PFD Choice

Same here, recently got the Chinook and I love it too! Plenty of storage and places for your goodies.

I'll need to swing by the Kayak Shed or Next Adventure while I'm over there.

It sounds like everybody has the same concerns that I do about the inflatables.

Thanks all.

How do inflatable PFDs do around sharp things like knives, hooks, gaffs, harpoons, etc.?

I too have a Stohlquist Fisherman I love.  And on/in it is a VHF, knife, camera, pliers, fishing license, a spool of leader, and food bars.  I'm not sure it will ever wear out.

The other suggestions are all good products.

Here are a couple of previous useful threads on PFDs:

PFD Recommendations w/ photos
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=4947.msg51665#msg51665

What's on your PFD?
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=7353.msg77335#msg77335

Since I'll be headed to the PDX area for Sturgeon here in a couple of weeks I figured it would be a good time to try out some different PFDs.  I'm not sure if I want a Fishing PFD (with pockets) or and inflatable PFD.  Both types seem to have ups and downs to them. 

I like using a fishing vest since not all of my fishing is off of a kayak so I don't know if I want a fishing PFD.  I like the small size of inflatables but how are they for safety?   If I get hit by a PB and am knocked out, how safe are the inflatables?

Thanks in advance.

there are a bazillion answers to this question...comes down to personal choice!  personally I like the MTI PFDs.  THey are "traditional" PFDs but are made for fishing (double as a vest).  I've tricked mine out with lashed pliers, safety knife and loops for clipping on a radio.  I actually wear it even when I'm on a PB, not even because of safety...I just fish better wearing it. 

The one I have is the old style fisher pro:


I know it's going to seem like I am a total shill+showoff, but MTI saw a picture of me wearing their PFD and asked if they could use it for their hang-tag:



and in exchange they sent me THREE different PFDs.  They are all excellent.  I think the Calcutta, Dio F Spec and Fisher are all great fishing PFDs.  Solaris F spec is a decent low-profile PFD but not my first choice for fishing.

I am very willing to endorse companies who are cool and produce great products.  Yes it does help when they endorse me back

FYI, Austin Kayak has the Stohlquist fisherman on sale for $89.00 with free shipping...I'm extremely happy with mine.


http://www.austinkayak.com/products/814/Stohlquist-Fisherman-High-Back-Life-Jacket-PFD.html/SO1013?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Save+Now+&utm_content=Save+Up+To+30%25+On+Fall+Fishing+Gear&utm_campaign=SO+Oct+2013+-+Fall+Fishing+%28Segment+1+-+Default%29&smtrctid=30b8efa2-a150-41a9-b804-6355d1de46e4

That's an excellent deal.  I'm going to swing by the Kayak Shed and Next Adventure this weekend.  If they don't have something that I like, I might order that one.

I have the Astral Seawolf and the thing is great! Fits perfectly, comfy, and great in the water. Check out their site:

http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/Seawolf.php

I'm not convinced of the inflatable pfd's use in kayaking, but I just got wind that West Marine is having a $50 off sale on them today. (Oct 18)
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories1_11151_10001_-1

Being that this is from West Marine, I'm not sure if that is a deal or just putting them in line with MSRP.

I ended up purchasing the NRS Chinook.  This weekend I spent over 13hrs in the kayak and I never had a problem with my comfort (PFD related)

I have a 2011 and 2013 NRS Chinook, I like the 2013 layout better, the last point not being on a pocket is very nice.
it is comfortable, floats me well and has plenty of room for my radio, safety items and a few tools.

I know it's going to seem like I am a total shill+showoff, but MTI saw a picture of me wearing their PFD and asked if they could use it for their hang-tag:



I am very willing to endorse companies who are cool and produce great products.  Yes it does help when they endorse me back

Who's that sexy man?  And look at the size of that goldfish!