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

spudz · 03-18-2016, 10:24 AM

Time to get a new PFD. The Stohlquist I've had over the last few years needs to be replaced. It's done well, but before I replace it with another Stohlquist I'd like to know what others may prefer in comfort and function in their PFD. I know that comfort is individual, so I'll try before I buy. Would appreciate your recommendations!

Dave Legacy · 03-18-2016, 11:03 AM

When I bought my kayak used it came with a two NPS Chinook PFDs that seemed like they had never been worn, so I kept them. It's the only non-rental PFD I have ever worn, but it's a nice vest and I never notice it. I don't really use any of the pockets and if I have one complaint it's that there's really no good place to clip my VHF radio. Aside from that it's a good choice.

buddha · 03-18-2016, 12:09 PM

Ms Kokatat is the very best fit that i have ever owned.

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/show....html?prod=828

jorluivil · 03-18-2016, 02:33 PM

The best PFD is the one you wear

Rocketfish · 03-18-2016, 02:41 PM

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.

jorluivil · 03-18-2016, 02:47 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've seen them and yes, they definitely work.

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.

beef78 · 03-31-2016, 10:02 AM

Ronnie fisher. My only complaint is that I wish it had two lash tabs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

spudz · 04-02-2016, 10:54 AM

What I missed about my old PFD (Stohlquist Fisherman) was being able to access my radio at my shoulder while paddling out on the water without too much fiddling around - easily hear what was being said and with a push of the button easy to respond to others.without holding the radio. Decided to add a couple of straps to my new PFD to make it a little more functional.

Pinhead · 04-02-2016, 03:03 PM

I've really enjoyed my NRS Chinook Mesh Back life vest. It's made for kayak fishing, lite weight, adjusts easily, doesn't ride up and has quite a number of pockets, clips etc... My VHF radio and safety whistle clips on the front and doesn't get in my way. Mine is safety orange, but they have it in green and blue as well.

It's $109 in most stores and on most websites, but you can shop it. I got mine for $79 on sale, free shipping, no tax.

03-18-2016, 10:24 AM	#1
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Recommended PFD's? Time to get a new PFD. The Stohlquist I've had over the last few years needs to be replaced. It's done well, but before I replace it with another Stohlquist I'd like to know what others may prefer in comfort and function in their PFD. I know that comfort is individual, so I'll try before I buy. Would appreciate your recommendations!

03-18-2016, 02:33 PM	#4
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,855	The best PFD is the one you wear __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

03-31-2016, 10:02 AM	#8
beef78 Large Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 316	Ronnie fisher. My only complaint is that I wish it had two lash tabs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ "I shall not tiptoe through life to arrive safely at death."

04-02-2016, 10:54 AM	#9
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	What I missed about my old PFD (Stohlquist Fisherman) was being able to access my radio at my shoulder while paddling out on the water without too much fiddling around - easily hear what was being said and with a push of the button easy to respond to others.without holding the radio. Decided to add a couple of straps to my new PFD to make it a little more functional. Last edited by spudz; 04-02-2016 at 05:46 PM.

03-18-2016, 11:03 AM	#2
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	When I bought my kayak used it came with a two NPS Chinook PFDs that seemed like they had never been worn, so I kept them. It's the only non-rental PFD I have ever worn, but it's a nice vest and I never notice it. I don't really use any of the pockets and if I have one complaint it's that there's really no good place to clip my VHF radio. Aside from that it's a good choice.

03-18-2016, 12:09 PM	#3
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	Ms Kokatat is the very best fit that i have ever owned. http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/show....html?prod=828

03-18-2016, 02:41 PM	#5
Rocketfish Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: North O.C. Posts: 156	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.

04-02-2016, 03:03 PM	#10
Pinhead We all Stink Sometimes! Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 162	I've really enjoyed my NRS Chinook Mesh Back life vest. It's made for kayak fishing, lite weight, adjusts easily, doesn't ride up and has quite a number of pockets, clips etc... My VHF radio and safety whistle clips on the front and doesn't get in my way. Mine is safety orange, but they have it in green and blue as well. It's $109 in most stores and on most websites, but you can shop it. I got mine for $79 on sale, free shipping, no tax.