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!

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.

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

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

The best PFD is the one you wear

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.

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.

X2
 

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

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.

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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.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/r...psryr2uhbu.jpg

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

rumor has it that company is owned by the devil!

Uh oh...5 Hail Mary's and 20 Our Father's??? Sorry abt that Andy! Jim

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...

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/z...psudw6dksi.jpg

- Ken

Deamon, :cheers1:

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.

I personally am not a fan of the inflatables. The automatics can go off if you get wet during launch/landing and the manuals wont deploy if some jackass in a boat or on a personal watercraft run into you and you are knocked out.

I'd say go somewhere that has a variety and then sit in a chair or on the floor and go through the paddling motion and see how it feels. See if it rides up, how it supports your back or is uncomfortable.

One thing I really like about the Kokatat Bahia Tour (and I believe their other PFDs too) is that on each side there are THREE adjustable straps to really make sure that the PFD is on snugly and doesn't ride up on you should you take a dunk in deep water. Many other brands only have two straps in this location. I'm reminded of the episode in Jim Sammons Kayak Fishing Show whereby he tackles some rapids in Canada, flips, and nearly drowns. His PFD was not adjusted properly, and it slid up way over his head when he went in the water... not good. He readily admits his mistake and the importance of having it fit properly afterwards in the show. Just my two cents for whatever its worth. :cool:

- Ken

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


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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.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/r...psfhbpukox.jpg


http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/r...pseludelfn.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps4kc3rzxw.jpg