to get up but started going out about 10ft or so from the surface. I remember putting my hand on the manual inflate pull string and that is all I remember until I woke up on the surface. Then I got really scared when I realized must have passed out and dropped my gun and was lucky to be alive on the surface face up with the vest inflated.
I am bothered knowing that this cheap manual inflate vest probably saved my life and that other spearos might have similar good outcomes if they knew of my experience. I would hate to read of another freedive SWB injury/death that could possibly be prevented by this $65. manaul vest that had worked for me.
My conscious has forced me to write this. My sole intent is to do the right thing by informing other spearos. I do not want spearos to think that this $65. manual vest will save them from SWB. This manual vest is not designed for diving. This manual vest is not designed to prevent SWB. What I am saying is that this manual vest did work for me and that it is better than nothing. I am saying that I will never freedive again without a vest and will use this manual vest on every freedive until the Maas Automatic SWB Vest become available. Again, this manual vest is only better than nothing.
I have no ties with anyone or company. Manual Inflatable Type V Suspender vests are manufactured/marketed by many companies. What I wrote is only my opinion and my experience and is written to inform only. CO2 inflatable vests have inherent dangers.
Sorry this was so long. I hope what I wrote helps someone.
Never dive alone.
hau