Recommended PFD's?

[Rocketfish]

I have been meaning to ask this question as it is sort of related. Are those really thin PFD's safe enough? they are the ones with the CO2 cartridge where you yank a string and it self inflates. It's a type IV I believe.

My concern is that it won't inflate automatically. Have any of you heard of kayak related accidents where one might not be able to yank the cord in time to let the PFD work? I'm probably too paranoid, but I LOVE the comfort of my thin PFD.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by Rocketfish

I have been meaning to ask this question as it is sort of related. Are those really thin PFD's safe enough? they are the ones with the CO2 cartridge where you yank a string and it self inflates. It's a type IV I believe.

My concern is that it won't inflate automatically. Have any of you heard of kayak related accidents where one might not be able to yank the cord in time to let the PFD work? I'm probably too paranoid, but I LOVE the comfort of my thin PFD.

I've seen them and yes, they definitely work.

[maquinapescado]

Originally Posted by Rocketfish

I have been meaning to ask this question as it is sort of related. Are those really thin PFD's safe enough? they are the ones with the CO2 cartridge where you yank a string and it self inflates. It's a type IV I believe.

My concern is that it won't inflate automatically. Have any of you heard of kayak related accidents where one might not be able to yank the cord in time to let the PFD work? I'm probably too paranoid, but I LOVE the comfort of my thin PFD.

I have one and prefer it because of the low profile. I don't care for the angler models with pockets because I don't need all that. I am a minimalist for tackle. Hooks, weights, couple hammer baits and irons. If the CO2 doesn't work you can manually inflate it quickly.

[Saba Slayer]

X2 on the inflatables...manual type only... !
Very comfortable...

[spudz]

My old PFD worked fine until my dog got a hold of it. Considered getting another Stohlquist, but just wanted to see what preferences are by the people who use them the most. I haven't been in the market for a PFD in years. Sounds like I'll be trying on a bunch of over the weekend. Haven't really considered the CO2 charged inflatable... like Rocketfish I'm leery of it failing when I need it the most! Comfort and a functional place for my VHF are my tops. Don't necessarily need a bunch of pockets.
Thanks all!

[Batmann]

Originally Posted by spudz

My old PFD worked fine until my dog got a hold of it. Considered getting another Stohlquist, but just wanted to see what preferences are by the people who use them the most. I haven't been in the market for a PFD in years. Sounds like I'll be trying on a bunch of over the weekend. Haven't really considered the CO2 charged inflatable... like Rocketfish I'm leery of it failing when I need it the most! Comfort and a functional place for my VHF are my tops. Don't necessarily need a bunch of pockets.
Thanks all!

I like the Kokatat Bahia. Great fit. Nice radio pouch. Neoprene on the shoulder straps. Well constructed.
OEX MB had them last year in stock.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[spudz]

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, NRS Chinook, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

[Deamon]

Originally Posted by spudz

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, and NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few put on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

I appreciate the info. Time for a new pfd so went with your suggestions. Found them at clearance in Austin Kayak for $99 free shipping. Didn't check elsewhere...Jim

[Fish Taco]

Originally Posted by spudz

Thanks all!
I tried on several different PFD's (Kokatat MsFit, Stohlquist Fisherman, and NRS Ninja, NRS CVest, MTI Voyager) and was even able to try a few put on the water. I picked the Kokatat Bahia Tour, as recommended by Batmann. Not as bulky as some of the before mentioned PFD's, love the layout - pocket for my VHF and dikes. Most of all, it was comfortable to paddle in.

I have this exact PFD and love it except my Standard Horizon HX851 doesn't fit in the pocket where a VHF Radio would go... too large... which is a bummer. I'm considering replacing it with the new Bahia Predator model... supposedly designed with kayak fisherman in mind. Still haven't made my mind up yet or not... but Kokatat makes a great PFD for sure...



- Ken