1. Introduction
The Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket is a U.S. Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device designed for comfort, safety, and versatility. This low-profile, compact life jacket is suitable for users 16 years or older and over 80 lbs, fitting chest sizes from 30 to 52 inches. It provides 22.5 pounds of buoyancy when fully inflated, offering essential support to keep your head above water during boating, fishing, or paddling activities.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket to ensure its optimal performance and your safety.
Figure 1: Front view of the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket in blue.
2. Setup and Initial Arming
Before first use, it is crucial to properly arm your Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket with the CO2 cartridge. The life jacket comes with the CO2 tube in a plastic bag and the clear automatic cap and yellow bobbin attached. Ensure the CO2 canister is securely attached prior to use.
The life jacket offers two inflation modes: Automatic and Manual Only. The manual conversion cap is included and can be found in a small pocket on the right side of the vest (when laid flat). To convert to Manual Only mode, open the Velcro on the left side, remove the clear cap by turning it counter-clockwise, and store the yellow bobbin in a sealed plastic bag to protect it from moisture. Then, screw on the yellow manual cap. In this mode, the vest will only inflate by pulling the red tabbed string.
Figure 2: View of the CO2 cartridge and inflation mechanism. Ensure proper installation before use.
For a visual guide on setting up and understanding the inflation mechanisms, several informational videos are available online. These videos often demonstrate how to install the CO2 cartridge and switch between automatic and manual modes, providing helpful visual cues for new users.
3. Operating Your Life Jacket
The Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket is designed for ease of use and maximum comfort. Its low-profile design and adjustable body belt with front buckle closure ensure a secure and personalized fit, keeping you cool in warm weather. The comfortable neoprene neckline prevents chafing.
Figure 3: The life jacket's low-profile design provides comfort during activities.
Automatic Inflation: In automatic mode, the life jacket will inflate upon water immersion. This is ideal for situations where you might unexpectedly enter the water.
Manual Inflation: For manual inflation, simply pull the red inflation handle. This option is particularly useful for activities like paddling or fly-fishing where you might get wet but do not require automatic inflation. The life jacket can also be orally inflated using the backup oral inflation tube located within the vest.
Figure 4: The life jacket fully inflated, providing buoyancy.
4. Maintenance
Your Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket is designed to be reusable after each inflation. Proper rearming and care are essential for its continued reliability.
Rearming: After the life jacket has been inflated, it must be rearmed with a new CO2 cartridge. Always refer to your Owner’s Manual for the specific instructions on how to re-arm your life jacket. For this product, use the Onyx Rearming Kit #1352. It is highly recommended to purchase an extra rearming kit to practice and familiarize yourself with the rearming process.
Storage: When storing, especially in humid climates, ensure the yellow bobbin (if in automatic mode) is kept in a sealed plastic bag to prevent it from drawing moisture and causing premature inflation. The protective cover is made of 200 denier nylon ripstop and 200 denier nylon oxford for durability.
5. Troubleshooting
If your Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket fails to inflate as expected, consider the following:
- CO2 Cartridge: Verify that the CO2 cartridge is properly installed and has not been previously discharged or expired. A discharged cartridge will not inflate the vest.
- Water Activation (Automatic Mode): Ensure the water-sensing bobbin is correctly installed and has not been exposed to moisture prematurely. The life jacket typically requires significant immersion to activate automatically.
- Manual Pull Cord: Confirm that the manual pull cord is accessible and that a firm, decisive pull is applied to activate the inflation mechanism.
- Bladder Integrity: Inspect the inflatable bladder for any visible punctures, tears, or damage that could prevent it from holding air.
- Oral Inflation: In case of primary inflation failure, immediately use the oral inflation tube as a backup to inflate the life jacket.
If issues persist after checking these points, contact Onyx customer support or consult a certified marine safety professional.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Onyx |
| Model Name | A/M 24 |
| Model Number | 132000-500-004-15 |
| Color | Blue |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Material | Nylon |
| Size | One Size (Fits 30”-52” chest) |
| Special Feature | Inflatable, Automatic/Manual Convertible |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Closure Type | Buckle |
| Outer Material | Nylon |
| Strap Type | Convertible, Stretchable |
| Fit Type | Universal |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 Pounds |
| Personal Flotation Device Type | Life Jacket |
| Manufacturer | Absolute Outdoor, Inc. |
| Sport Type | Boating, Fishing |
7. Warranty and Support
The Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. For warranty claims, product support, or to purchase rearming kits and other accessories, please visit the official Onyx store or contact Absolute Outdoor, Inc. directly.
You can find more information and support resources at the Onyx Brand Store on Amazon.
