PFD recommendations

[[WR]]

Best of all, sharks don't like lean meat

now He tells me..............

[Chilliwangler]

As usual you guys rock for good information.   

You have given me a lot of good information to consider.  Now I have to narrow it down and go try on a few for fit.  I made a stupid mistake last weekend using a utility knife that has ended my fishing and paddling for a few months.  By the look of things I have some time to make a decision.  Apparently utility knives and wrists don't get along well if you were wondering.   

Thanks again for info gang.  I will keep you posted when I make a decision.

[kallitype]

Wow---hope that heals without any adverse outcome, nasty and scary time!!

[Chilliwangler]

Thanks.  Me too.  I should know more on July 28 when I see the surgeon again.  Cut the tendons pretty good in my left wrist, but I can still move everything so that's a good sign.  I am hoping to get some Coho beach fishing done on Vancouver Island in early September.  I will keep all my good fingers crossed.

[rawkfish]

Just an F.Y.I.,
The Estrasport Sturgeon is on sale right now at backcountry.com. 30% off brings it to about $84.
It sports a whopping 18 lbs of buoyancy. Anyone use this one?

[wolverine]

 Good luck on your rehab there Chilliwangler. I broke my right wrist a half lifetime ago and the cast was a real pain in the rear. Didn't stop my fishing though. Do you go up island for your beach coho? I catch quite a few down here on the Whidby Island beaches from mid August through September. A few on hardware but most of float/herring.

[coosbayyaker]

I have the NRS Chinook and it's been good so far. Just gotta be careful not to overtuff the pockets, the thing will hold alot of stuff and could impede self rescue. The only problem i have now is i got a new seat with a higher back and there is one adjustment buckle that hits in a bad spot on my back, gonna have to remedy that situation.

Overall a great PFD for the price.

[demonick]

Thanks.  Me too.  I should know more on July 28 when I see the surgeon again.  Cut the tendons pretty good in my left wrist, but I can still move everything so that's a good sign.  I am hoping to get some Coho beach fishing done on Vancouver Island in early September.  I will keep all my good fingers crossed.

Good luck.  Having remaining function is a great sign.  Back 35 year-ish ago I worked with a guy who ran a blocked SkilSaw across the underside of his forearm.  Severed virtually all the tendons.  Found the best surgeon in town and in less than a year he was working again and in two years was 100%.  I expect the technology and surgical skill sets have greatly advanced since then.  In my experience rehab has very much to do with successful recovery.  Take your rehab seriously.  Do everything the physical terrorist says.  Make rehab your religion. 

[Chilliwangler]

Good luck on your rehab there Chilliwangler. I broke my right wrist a half lifetime ago and the cast was a real pain in the rear. Didn't stop my fishing though. Do you go up island for your beach coho? I catch quite a few down here on the Whidby Island beaches from mid August through September. A few on hardware but most of float/herring.

I live in Chilliwck so I fish the Vedder River usually for Coho in the fall.  (Profile pic)  This was going to be my first trip to try beach fishing and I was headed to Campbell River area.  Unfortunately I saw the surgeon yesterday to remove my stitches and he informed me things were worse than I had hoped.  Looks like another 3 weeks in a custom splint (I begged not to be put in another cast) before I can even think of moving my wrist.   Oh well, can't rush it.  Just bought the wife a WS Tarpon 140 so I will sit on shore and dream.

[Chilliwangler]

Well I have made a decision for my PFD replacement.  I took all your comments into consideration and think that I may have found a PFD that will truly be functional.  I've decided to go with the KOKATAT TOUR. 

My reason for this decision is as follows:

1. After carefully thinking of what I would use pockets for I realized that pockets would only be valuable for very small items and safety gear such as VHF radios, GPS, whistle....
2. After trying this PFD on I was quite happy with the comfort level and thought the pockets didn't stick out too far even with items in them.
3. A huge bonus was that I found this PFD at MEC in North Vancouver For $105.

Thanks again for all your input.  If any concerns come up after I am able to use the PFD I will definitely keep you posted.

Cheers

[polepole]

Great choice!!!  That's the PFD I currently use.  BTW, it's the "Bahia Tour".

-Allen

[Zee]

Great choice!!!  That's the PFD I currently use.  BTW, it's the "Bahia Tour".
-Allen

Ditto. Best PFD since the old Extrasport.

Z

[Chilliwangler]

Thanks Allen.  I forgot to put that part in there. 

[wolverine]

 Hang in there Chilliwangler, I make several trips up to the Wack to fish the Vedder each fall. Float and eggs for the big white springs. The jacks smoke up really well but I can't make the big adults taste good. Fun to catch those big slabs though. For me the Vedder is less than 2 hours using the border crossing at Sumas. I can't get down to the Cowlitz that fast.

[craig]

I am a fan of the Kokatat stuff and I am interested in getting the Bahia Tour as well.  However, I am curious as to why they do not have red as an optional color.   The Outfit Tour comes in red for $25 more.  I just don't understand why they would not make all the PFDs available in the same colors as their dry suits.