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Pfd advice
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33303
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Author:  Hobie Dude [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Pfd advice

Hey I was wondering if anyone had a lifejacket that they love? I'm looking for something w/ a pocket for my VHF and maybe a spot to attach a knife. Something not too bulky and easy to manuver in.

Thanks guys

Adam

Author:  hobie18rich [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

I like my Stohlquist. Hard to spell but really comfortable and nice when your in the water. I have a dive knife on the straps and a small vhf can fit in the pocket of on the back in the strap. Hobie sells them.

Author:  whosyerbob [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 4:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

We've both got two PFDs - the ones we don't wear and the ones we do.

We first bought the bulky PFDs when we were noobs and didn't know any better. Cindy would reluctantly wear hers because she can't swim, but she would be uncomfortable and gripe about it during the whole time we were on the water. Mine seemed to fit perfectly in the store, but killed my back once we were out on the water - so it was quickly relegated to being stored behind my seat, but not actually worn.

All of that was fine so long as we were in sheltered waters of local small lakes, but once we got the TI it was a whole different game. With the TI we began going 3 to 4 times the distance we could go with the non-sail kayaks, and much of that was in places where we could be in the drink for many hours before being rescued.

So we bit the bullet and got the expensive inflatable PFDs - she has a Mustang coastal model and I have a West Marine offshore model. They are so comfortable we completely forget that we're wearing them. They don't have a pocket big enough for a VHF radio, but we do have a whistle and signal mirror with each of them.

Author:  augaug [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 2:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

I like the Stohlquist paddling life jackets. They have a few options that are not bulky, allow a good range of movement, and aren't too hot in the summer time. Do I "love" it? I'd love to sail without it, but when it's adjusted properly, it stays where it's put, and doesn't prevent me from doing anything that I need to do, while also carrying my waterproof camera, whistle, and sometimes keys in the pocket. It's the best one I've found for what I do, but I still think PFD's are a very personal thing. Some body types work better with certain designs then others.

Author:  Karl Brogger [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

Zhik


and before anyone brings it up. Yes, I know, they are not USCG approved.

Author:  MVD [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

I wear a Stohlquist and like it just fine, although there are other brands that I'd probably like just as well. Whatever you buy, make sure it's cropped short. The bottom of mine is near my belly button. A short PFD will keep your trapeze hook from pushing the jacket up around your neck or mouth while you're on the wire.

Question: can anyone tell me what the diamand shaped thing sewn on the front of Stohlquist and other PFDs is for? I assume for attaching a sheath or some other accessory. If so, it seems they could have come up with something more user friendly.

Author:  augaug [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

That's what Stohquist calls the "4 way accessory lash tab" Unfortunately when you go to the Accessories section of their website, they still don't show how to use it. I'm sure someone on this forum will have a picture of themselves using it. I prefer pockets for my gear, but maybe that's because I have yet to learn how great those little lash tabs are!

Author:  Karl Brogger [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

Anything with a belt clip, put it through one of the holes. Voila!

Author:  augaug [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

Karl Brogger wrote:
Anything with a belt clip, put it through one of the holes. Voila!


That's what I thought, which is why I prefer pockets. The tabs would work for kayaking (fishing?) but not for the way I sail sometimes.

Author:  pbekkerh [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

Hobie Cats "team rider" vest has pockets for VHF or PLB, AND a cutout where the trapeze hook is, so the vest isn't pushed over your head when you are sitting more than standing in the trapeze.

http://www.hobiecat.nu/prylar/selevast.asp

Image

Author:  fastcat [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

I've used a Stohquist for several years and would be hard pressed to find another brand to fill in for it. My wife has a Hobie vest she likes also.

Author:  OLD SCHOOL 18 [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

Karl Brogger wrote:
Zhik


and before anyone brings it up. Yes, I know, they are not USCG approved.


Neither is this one Karl. But sometimes USCG approved just won't do...
I'm a Zhik man myself.
Image
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=9138

Author:  benskiing [ Wed Dec 01, 2010 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pfd advice

I dig the Kokatat Outfit.
My crew digs the Patagonia Lola.
Both jackets fit well for harness use.

The can sized pockets are my favorite feature though.

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