LifeJacket

What is the best life jacket  out there? and of course for kayaking..I've been using my Jet Ski lifevest for awhile and boy!!! is not comtable..any advice where can i buy them?

Thanks for your help  

Kiel ><>

http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=366173&sku=L1085&ws=false&promo_cat=&promo_cat_id=

also available at any REI store....


IMO: the mesh back on this particular PFD is very comfortable        - get a yellow one for better visibility  

Mooch,

Thanks, like what everybody said on this site, YOU ARE THE MAN..

Kiel ><>

you're welcome - just happy to help   (also have a lot time in my hands at work....for now at least)

Just like buying a kayak, I think trying on a selection, either at a paddling shop or a big store like REI is the ticket. If you go & get the cheapest thing out there chances are the comfort level will be unacceptable. After that you start bringing it but not wearing it, and when a capsize or surf landing goes bad, you end up in the water & your PFD is there, strapped to your boat. Seen it happen a dozen times.
Get a cool looking, comfortable PFD that you will want to wear, so you'll always wear it. My favs are made by Extrasport, Lotus, or NRS. Floatation should be appropriate to your weight (most PFD's have about 160lbs of floatation, which is enough to support an active person. This is what the CG requires). Expect to spend about $150 (This is a high estimate so you'll pleasantly surprised to pay less-see what a nice guy I am).
See you out there, lookin' sharp in your new threads!
-Sean

Here's a link to a nice PFD, Lotus Mildwater very comfortable recommended by the "Mooch" only $59.00 free shipping only XS and XXL .   http://www.northernmountain.com/detail/PA10493

that's a great deal Mike! Thanks for passing it on

One other thing I like about this PFD is that you have two large pockets - lot's of room to store safety stuff: whistle,compass,2 flares,dive knife,VHF...

Hey Mooch, do u keep anything in the back pockets?  Or do stored items interfer with the back rest cushion?  I'm thinking about ordering one tonight from the link given (for $59) The anglers version PFD I have tends to ride up below my ears.  Hate that!

Troy
Scotts Valley

I am just about to order the Lotus mildwater mentioned above also  but have a problem deciding between the XL and the XXL My chest is about 47 to 48" but with a farmer john and jacket I think maybe a XL will be to tight??  any advise would be appreciated.
                                                           
EX-KMA628                                                          TomB

I own a Lotus Mildwater and had to make a choice between medium and large.  I noticed little or no difference in the the size of PFD... just the straps were longer on the large size.  I opted for the medium size because there was adequate adjustability and less hassle with excess straps.

Put on the maximum layers you'd ever plan to wear and if the PFD still fits then it's perfect.  But if you still doubts then just go with the larger size... as long as you can still cinch it down for a proper fit.

Hey Mooch, do u keep anything in the back pockets?  Or do stored items interfer with the back rest cushion?  I'm thinking about ordering one tonight from the link given (for $59) The anglers version PFD I have tends to ride up below my ears.  Hate that!

Troy
Scotts Valley

Hey Troy,

My PFD does not have any back pockets  

Hey Mooch,

I am trying to figure out whether I need a L/XL or the XXL in the Lotus PFD listed above. I am 5'10" 195lbs and will be wearing a 3mil farmer john. I think maybe I will fall almost in between those sizes. What do you think. Notice that I did not ask you to reveal how much you weigh!
                                                                                          TomB

I guess they upgraded them since you got yours.  The ones listed on that link apparently have back pockets.  Course it was near 3am when I looked at the link, so maybe there aren't pockets there, but in my head?

Hey Mooch,

I am trying to figure out whether I need a L/XL or the XXL in the Lotus PFD listed above. I am 5'10" 195lbs and will be wearing a 3mil farmer john. I think maybe I will fall almost in between those sizes. What do you think. Notice that I did not ask you to reveal how much you weigh!
                                                                                          TomB

Tom - the L/XL should fit you fine. I'm 5'11" and 215 lbs