Float Coat: Mustang Classic Bomber vs. Onyx Camo

J

Jon Frey

Member
I know duck season is still a ways off but I'm looking to purchase a good float coat to wear layout hunting, sculling, etc. To that end I've been looking at the olive Mustang Classic Bomber Jacket and the Max-4 Onyx Float Coat. I've read a fair amount about the Mustang but noone has compared it to the Onyx. Is one significantly better than the other/easier to shoot out of? Is there another brand I should be looking at as well? I don't really care about camo as long as the coat doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. To that end does anyone know how reflective the tape on the Mustang is? Will it flare birds? Any information someone could provide would be appreciated.
 
I've had a Mustang Bomber for a few seasons now and like it. I can shoot fine with it on (especially after it was broken in a little) and I've even worn it in the layout boat. It's warm too. My olive jacket doesn't have any reflective tape on it. Although the separate hood may have the tape, I didn't get it.

I've never tried the Onyx so I can't compare it to the Mustang. But I did wear a Stearns float coat for several seasons. The Stearns is longer than the Mustang and the Stearns is tougher to shoot with as it tends to bunch up.
 
I know duck season is still a ways off but I'm looking to purchase a good float coat to wear layout hunting, sculling, etc. To that end I've been looking at the olive Mustang Classic Bomber Jacket and the Max-4 Onyx Float Coat. I've read a fair amount about the Mustang but noone has compared it to the Onyx. Is one significantly better than the other/easier to shoot out of? Is there another brand I should be looking at as well? I don't really care about camo as long as the coat doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. To that end does anyone know how reflective the tape on the Mustang is? Will it flare birds? Any information someone could provide would be appreciated.
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The SOLAS tape on the Mustang coats is bright, but I don't think it flares birds. It does make a mess of flash photos though. I know the mustang will last and are used by law enforcement and industry professional, I haven't seen the Onyx before, so take that for what it is worth.
 
John, I have the Onyx, bought it in the super 50% off end of year sale that was alarted on this forum. I had previously sent a note to Mustang suggesting that there was a market for the camo bomber jacket for duck hunters, but never got a response. The Onyx is bulkier than a regular jacket, but I wore it all January, with just a fleece and polypro under it. I am kind of a candy ass in the cold, hate it and spend much money on making sure I am not! I was comfortable in this jacket, though I had to take it off during some days as I was too warm. I found that it was not much of a hinderance to shot. I suspect when it breaks in some it will be even better. I like it, especially at $75! now at $350 or whatever the Mustang cost... it will have to be a bunch nicer to justify the price..... but I have not seen or worn one.

Only half your questions answred I know.....

Dave
 
I bought the Onyx in the same sale Dave mentioned, my hunting partner has the Mustang camo that they don't make any more. They look very similar, same level of bulk. The Onyx is plenty warm, the Mustang reportedly is too.
 
I have had my Mustang integrity bomber for one season and can tell you that it's much warmer than I expected. I actually took it off once anchored on a day that was making ice around the boat because I was sweating. I was wearing a heavy sweater and a wool layer tucked under the dodger too. I like that it has adjustable neo cuffs and wast belt so you can have some protection while pulling in decoys or should you go in the drink. mine is black and I don't mind much since I mostly hunt from the boat behind the grassed dodger. If I get in a layout the grey slicker will cover fine.

I paid around $230 for mine. Might make the difference between a rescue or a recovery someday. Good investment IMO.
 
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