Pfd’s and comfort

[TcRoc]

I currently  have a onyx pfd .  While I like it a lot with the pockets .. it’s destroying my back. It rides up in the back and where it always stays it’s digging into my back all day on my Ss127. Padding or not the bottom edges wedges into my back leaning against the seat. Anyone using something that has no back padding to recommend, I am looking at there auto/manual version anyone have it? This is what I’m wearing and what I’m looking at.

[Jig Man]

I use the Mustang that has a single strap down the back and one around your waist.   A friend who works for the COE said that is what the government provides for them.  Mine is the least cumbersome and least bothersome pfd that I have ever had and I have had a lot over the years.  

[bulldog1935]

For paddling, I love my Kokatat - it can be a little tough to remove if you'e wearing weather layers.  

[flyfisher]

I have an inflatable like the one in the picture and yesterday when I went to buckle my seatbelt to leave I realized I still had it on.

 

[TcRoc]

30 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

I have an inflatable like the one in the picture and yesterday when I went to buckle my seatbelt to leave I realized I still had it on.

 

Lol.. so have the onyx inflatable?

[TcRoc]

Also my only concern about some of these auto deploy is how they look upon deploying it looks near impossible to be able to flip and re enter kayak. I understand they r there to save your butt , but the one I wear while killing my back I can re enter my kayak. Any one try re entry with these auto deploy pfd’s?  

[flyfisher]

13 minutes ago, TcRoc said:

Lol.. so have the onyx inflatable?

I am not sure if it is that exact one because it is bass pro branded but it looks very similar.

[flyfisher]

23 minutes ago, TcRoc said:

Also my only concern about some of these auto deploy is how they look upon deploying it looks near impossible to be able to flip and re enter kayak. I understand they r there to save your butt , but the one I wear while killing my back I can re enter my kayak. Any one try re entry with these auto deploy pfd’s?  

Yes, it is a pain in the ass for sure but it can be done.  I test mine every time I replace the cartridge and then re-enter.  Honestly though if I ever had to use it, I would probably make my to shallow enough water to stand to make my life easier, especially if I was going to recharge and go back to fishing.

[XF15-Loader]

I have a NRS Chinook.  Love it!!  Plenty of pockets, light weight and comfortable as can be.

 

 

[J Francho]

On 7/24/2021 at 10:37 AM, TcRoc said:

Also my only concern about some of these auto deploy is how they look upon deploying it looks near impossible to be able to flip and re enter kayak. I understand they r there to save your butt , but the one I wear while killing my back I can re enter my kayak. Any one try re entry with these auto deploy pfd’s?  

I haven't, but a friend using my Mustang HIT did, from freezing cold water.  It was a struggle, and I had to hold the boat.  If weren't for a the cold water, I would have had him remove the PFD to re-enter.  I think for you, a quality auto is the way to go.  Look for something with wider should straps.  The narrower ones kind of get to me after a full day.

[Jigfishn10]

I have the Onyx auto/manual. Matter of fact I bought my whole family these. We all love them and they are very comfortable. I guess the only pain in the butt with them is having a few extra CO2 charges. Once that vest hits the water in auto mode, that CO2 is spent. Otherwise, you do feel cooler than most PFD's.

 

EDIT:

I guess the 1 draw back is that when it does automatically inflate, that's it, it's inflated until you take it off to deflate. I guess getting back on the yak to fish longer may not be in the cards.

[ghost123123]

Years ago I was forced to promise to my youngest daughter I would always wear a life jacket while on the water as I fish alone most of the time. As I swim like a rock it was probably the smartest promise I ever made. Used to wear a mesh pfd, great for warmth in the winter, but rather uncomfortable when it was hot. I bought my first auto/manual pfd from Cabelas. Then I bought two more and then two more so all family members would have one. Some have the 24 ounce cartridges and the others have the 33 or 38. If I had to do it all over again all of the pfd’s would have 38 cartridges. They are more apt to float you face up if you get knocked out cold. Bps doesn’t have the selection it used to so options from them are limited. Do own one Mustang HIT and I’m very impressed with it. I don’t know how many times I’ve docked the boat, gotten out and started walking to the truck before I realize I still am wearing the pfd. Just thought I would throw in my two cents worth on the topic. I am sure you will find what you are looking for.

[J Francho]

9 minutes ago, ghost123123 said:

I don’t know how many times I’ve docked the boat, gotten out and started walking to the truck before I realize I still am wearing the pfd.

I've made it all the way home with mine on, lol.

[Darth-Baiter]

I also wear the chinook.  It’s pretty comfortable. I wear it cinched tight.  I jumped off my kayak and it rode up on my body surprisingly easy. No good.  So I cinched it down and jumped in again.  Better.  Climbing back in, the vest makes it easier. It pads my body as I squirm back in. 
 

my friend had to save a guy in the ocean when his vest didn’t inflate. That story alone made me pick a regular PFD. 

[moguy1973]

I won't wear my auto PFDs in my kayak because I like to get out and take a dip sometimes and I don't want to mess with having to take my PFD off to do that.  I wear a Stolquist Fisherman PFD when I'm in my kayak.  It has high back padding only and nothing down on my lower back.  The padding rides above the back of my kayak seat and doesn't bother me when I'm paddling.  For a non-inflatable PFD it's very comfortable.

[NHBull]

I know this isn't what you were looking for.......but I have one on the way.

 

I have a mustang and it is great but I don't always were it.  I am coming to terms that I will never have the balance I once had and my Mrs want me to wear something when I can return to fishing.....

 

I plan on trying it next week when I start pool theropy. 

 

I know I have to much time on my hands ?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Inflatable-Boarding-Kayaking-Fishing/dp/B074VCX5MY

[desmobob]

47 minutes ago, NHBull said:

I have a mustang and it is great but I don't always were it.  I am coming to terms that I will never have the balance I once had and my Mrs want me to wear something when I can return to fishing.....

 

I never wore a PFD at all when fishing, and only when boating in fast water with a canoe or kayak.  This season I made it a point to start wearing my Mustang MIT and my kill switch lanyard.

 

After two or three outings, it was a TOTAL non-issue or inconvenience.  It will make you and your loved ones feel more at ease about you boating solo.

[desmobob]

BTW, a lady friend was looking at my Mustang MIT and examined the yellow manual activation handle.  It says "JERK" on it.  She asked how I was able to get Mustang to personalize my PFD.  ?

[Darth-Baiter]

I need to buy a mustang PFD for the days I step onto my friends bass boat. His doesn’t fit me well.  I need to stay consistent with safety. 
 

thanks.