Discover Unrestricted Freedom and Uncompromising Safety with the Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket

For anyone who spends time on the water, whether casting a line, paddling tranquil waters, or cruising the open lake, safety is paramount. Yet, traditional bulky life vests can often feel restrictive, cumbersome, and can even deter wearers from putting them on at all. This is where the innovative Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket revolutionizes your on-water experience. Designed for comfort, mobility, and rapid deployment when needed, this personal flotation device (PFD) ensures you stay safe without sacrificing the enjoyment of your activity.

Are you an avid angler who needs an unrestricted range of motion for casting? A kayaker or stand-up paddleboarder looking for a PFD that won't interfere with your stroke? Or perhaps a recreational boater seeking a lightweight, low-profile safety solution for yourself or your guests? The Onyx A/M-24 is engineered precisely for these scenarios, offering peace of mind that integrates seamlessly with your aquatic adventures. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to be prepared for the unexpected without constantly being reminded they are wearing a safety device.

Understanding the Advanced Technology: How the Onyx A/M-24 Protects You

The core of the Onyx A/M-24's effectiveness lies in its sophisticated inflation system. Unlike traditional foam vests that provide constant buoyancy, this PFD remains compact and out of your way until it's needed, thanks to its inflatable bladder.

Dual-Action Inflation for Ultimate Reliability

The Onyx A/M-24 features a versatile dual-inflation mechanism, providing two crucial ways to deploy its buoyancy:

• Automatic Inflation Upon Immersion: The primary mode of activation is automatic. Should you unexpectedly find yourself in the water, the PFD is designed to inflate automatically upon immersion. This feature is particularly vital for situations where you might be incapacitated or knocked unconscious, ensuring immediate buoyancy without any manual intervention. This rapid response can be life-saving in sudden falls overboard or unexpected capsizes.
• Manual Inflation (Jerk to Inflate): For situations where you want more control, or as a reliable backup, the Onyx A/M-24 includes a clearly marked "Jerk to Inflate" handle. A simple pull on this cord mechanically activates the CO2 cartridge, inflating the vest in seconds. This is an excellent option for planned entries into the water or for ensuring inflation even if the automatic sensor hasn't triggered yet.

This dual functionality gives wearers confidence, knowing they have multiple options for activation, catering to a wide range of water conditions and personal preferences.

Convertible Inflation Modes: Adapt to Your Activity

One of the standout features that distinguishes the Onyx A/M-24 is its convertibility. It can easily transition from a full AUTO/MANUAL inflation system to a MANUAL ONLY inflation mode. Why is this important?

• Manual Only Mode for Specific Activities: If you anticipate being exposed to frequent splashes, heavy rain, or even just high humidity that might accidentally trigger an automatic inflation, converting to MANUAL ONLY prevents unintended deployments. This is especially beneficial for activities like jet skiing, white-water kayaking (where intentional capsizing might occur), or even just hosing down your boat. It puts you in complete control, ensuring the PFD only inflates when you decide it's necessary.
• Preventing Accidental Deployment: By switching to manual only, you save on rearming kits and avoid the inconvenience of an accidental inflation, while still retaining full safety capabilities when you pull the cord.

This adaptability ensures the Onyx A/M-24 is not just a safety device, but a truly customizable piece of gear that fits your exact needs for any given water excursion.

Backup Oral Inflation for Peace of Mind

Beyond the primary CO2 inflation systems, every Onyx A/M-24 is equipped with a backup oral inflation tube. This allows you to manually inflate the vest by blowing into a tube, providing an additional layer of security. It's an essential feature for maintaining buoyancy if the primary inflation system fails for any reason or if you need to top off the air pressure in the bladder for extended wear.

Designed for the Water Enthusiast: Comfort Meets Durability

The effectiveness of any safety equipment often comes down to whether people will actually wear it. The Onyx A/M-24 excels here, combining robust safety features with an emphasis on user comfort.

• Unrivaled Comfort for All-Day Wear: Traditional PFDs can be bulky, hot, and restrictive, making long hours on the water uncomfortable. The Onyx A/M-24 boasts a comfortable, lightweight, and incredibly low-profile design. When deflated, it's barely noticeable, allowing for a full range of motion. This design philosophy means you can wear it for hours without discomfort, increasing the likelihood it will be worn when it's most needed.
• Soft Neoprene Neckline: The area around the neck often causes chafing and irritation with other PFDs. The Onyx A/M-24 addresses this with a soft neoprene neckline. This thoughtful detail ensures all-day comfort, even against bare skin, preventing rubs and irritation during extended use.
• Durable Fabric Construction: Water environments are tough on gear. The outer shell of the Onyx A/M-24 is constructed from durable fabric that resists tears and punctures. This robust material protects the internal air bladder, ensuring the vest's integrity and reliability over many seasons of use in demanding conditions.

US Coast Guard Approved: Meeting the Highest Safety Standards

When it comes to personal safety on the water, compliance with official regulations is non-negotiable. The Onyx A/M-24 carries a crucial certification that speaks volumes about its reliability and performance:

• U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type V Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with Type III Performance.
  • Type V PFD: This classification indicates that the PFD is designed for specific activities and conditions. Type V devices, like inflatable PFDs, are typically worn for continuous use and must be worn to be considered legal. They often offer specialized features.
  • Type III Performance: While classified as Type V, the Onyx A/M-24 provides the performance characteristics of a Type III PFD. Type III PFDs are considered "flotation aids" that are good for supervised activities, near shore, and are designed for recreational use. They are comfortable for continuous wear and allow for maximum mobility. If you end up in the water, a Type III PFD will keep you afloat but requires the wearer to put themselves in a face-up position. The 22.5 lbs of minimum buoyancy provided by the inflated Onyx A/M-24 significantly exceeds the 15.5 lbs required for a Type III PFD, offering enhanced flotation.

This dual rating signifies that the Onyx A/M-24 meets rigorous safety standards and is suitable for a wide range of recreational boating activities. Always remember that for an inflatable PFD to count as legally required carriage on a vessel, it must be worn by the user while underway.

Who Can Benefit from the Onyx A/M-24?

This PFD is specifically designed for:

• Persons 16 years of age and older: Ensures the PFD is properly sized and the wearer has the maturity to understand its operation.
• Persons weighing over 80 lbs: Guarantees adequate buoyancy for the wearer's weight.

Important Safety Note: While incredibly effective, inflatable PFDs are generally not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. This is because they require a certain level of comfort and ability in the water, especially if manual inflation is necessary or if the wearer needs to adjust their position in the water after inflation. For non-swimmers, a traditional inherently buoyant foam PFD is often a safer choice.

Keeping Your Onyx A/M-24 Ready: Rearming and Maintenance

Like any life-saving equipment, proper maintenance and rearming are crucial for the continued reliability of your Onyx A/M-24.

• Rearming Kit: After an inflation event, whether automatic or manual, the CO2 cartridge will be expended and needs to be replaced. For the Onyx A/M-24, you will need the Onyx A/M-24 Rearming Kit #1352. This kit includes a new CO2 cylinder and the necessary bobbin (for automatic models) or indicators, ensuring your PFD is ready for its next deployment. It's highly recommended to carry a spare rearming kit onboard, especially for longer trips or if multiple inflations are possible. DEGuns offers these rearming kits to ensure you can quickly and easily get your PFD back in service.
• Regular Inspection: Even if never deployed, all inflatable PFDs should be regularly inspected. Check for any signs of wear, tears, or punctures in the fabric. Ensure the CO2 cartridge is properly seated and shows no signs of corrosion. Verify that the inflation indicators (if present) are green, signaling readiness. Check the oral inflation tube cap for a tight seal. A brief, self-performed inspection before each outing, and a more thorough check periodically, will ensure your Onyx A/M-24 is always in top condition.
• Proper Storage: Store your PFD in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid compressing it or placing heavy objects on top, which could damage the bladder or inflation mechanism.

Who Will Love the Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable PFD?

This PFD is a game-changer for a diverse array of water enthusiasts. Consider if this describes you:

• The Serious Angler: Whether fly fishing in a river, casting for bass in a lake, or pursuing big game offshore, an angler needs full range of motion for casting, reeling, and fighting fish. Bulky foam vests impede these crucial movements. The low-profile Onyx A/M-24 is almost imperceptible, allowing for unimpeded action and comfort during long days on the water.
• Kayakers and Stand-Up Paddleboarders (SUP): These activities demand upper body mobility and balance. A traditional PFD can chafe, restrict paddling motion, and even hinder re-entry onto the craft. The Onyx A/M-24 provides essential safety without interfering with your stroke or balance, making it a preferred choice for paddle sports.
• Sailors: Maneuvering lines, trimming sails, and moving about a boat requires agility. The Onyx A/M-24 offers unobtrusive safety, ensuring you can perform your duties efficiently and safely, whether racing or cruising.
• Recreational Boaters: For anyone enjoying leisurely cruises, pontoon boating, or powerboating, the Onyx A/M-24 offers a comfortable and stylish alternative to traditional vests. Guests are more likely to wear a PFD that feels like part of their clothing rather than an encumbrance.
• Hunting and Duck Blinders: For those operating small boats in wetlands or marshy areas, often requiring extensive movement and casting, the Onyx A/M-24's low profile and flexibility are invaluable.
• Anyone Prioritizing Comfort and Mobility: If you find traditional life vests too hot, too bulky, or simply uncomfortable, but still prioritize your safety, the Onyx A/M-24 is designed with you in mind. It delivers essential buoyancy without the typical drawbacks.

Why Choose Onyx? A Brand Built on Trust and Innovation

Onyx Outdoors, a brand under Absolute Outdoor, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality watersports safety products. They are known for their commitment to innovation, comfort, and, most importantly, safety. When you choose an Onyx product like the A/M-24, you're investing in a PFD from a company that understands the needs of water enthusiasts and builds products to exceed industry standards. Their focus on user experience, from the soft neoprene neckline to the reliable inflation mechanisms, demonstrates a dedication to ensuring that safety equipment is not only effective but also enjoyable to wear. This commitment to excellence makes Onyx a highly reputable and recommended option for all your on-water safety needs.

Your Trusted Source: Purchase the Onyx A/M-24 at DEGuns

When investing in life-saving equipment, purchasing from a reliable and knowledgeable source is crucial. DEGuns is your premier destination for the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket and all associated rearming kits and accessories. At DEGuns, you'll find competitive pricing, detailed product information, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. We ensure you have access to the genuine Onyx product and the necessary rearming supplies, making your safety a priority. Trust DEGuns for your next personal flotation device and enhance your adventures on the water with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inflatable PFDs

• Q: How often should I inspect my Onyx A/M-24?
  A: It is recommended to perform a quick visual inspection before each outing. A more thorough inspection, including checking the CO2 cartridge and inflation indicators, should be done periodically, especially at the beginning of each boating season.
• Q: Can I manually inflate my Onyx A/M-24 even if it's set to automatic?
  A: Yes, the "Jerk to Inflate" handle provides a manual override for immediate inflation, regardless of the automatic setting.
• Q: What happens if my Onyx A/M-24 accidentally inflates?
  A: If the PFD inflates accidentally (e.g., from an unexpected splash in auto mode), you will need to rearm it with a new Onyx A/M-24 Rearming Kit #1352 before its next use.
• Q: Is the Onyx A/M-24 suitable for children?
  A: No, the Onyx A/M-24 is specifically designed for persons 16 years of age and older and over 80 lbs. Children require PFDs sized and rated specifically for their age and weight.
• Q: Can I wear this PFD in saltwater and freshwater?
  A: Yes, the Onyx A/M-24 is suitable for use in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Always rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the PFD.
• Q: How do I store my inflatable PFD when not in use?
  A: Store your Onyx A/M-24 in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Avoid folding or compressing it tightly, which could damage the inflation bladder.

The Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket offers a superior blend of safety, comfort, and adaptability for a wide range of water activities. Its automatic and manual inflation options, coupled with its low-profile design and durable construction, make it an indispensable piece of gear for serious boaters, anglers, and paddlers. By choosing the Onyx A/M-24, you're not just buying a life jacket; you're investing in enhanced mobility, reduced fatigue, and, most importantly, unparalleled peace of mind on the water.

Onyx A/M-24 Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product Type	Automatic/Manual Inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
SKU	132000-400-004-18
UPC	043311961455
Inflation Mechanism	Automatic upon immersion; Manual "Jerk to Inflate" handle
Convertibility	Auto/Manual to Manual Only
Backup Buoyancy	Oral inflation tube
Buoyancy (Min.)	22.5 lbs when inflated
USCG Approval	Type V Life Jacket / PFD with Type III Performance
User Age	16 years and older
User Weight	Over 80 lbs
Neckline Material	Soft neoprene for comfort
Fabric Durability	Resists tears and punctures
Rearming Kit	Onyx A/M-24 Rearming Kit #1352 (Includes 1 CO2 Cartridge and bobbin)
Included Components	1 CO2 Cartridge
Recommended Use	Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding (for swimmers/strong swimmers)
Not Recommended For	Non-swimmers or weak swimmers