Wired2Fish staffer Jason Bryant sent us his feelings on the best PFD and we thought it might get you thinking. Sound like its application specific. What do you think?
Below are his thoughts:
When it comes to PFDs I have a little different background than most anglers. Not only do I fish from a boat, but I also fish out of a kayak, sometimes offshore. In the boat, without a doubt, the inflatable type vests are most comfortable. I think everyone probably agrees on that. I feel safe in these types of vests, but I'll admit, there's always a lingering question in the back of my mind of "What if this thing doesn't inflate?". I check my inflatable PFDs frequently to make sure they're in good working order. I don't want that thing to fail to inflate in the event I actually get tossed into the drink. A buddy of mine used one of these types of PFDs for a couple of years only to find out that it didn't have the cartridge in it. If he'd have gotten into a situation where he actually needed flotation he would've been in a world of hurt. So it definitely pays to maintain and inspect your inflatable devices.
When I'm on the kayak it's a different story. In the kayak you're always getting wet, especially when you're paddling offshore and you have to go through the breakers. A water-sensitive inflatable PFD just won't cut it out there, but one of those big bulky jobs won't do the trick, either, because it makes paddling basically impossible. When it comes to form and function, the PFDs designed for paddlers are light years beyond most "boat vests" you get at marine dealers. They're lightweight, cool, comfortable and provide a wide range of movement. Most importantly, they work - really well. If you've ever actually been in the water wearing one of the zip-up or fastener type devices and you didn't have it cinched up properly, you know how much of a struggle they can be. The vest rides up around your neck and sometimes they turn out to be more of a hindrance than an asset. Vests made for paddlers have more of the buoyancy around the stomach and on the back than around the neck and chest.
If I had to pick one all-around PFD for all conditions it would be a "hybrid" style PFD made for paddlers. These vests use a combination of foam flotation and inflation to provide buoyancy - hence the name hybrid. If you need more flotation than the built-in foam provides you simply blow into a tube on the vest and you've got it.
Obviously, everybody has their favorite PFD, and it's really tough to beat the inflatable types when it comes to comfort, but I always have my hybrid handy, too. When I have a guest in the boat I usually let them wear the hybrid and I wear the inflatable. Most of the guys who wear it for the first time talk about how comfortable it is for being a "conventional" PFD. The vests made for paddlers are a little more expensive than your typical run-of-the-mill boat vest, but without a doubt, you get what you pay for, and you never have to worry about replacing cartridges, either.
Editors note: Good Stuff Jason!
Send us your comments and give us your opinion. Wired Readers are a smart bunch. We may save another anglers life!
Don't forget National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22.
