PADDLES/PFDS

Well, tharr ya arr. I am now getting the high back SOLSTICE! Thanks Pole, I did not realize that.
 Saved me some $$$ and some bad back!!

For the less experianced kayaker (myself included), what are the pros and cons for buckles vs zippers as the main securing mechanism in the front of the PFD?

I can see the zipper being smoother when sliding over the side of a kayak after a short swim. Perhaps a zipper would be less likely too snag on your fishing gear too... But I can also see undoing a lower buckle after a satisfying lunch break!

Any thoughts? -Bill-

I'm a fly guy, I have buckles, and I hate how stuff catches on them. It's really irritating to have a cast crash because of a loop of line jammed in to a buckle. Zippers are much less obtrusive.

I don't like buckles, never have.

-Allen

Fit wise, the zipper makes it nice and snug all over. Nothing to catch on and buckles seem to break way too easy. Step on it once and it's done. I guess you can tell I treat my gear a little rough.

Z

Not having much luck locating Extrasport Solstice in yellow and my size. We're off tomorrow to try on several of the Stohlquist PFDs in town though...

I also ran across a few more PFDs that might be worth a look...

MTI-AdventureWear Orleans - Price ~$60; Flotation 15lb-10oz ; Sizes: XS/S (30"-36"), M/L (36"-44"), XL/XXL (44"-56")

MTI-AdventureWear Dorado - Price ~$70; Flotation 15lb-10oz ; Sizes: XS/S (30"-36"), M/L (36"-44"), XL/XXL (44"-56")

MTI-AdventureWear FisherPro - Price ~$60; Flotation 15lb-10oz ; Sizes: XS/S (30"-36"), M/L (36"-44"), XL/XXL (44"-56")

Kokatat Bahia Tour - Price $91~$109; Flotation 17lb ; Sizes: S/M (36"-42"), L/XL (44"-50"), XXL (52-54")

-Bill-

My whitewater rafting vests are MTI's (Big Buoys, 26 pounds of float), and I love them.  Have held up well and are just about as comfortable as a 16 pound vest.  I have not used MTI's lighter vests, though.

My fishing pfd is an old blue Extrasport (cause I already had it).

HH try to find something in preferably a bright color and w/ reflective panels. The more you blend in with the water the more chance you have a PB drive right over you. I've had a few close calls even with the bright colors I had on then. I knew I was doing good w/ visibility when a DFG boat came by to ask about my catch and said at first they thought I was a buoy.

Z