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Mustang Survival holds exclusive distribution rights for Hammar® Hydrostatic Inflators on UL-approved products in North America. Our longstanding partnership with Hammar® has enabled us to integrate this advanced inflation system into safety gear designed for military, public safety, and recreational users.
Unlike traditional inflators that use dissolving pills or bobbins, Hammar® hydrostatic inflators activate only when fully submerged, preventing accidental inflation from rain, humidity, or spray.
The inflator’s hydrostatic valve works by detecting the pressure difference between the air inside the bladder and the surrounding water. For activation, this difference must exceed ten centimetres (four inches). When submerged, any trapped air inside the lifejacket bladder naturally rises to the highest point while the inflator remains at a lower depth. This positioning creates the necessary pressure difference to open the valve, allowing water to reach a water-sensitive element. This element holds a spring in tension, which, when released, triggers the gas canister, inflating the lifejacket.
Because Hammar® inflators rely on hydrostatic pressure (water pressure), they take more depth in the water (and time) to activate than other automatic inflators. To wearers, this may feel like a long moment—but it’s important to remember that these inflators are designed for maximum reliability in serious, high-risk situations where full submersion is a true emergency. This ensures that your PFD inflates only when absolutely necessary, providing trusted, dependable protection when it matters most. Please consider if this inflation system is right for you and your comfort in the water.
If the inflator isn’t fully submerged (less than ten centimeters/four inches underwater), the lifejacket won’t automatically inflate. However, you can always activate it manually by pulling the inflation handle if needed.
Benefits of Hammar® Hydrostatic Inflators
Some of the key benefits of Hydrostatic Inflators are:
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5-Year Lifetime: No service or maintenance is needed; just replace the inflator after the five-year expiry date or when the single-point indicator is red.
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Protected Cylinder Seal: The gas cylinder is placed inside the inflatable bladder, protected from the atmosphere and corrosive effects of saltwater.
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Humidity Resistance: Equipped with a hydrostatic valve that protects against accidental inflation in the case of humidity.
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Rain and Wave Resistance: Equipped with a hydrostatic valve that gives exceptional protection against accidental inflation in the case of rain, spray, and splash.
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Single-Point Indication: The inflator is ready for use when the single-point indicator is green.
A Safer Experience with Hammar® Hydrostatic Inflators
