PFD Choices

I'm just starting out and was wondering about PFD's. Are there some that float you higher than others or do they just all keep your head above water. The reason I ask is, if some float you a bit higher would that aid in self rescue. Thought maybe a few inches higher might help. Thanks

I think it's safe to assume that some will float you higher than others.  You can kind of tell by just looking at the thing how much floatation is there.  I think it's also important is to get one that fits right.  I just practiced self rescue this past weekend and realized my pfd is a bit loose.  When I went in the water the pfd kind of went up as I went down.  It still worked but I can tell a better fit would have helped. 

Go and try a few on, the best one is the one you want to wear.

Right.  And I forgot to mention.  Keep in mind how your pfd will fit while sitting on your kayak.  My pfd actually makes sitting on my kayak more comfortable than without it, so I'm motivated to wear it for that reason. 

Go and try a few on, the best one is the one you want to wear.

^x100
and make sure it makes you look cool as well.

so many times I've heard the "if I only had a sweet PFD like that one I'd wear it, but mine makes me look like a dork so I put it in the hatch"

Good points....the one I wore on my demo was a kokatat but not sure of the model. The one I wore on my self rescue class was less comfortable but seemed to be better flotation. I did the rescue class with Kayak Connection at Moss Landing. Cant say enough good things about it. Feel much safer now and confident but will continue to practice.

Make sure it has leg loops or a crotch strap. That way it can be loose but you wontlose it.

Make sure it has leg loops or a crotch strap. That way it can be loose but you wontlose it.

That's a joke right? Lol get a proper fitting comfortable pfd. It's always nice to have a place to attach some saftey gear (radio,knife,snips ect. )

You need to try them on with all the upper body clothing you think you will normally wear. And try it out with seat you plan to use in the kind of kayak you have, to see if it clears the backrest or doesn't bother you if it doesn't.  Adjust the straps to get it pretty snug, because they do tend to ride up in the water.  It's no substitute for a good fit, or for keeping it snug, but it's easy enough to sew on a crotch strap (with a release buckle) for a bit of extra security - and it won't be too tight when your sitting high and dry. 
    I don't believe most pfd's are going to give you much of an extra boost upward in a self-rescue, because they would have to have a lot of floatation much lower than it would be comfortable wearing while sitting.  It's that last little ooomph up onto the kayak that is the hardest, and by that point, your torso and pfd is hardly in the water.
 

I have this one and it's currently on sale at Cabela's.  Fits great, lots of pockets to put stuff.  I rarely need more than this to carry my fishing gear.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/bargain-cave/weekly-specials/pc/105591780/c/105641280/stearns-reg-paddle-sports-vest/1157095.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fweekly-specials%2F_%2FN-1102647%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105641280

I have this one and it's currently on sale at Cabela's.  Fits great, lots of pockets to put stuff.  I rarely need more than this to carry my fishing gear.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/bargain-cave/weekly-specials/pc/105591780/c/105641280/stearns-reg-paddle-sports-vest/1157095.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fweekly-specials%2F_%2FN-1102647%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105641280

Wow that's better than amazon has it for.

so many times I've heard the "if I only had a sweet PFD like that one I'd wear it, but mine makes me look like a dork so I put it in the hatch"

Really? For me, looking like a dork is a big part of the attraction of kayak fishing...

so many times I've heard the "if I only had a sweet PFD like that one I'd wear it, but mine makes me look like a dork so I put it in the hatch"

Really? For me, looking like a dork is a big part of the attraction of kayak fishing...

  I look pretty much like a cross between a guy in a bloated Star Trek uniform and someone on the show Survivor.

I've gone through a bunch of PFD's, mostly Kokatat and Extrasport. But my current pfd is an Astral Rony.
While researching online, one particular feature caught my attention...this pic showing a special pocket that's made for beverages... so I went to REI and tried it out. Fits great and now it's my go-to PFD.

I've gone through a bunch of PFD's, mostly Kokatat and Extrasport. But my current pfd is an Astral Rony.
While researching online, one particular feature caught my attention...this pic showing a special pocket that's made for beverages... so I went to REI and tried it out. Fits great and now it's my go-to PFD.

My current one is an Astral Ronny Fisher. I like it a lot for lawn chair type seats. They have thin foam paddling all through the back, which works well on the lawn chair style seats. The Fisher also has an integrated hood, which I haven't used yet. Also has a great lime green color which is very visible on the water.