life preservers/PFD

Need some education on life preservers/floatation device for kayakers/fisherman. What is being recommended as some of the better ones (brands)? What is a better choice for kayaks? Slim style automatic/manual horse collars or the vest style? Not sure if the bulk of the vest style would bother me or not. My safety is #1. I’m open to both types. Can you give me some pro/cons for both?
Thanks for the help

_________________
The 7 P's

Proper
Pervious
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance
Basically, plan ahead or plan to fail.

Papaya Hobie Pro Angler 12

I bought a stohlquist mango color full dimension style vest. I own a few of the inflatable style and figured with myself being so close to the water line that if someone hits me with a boat at least I'd float face up and have a chance of surviving if knocked out. The inflatable design needs to be manually deployed and cant do that if knocked out. I wanted a brighter color to the vest, easier to be seen.

I've added a knife, compass, whistle, snap stick light stick, 1 mile light and flashlight to it.

The big item you have to do is be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be observant of everyone else out there.

+1 onthe stohlquist fisherman pfd love mine

This is a great vest and great price.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D3 ... 04_s00_i00

The front pouch folds down to make a little work surface and holds lots of stuff. I mount a knife, whistle and a marine radio to mine.




http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00161 ... 01_s00_i00

I got this one and find it very comfortable and the pocket works great for holding my sunglasses. It gives you the option of automatic or manual inflation.
Bass pro shop's XPS A/M 24 Deluxe

I recently bought a manual inflation horse-collar type on eBay. After wearing it on three floats, I couldn't be happier. The downside is that mine has no provision to attach a whistle or light, but I can always use a neck strap or pin them to my shirt.

_________________
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult
Pro Angler-14 owner

another stohlquist fisherman PFD user here. very comfortable, fits snugly so that it does not ride up around your chin, pockets to carry gear, high cut in the back to clear most yak seats.

So far the Bass pro shop's XPS A/M 24 Deluxe, Stoliquist fishermans PDF, & Stearns Hybrid fishing/paddle are the 3 I like. They are all low cut - Plus. The Bass pro is the lightest & looks the most comfortable - Plus, but it I get wet I have to repack it & get CO2 cylinders - Minus. Also, seem I can't fall in more than once a fishing trip w/ the Bass Pro one either - Minus. For looks, bass pro is a good choice, but I need safety more. W/ the stoliquist & Stearns - I can fall in more that once (by no means am I planning on that, but I know my luck) & they'll keep me afloat every time. Also don't have to worry about popping the LPU cell w/ a hook or anything sharp. Thanks, think I'm down to two choices - stoliquist & Stearns

_________________
The 7 P's

Proper
Pervious
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance
Basically, plan ahead or plan to fail.

Papaya Hobie Pro Angler 12

I heading into my third season with my Stohlquist fisherman. It stays in the trunk of my Honda Ridgeline.

Have the sales person or someone help you adjust the Stohlie to your build and don't mess with the adjustments.

I have the Cabela's 3500 self inflating for solo non fishing use and for rear cockpit use in our Oasis in case I get thrown out.

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2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

My buddy and I took out his canoe a few weeks ago and got swamped. He had on an automatic inflatable vest. It worked great other than the fact that he just about got strangled around the neck! His inflatable vest worked but he could hardly see to swim. The good thing about most inflatables is they keep your head above water if you are knocked out....but I'm pretty sure my buddy is going to convert back to a regular life jacket. I had no problem swimming to shore with my life jacket.....and my chest waders were about 1/4 full of water.

I just received my stohlquist fisherman, I was using a Bass Pro Shops® XPS® Platinum Series vest, and wow what a difference there is no comparison point.

+1 on the stohlquist fisherman , unbelievable.

My vote is also for Stohlquist. I like the Piseas model, as the pockets are a little softer and less bulky that those of the Fisherman.

After more reading/replies. I might be leaning towards the stohlquist fisherman. Going to have to try it on. Need to make sure I can wear it w/ a jacket for fall/winter weather, plus it won't kill my bad back while sitting for hours fishing.

_________________
The 7 P's

Proper
Pervious
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance
Basically, plan ahead or plan to fail.

Papaya Hobie Pro Angler 12

Any of these have problems with the PA, because of the large seat?

_________________
Steve Valerga Jr.
DV U.S.Army Airborne
1988-92

2012 Pro Angler
Take a kid fishing!

Assuming you mean with regards to the life jacket and any discomfort on the PA seat. Non at all on my end, very comfortable and I keep the jacket well snugged up.