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

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.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

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.

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
Our sailing videos

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.

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Zhik


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

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.

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Mark Van Doren
H16 Seabreeze #112205 (Richard Petty Signature Edition)
H14T Fantasia #47787
San Juan 28

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!

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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.

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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

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Poul
FxOne 165

I'd Rather Regret The Things I Did, Than The Things I Didn't

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.

Neither is this one Karl. But sometimes USCG approved just won't do...
I'm a Zhik man myself.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=9138

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2003 Tiger - Don Atchley

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.