Good choices for less expensive Fishing PFDs (level III)

[smithmal]

I realize the "cream of the crop" pfd are your Stohlquist Fisherman/NRS Chinook, but those will set you back $120 or more.

What pfd are people using that are less expensive, but still good quality type III fishing PFDs (in the range of $30-$60)?

So far from my research I've noted the following:

Stearns Hybrid Fishing vest

MTI Adventurewear Fisher Kayak Fishing PFD

ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

Flowt Mesh Fishing Adult Life Vest Type III PFD

Comments on the above pfds would be appreciated. Also, if there's any I've missed, please let me know.

Thanks,

smithmal

ps - I realize you can also save quite a bit of money if you purchase used on CL or eBAY, but those deals are very YMMV

[DanMarino]

MTI Solaris F-Spec Fishing Life Jacket - PFD is where it's at.

[smithmal]

MTI Solaris F-Spec Fishing Life Jacket - PFD is where it's at.

Thanks for the reply. Only seeing this model @ $90 or so. Or others selling it at $60 or less?

smithmal

[Mark]

For my first three years in the hobby I used an Ascend vest from Bass Pro designed for paddling. I don't recall the precise cost but I don't think it was more than $60. I do recall that I bought it during a sale. Again that was 5 years ago and they may have increased in price. But Bass Pro often has sales.

My Ascend PFD held up wonderfully and I still have it for a backup. I use an NRS Chinook as my primary vest now.

You might want to take a run over to Bass Pro and see what they have on the floor. They always have many to choose from and maybe they have some on clearance.

[smithmal]

Mark,

The Ascend is essentially the same pfd as the Stohlquist Fisherman. The Ascend used to be a great deal until BPS jacked the price up to $99.

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ascen...ng-life-jacket

smithmal

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[Oldbayrunner]

OK, Like Dan I use the MTI Solaris and have for the past 2 1/2 years. Now for the ones you have linked, all but the Onyx from what I can tell have a low back padding which more than likely will become really uncomfortable in your seat. The Onyx is basically a kind of knock off of the MTI solaris with it's fold down tackle tray but with more pockets.

[Mark]

smithmal,

My point was to visit the store.

Comparing prices on-line is fine to see the possibilities but sometimes you can find bargains on clearance racks.

Secondly, as Oldbayrunner emphasized you want to make sure you get a paddling PFD with a high back. That's for comfort in your seat.

Lastly, it's hard to determine now because you really haven't fished much in your kayak. But you may not need a "fishing" PFD. Mine has pockets for tackle but in truth, I use only one pocket. I keep a waterproof camera in one. Otherwise my PFD pockets are empty. My fishing gear goes elsewhere in my kayak.

You may be different and carry a lot of stuff in your vest. In that case, you'll need a fishing PFD. But perhaps a simple paddling PFD will suffice to get you started.

[smithmal]

Mark good point. Are there any decent paddling kayak pfds with a high back that range for between $30 - $60?

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[Mark]

Mark good point. Are there any decent paddling kayak pfds with a high back that range for between $30 - $60?

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West Marine has one on sale now for $30.

[ronaultmtd]

I used to wear a fishing PFD...hot summer convinced me to go with a Hobie inflatable PFD- no pockets, very comfortable, and much, much cooler...yep, costs more, but I wear it all the time I am in my kayak...