Best fishing PFD?

[tacmik]

The best pfd you can get is the one that fits best and is comfortable to wear. I do have the stohlquist that I really like. Try different ones on and get one that you will wear whenever you paddle.

[bmercury]

I am more than pleased with the NRS Chinook.

[619-SWIM-DOG]

Originally Posted by tacmik

The best pfd you can get is the one that fits best and is comfortable to wear. I do have the stohlquist that I really like. Try different ones on and get one that you will wear whenever you paddle.

X2 stohlquist

[Bert Vega]

I like my hobie vest. Matches my kayak perfectly!!

[Hunters Pa]

When you try it on sit in a chair or on the ground and move your arms in a paddling motion. You want to make sure it does not bind or interfere with your stroke or get uncomfortable when sitting

[FISH11]

You should try several different brands and models. Every ones body shape is different and so are the personal preferences on number of pockets and locations. so it kind of comes down to personal preference but the model I found that fits best and has just enough and not too large pockets and a place for the VHF radio is the NRS Chinook. Make sure to get one that has the lower back mesh so it doesn't interfere with the seat back cushion and is comfortable to paddle while wearing.

[ol'skool]

Doesn't anyone use the CO2 rip cord type? True, you can't hang a bunch of stuff off them but dang, you don't even know you're wearing one. I love mine!

[buddha]

Originally Posted by ol'skool

Doesn't anyone use the CO2 rip cord type? True, you can't hang a bunch of stuff off them but dang, you don't even know you're wearing one. I love mine!

I never wanted to get a CO2 type pfd because my thinking is what if it doesn't engage? Yes it is light but I would be more comfortable in something I know will work 100% of the time.

[FISH11]

They are small and light, but who is going to pull the inflator cord for you when you get hit on the head by your Kayak or something else causes you to be in the water unconscious. If you buy the model the self inflates and you fall in coming thru the surf, you will be having the constantly replace CO2 bottles. They are better on boats.

[alanw]

I think an inflatable PFD is a bad idea. In an emergency you have to find and pull the rip cord while you might be in a panic state.. not ideal. What if you hit your head and you can't pull the cord? You need to test it a few times a year, and carry spare CO2 in case you need to reuse it. Auto ones aren't much better. They may accidentally go off. You need to test them as well, and carry spare CO2 and re-arming kits. Get a dumb PFD that only fails if you don't wear it.