Best PFD

[RockyRaab]

I only fish freshwater, so perhaps my needs differ. I found an unused but pre-owned manual inflation PFD on eBay and love it. No pockets for a radio or anything, but I don't need that.

I can heartily recommend the manual inflation type; they are lightweight, not bulky, are completely open in back, and won't go off unless and until you want them to. You DO have to be conscious to activate them, please note.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by RockyRaab

I only fish freshwater, so perhaps my needs differ. I found an unused but pre-owned manual inflation PFD on eBay and love it. No pockets for a radio or anything, but I don't need that.

I can heartily recommend the manual inflation type; they are lightweight, not bulky, are completely open in back, and won't go off unless and until you want them to. You DO have to be conscious to activate them, please note.

Fresh water or saltwater, don't get comfortable just because you're in a lake and not in an open ocean. As a matter of fact, there are more drowning in freshwater than in saltwater. Those inflatable pfd's are cool but you have to remember to replace the co2 cans, an empty or faulty co2 can is about as good as a regular pfd that sits stored away in your kayak. Furthermore, if for any reason the inflated bags get punctured you're screwed. Don't take a chance on safety and please, please, please, I beg you.......don't be a cheap ass when it comes to things that can save your life.