Plano, IL – The very fact that fish live in the water means that those who seek them are adventurers by definition. Every boat ride offshore, stroll down the dock, or trip out onto the ice carries a degree of risk; the most severe of which is drowning. It's the number-one cause of all fishing and boating related fatalities. Safety-conscious anglers seek to minimize this constant threat through awareness, common sense, and always wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Unfortunately, in a rush to get out on the water, safety precautions often take a backseat to angler excitement.
Ice anglers face increased threats due to cold waters, bulky clothing, and additional difficulties in getting out of the water – through self-rescue or with the assistance of others. So one would think that wearing a PFD would be standard operating procedure on the ice. Truth is, PFDs aren't donned by most ice fishermen for a variety of reasons, but most often because of the perception that they're bulky, uncomfortable, restrictive and impractical.
To the folks at Frabill, the undisputed worldwide authority on ice fishing, safety and preparedness are of utmost concern. It's why every I-Series jacket is sold with a set of Frabill Ice Picks included, and why every highly functional piece of Frabill I-Series apparel is designed with integral ice pick-holders, 3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material, and carefully engineered mesh drain ports that shed water weight and help facilitate self-rescue.
It's also why for 2016, Frabill's commitment to angler safety is reaching all-new levels.
"The newest addition to our I-Series apparel, the Frabill I-Float
Suit (Jacket and Bibs) is one of only a few flotation assisting ice fishing suits on the market to be recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as a USCG Certified Personal Flotation Device (PFD)," says Frabill Brand Manager, Dexter Dornan. "The result is one of the safest, most technologically advanced, high-performance, cold-weather fishing suits an angler can wear, while providing all the benefits of built-in U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation."
The new I-Float Suit shares all the proven safety features of Frabill's other I-Series apparel, combining signature ergonomic design, durable construction, self-drainage openings, integral ice picks and 3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material with a new high-visibility USCG Orange lining and garment accents for better detection while out in the elements.
Thoughtfully engineered from hood to cuff and everywhere in between, the new Frabill I-Float Suit provides protection against the risks associated with cold-weather fishing. And while it has been designed primarily with ice fishing in mind, the I-Float's exclusive technical features and benefits are expected to draw a loyal following with open water anglers as well; from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, throughout the Great Lakes, in the Northeast and everywhere in between. "No matter how and where you fish in cold weather, a warm, waterproof and windproof suit that provides the exclusive advantages of USCG-approved flotation is going to attract a loyal following," continues Dornan. "Throw in fully-articulated knees and elbows that allow anglers unrestricted movement without binding, and you have a suit that's not only extremely safe, but one that anglers are going to love to wear… and that's the idea."
NEW Frabill I-Float Jacket
USCG-Certified Personal Flotation Device
Mesh self-drainage openings for emergency water evacuation
3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material
High-visibility USCG Orange accents
and lining
Waterproof
and windproof
Ergonomically designed elbows
Durable Cordura on heavy wear points (shoulders and elbows)
Included ice picks with holsters to assist in self rescue
Collapsible hood
Hand warmer pockets
Size S-XXXL available
MSRP: $299.99
NEW Frabill I-Float Bibs
Mesh self-drainage openings for emergency water evacuation
3MTM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material
Waterproof and windproof
Ergonomically designed knees with flotation foam padding
Durable Cordura on heavy wear points (knees)
Holsters for ice picks
Size S-XXXL available
MSRP: $249.99
Nothing can totally eliminate the threat of falling into the water and the very real risks that follow – especially in icy waters where hypothermia can set in fast no matter what one is wearing. So the very best plan is not to fall in. But if you do, the new Frabill I-Float Suit can provide potentially lifesaving floatation and buy an angler those precious seconds or minutes needed for self-rescue or rescue by others.
Frabill's all-new I-Float Suit is available for service beginning this fall. Jackets and bibs are sold as separates in adult sizes small through XXXL. It's an exciting and welcomed addition to Frabill's complete line of high performance I-Series apparel that exhibits standout features and benefits for all anglers that aren't available in any other fishing suit. Frabill's I-Float, I-2, I-3, I-4, and I-5 models are all engineered for maximum safety, performance and comfort, enabling anglers to mobilize the search for targets beneath the surface in the harshest environments.
#Frabill
ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. is in its 77th year of engineering premium, trusted fishing equipment. Frabill's ice fishing product lineup consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration, and premium ice fishing apparel. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, accessories, and premium open water F Series Storm Gear. Visit www.frabill.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ben Rand
Plano Synergy
brand@planomolding.com
(630) 552-9518
Noel Vick
Traditions Media, LLC
noel@traditionsmedia.com
(612) 708-7339
