Recommended PFD's? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

maquinapescado · 03-18-2016, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketfish

I have been meaning to ask this question as it is sort of related. Are those really thin PFD's safe enough? they are the ones with the CO2 cartridge where you yank a string and it self inflates. It's a type IV I believe.

My concern is that it won't inflate automatically. Have any of you heard of kayak related accidents where one might not be able to yank the cord in time to let the PFD work? I'm probably too paranoid, but I LOVE the comfort of my thin PFD.

I have one and prefer it because of the low profile. I don't care for the angler models with pockets because I don't need all that. I am a minimalist for tackle. Hooks, weights, couple hammer baits and irons. If the CO2 doesn't work you can manually inflate it quickly.

Saba Slayer · 03-18-2016, 05:58 PM

X2 on the inflatables...manual type only... !
Very comfortable...

spudz · 03-18-2016, 06:25 PM

My old PFD worked fine until my dog got a hold of it. Considered getting another Stohlquist, but just wanted to see what preferences are by the people who use them the most. I haven't been in the market for a PFD in years. Sounds like I'll be trying on a bunch of over the weekend. Haven't really considered the CO2 charged inflatable... like Rocketfish I'm leery of it failing when I need it the most! Comfort and a functional place for my VHF are my tops. Don't necessarily need a bunch of pockets.
Thanks all!

Batmann · 03-18-2016, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudz

My old PFD worked fine until my dog got a hold of it. Considered getting another Stohlquist, but just wanted to see what preferences are by the people who use them the most. I haven't been in the market for a PFD in years. Sounds like I'll be trying on a bunch of over the weekend. Haven't really considered the CO2 charged inflatable... like Rocketfish I'm leery of it failing when I need it the most! Comfort and a functional place for my VHF are my tops. Don't necessarily need a bunch of pockets.
Thanks all!

I like the Kokatat Bahia. Great fit. Nice radio pouch. Neoprene on the shoulder straps. Well constructed.
OEX MB had them last year in stock.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

spudz · 03-27-2016, 06:35 AM

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, NRS Chinook, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

Deamon · 03-27-2016, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudz

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, and NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few put on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

I appreciate the info. Time for a new pfd so went with your suggestions. Found them at clearance in Austin Kayak for $99 free shipping. Didn't check elsewhere...Jim

Iceman · 03-27-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Found them at clearance in Austin Kayak for $99 free shipping. Didn't check elsewhere...Jim

rumor has it that company is owned by the devil!

Fish Taco · 03-27-2016, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudz

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, and NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few put on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

I have this exact PFD and love it except my Standard Horizon HX851 doesn't fit in the pocket where a VHF Radio would go... too large... which is a bummer. I'm considering replacing it with the new Bahia Predator model... supposedly designed with kayak fisherman in mind. Still haven't made my mind up yet or not... but Kokatat makes a great PFD for sure...

- Ken

spudz · 03-31-2016, 09:29 AM

Deamon,

Fish Taco, the Kokatat Predator was one of the PFD’s I looked at but didn’t have a chance to trial on the water. Looked great!

When I trialed PFD’s I brought along the items I typically carry on my PFD (knife, dikes and VHF). Fortunately my radio fits well in the pocket of the Bahia Tour PFD. The lash tab location worked perfect for the placement of my knife. Having my dikes EASILY accessible with the hidden pocket behind the radio pocket was a bonus! Even has a D-ring to attach a leash to your dikes. Comfort and function.

03-18-2016, 05:58 PM	#2
Saba Slayer Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palos Verdes Posts: 1,878	X2 X2 on the inflatables...manual type only... ! Very comfortable... __________________ Jim / Saba Slayer

03-27-2016, 06:35 AM	#5
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Thanks all! I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, NRS Chinook, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in. Last edited by spudz; 04-03-2016 at 07:59 AM.

03-31-2016, 09:29 AM	#9
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Deamon, Fish Taco, the Kokatat Predator was one of the PFD’s I looked at but didn’t have a chance to trial on the water. Looked great! When I trialed PFD’s I brought along the items I typically carry on my PFD (knife, dikes and VHF). Fortunately my radio fits well in the pocket of the Bahia Tour PFD. The lash tab location worked perfect for the placement of my knife. Having my dikes EASILY accessible with the hidden pocket behind the radio pocket was a bonus! Even has a D-ring to attach a leash to your dikes. Comfort and function. Last edited by spudz; 03-31-2016 at 11:17 AM.

03-18-2016, 06:25 PM	#3
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	My old PFD worked fine until my dog got a hold of it. Considered getting another Stohlquist, but just wanted to see what preferences are by the people who use them the most. I haven't been in the market for a PFD in years. Sounds like I'll be trying on a bunch of over the weekend. Haven't really considered the CO2 charged inflatable... like Rocketfish I'm leery of it failing when I need it the most! Comfort and a functional place for my VHF are my tops. Don't necessarily need a bunch of pockets. Thanks all!