Recommended PFD's?

[spudz]

Deamon,

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.

[Hunters Pa]

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.

[Fish Taco]

Originally Posted by spudz

Deamon,

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 is what worked for me with the Bahia Tour.

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.

- Ken