What PFD do you like?

Need to get serious this year and upgrate this crappy PFD. I hate to admit that i havent been the safest out there with my pull string pfd  . I know its a huge part of the sport. Its like insurance. Something you never want to use but always want to have. I guess i got the cheapest policy i could find and its time to upgrade to some premium coverage.

 I want something thats going to be comfortable and obviously made for yak fishing.

What do you use? Is there any models i lean toward or stay away from in your opinion? any features you like or hate? Anything really cool that maybe i dont even know about yet?

Thanks for clickin

Stohlquist fisherman PFD is a super nice vest. The fit is awesome, it doesnt ride up when your in the water. It's got a high back and pockets that fold flat for a work station. The matirial is heavy duty cordura and should last s long time. That's my two cents.

Kokatat Bahia Tour - in that color!

Lots of great choices out there
Make sure they have oversize arm openings to prevent chafing when paddling / fishing
Check the neck area for a comfortable collar ... soft lining
Watch out for big pockets ... get in the way if you need to self rescue
Look for plenty of mesh ... keeps cooler in summer and allows you to layer in winter
Most important ... MUST fit properly and be comfortable ... you may have it on for up to 10 hours or more.
Like a kayak it would be best to take your time and try as many as poss.
And don't be too cheap ... this one item could save your life someday.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

Kokatat Bahia Tour - in that color!

+1.  I  my PFD

My 2c on PFD's : choosing one is pretty much the same as choosing a kayak-its best to try on a few and see if you like them.

for me, too many pockets become problematic when you go to climb back on your kayak.
I personally prefer a front zip as it it easier to remove OTW if you have to peel off or add a thermal layer/splash jacket.
 I like PFD's with a thinner back panel as it is more comfortable to me when paddling my tarpon with a hard seat back.
Think about your accessories (knife, VHF) and see if the mounting points would work for you.
As with almost everything kayak related a brighter color is safest ( I don't know why most fishing vests are brown or green )

I've been an Extrasport guy for a while, but there a lot of nice new models from a variety of manufacturers out there now. I used an extrasport  Sabre retroglide for a number of years and really enjoyed it. The Kokatat model mentioned above looks really sweet too.

Stohlquist fisherman PFD is a super nice vest.

+1

Kokatat Bahia Tour - in that color!

+1.  I  my PFD

+2 and when you try it on wear what you normally wear. I bet 75% of people get a PFD that is way too big. Think comfortable but SNUG...like a mooch hug! (so I'm told)

Thanks guys i appreciate the 411. Very informative and potentially life saving!

Tried a few but the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD worked best for me.  The fit was right and very comfortable.  Clips for radio, knife attachments and zip pockets for the other fishing accessories.

- JB

I like my Extrasport Riptide. It is very low profile with nothing to snag on when you are doing a self rescue. It has attachment points up high on the shoulders for my knife and VHF. And it has fleece lined pockets for those really cold mornings.

The most important factor when buying a PFD is that it is comfortable to wear and paddle in for hours on end. I have seen people paddle with their PFD stashed in their rear cargo hold, or unzipped because it was uncomfortable. A PFD that is not worn correctly will not keep you afloat! So go to as many stores and try as many models as you can before buying.

Kokatat Bahia Tour is a widely used and loved product. Big pockets on a PFD are not so good . Think about re-enrty on a rough day.

Kokatat Bahia Tour - in that color!

I tried on a bunch of pfds and this was easily the best for me. The worst one I ever owned was the Extrasport Osprey pfd. All those pockets seemed like a good idea when I was a noob, but the first time I ever attempted a re-entry after getting flipped by a car carrier in the Carquinez Strait I quickly understood that I needed a less bulky pfd.

Kokatat Bahia Tour - in that color!

I tried on a bunch of pfds and this was easily the best for me. The worst one I ever owned was the Extrasport Osprey pfd. All those pockets seemed like a good idea when I was a noob, but the first time I ever attempted a re-entry after getting flipped by a car carrier in the Carquinez Strait I quickly understood that I needed a less bulky pfd.

I think that is the model I have. It was given to me new, but after a year I removed almost all of the little pockets that were all over the front of it and kept only the two main flat ones for my license & flares. I guess la bunch of little pockets were supposed to make it look "fishy", but they didn't work in reality.

NRS Chinook for me. Mine is starting get beat up. I am gonna chekout the Stolquist line soon.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2150