Best life jackets?

[Joefish]

We're in the market for a new set of life jackets and were wondering what was recommended and who sells them. I like the jackets that are made for skiing because they seem to be more compact and I think that will be better for casting and more comfortable all around. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Keep the net wet.

[Rapaleye]

Here are a couple of thoughts. If you plan on actually wearing your jackets while in the boat I think comfort is the most important factor (after the USCG approval stamp). I think the most comfortable style is the inflatable SOS suspenders style of PFD. However they are expensive and require you to pull a cord to inflate (unless you drop $20 more and get the self inflating type). If you rule those out I think the next best style for comfort is one designed for Canoeing. If you go to most outdoors outfitters (REI, Galyn's etc) you can find them. The repetitive motion of canoeing is very similar to casting and I have found them to be very comfortable. I do own several standard sterns vests and they are OK but ride up on you oveer time and chaff your neck and chin.
Good luck

[Fin Addict]

I have one from Stearns that is like a heavy windbreaker. Very comfortable and I find that I will wear it continuously. Great in cooler weather or at night but really to warm for a summer day. It does not count as a life preserver, if you are stopped, if you are not wearing it. I have a Stohlquist kayaking jacket that is extremely comfortable and since it is a paddling jacket it is nice for casting. This jacket requires that you have some swimming ability and will not keep you upright in the water on its own. In evaluating life jackets it is always a compromise between ultimate safety (a jacket that will save you even if you are unconscious) and a jacket that you will actually wear due to increased comfort. I have opted for the latter but I am a strong swimmer. Even though it would be nice to have a jacket that would be tops in safety, reality is I will not wear them so they become no better than a throwable.

[Dunn]

I like the Sospenders personally.
Comfortable, not bulky, and still certified to do the job of a life jacket.
----------------
Marshall J. Dunn
Bluewater Research, Inc.
(OffShore Release)
N.P.A.A. # 701

[Dragger]

Like they say, the best one is the one you wear the most. If it is not comfortable enough to wear all the time, it is worthless. I have both regular vests and inflatable belt packs. I wear the regular vest when motoring any distance and when the water conditions are rough. When I get to my destination I take off the vest and wear the inflatable pack. I know the belt pack is not the best preserver, but I wear it when I probably would not wear anything else.

[ufda]

FinAddict makes a good point and then ignores his own advice (his perogative and I am not trying to be argumentative) - only using his statement to remake the point that a LIFE PRESERVER is not going to fulfill that function in all situations (unconcious) unless it is designed for that purpose. Being a good swimmer is of no value if you are unconcious or if you are in cold water and become hypothermic. If you are overboard because of an accident and unconcious then a jacket you inflate will also not be of value. Yet, he and others also make a valid point - if you don't wear it, it can't work so make sure it is comfortable enough to wear all the time (that's all-the-time). You can get run over by another boat even when you are still and casting. So, make your own choices, but be very careful what choices you make (and examples you set) for your children.
Sorry to preach, but I have reasons for being a bug on this subject!!
ufda

[Dave G]

Will the Sospenders inflate properly when the water temp is cold (35 -40 degrees)?

[Honest John]

I think that different vests are needed for different activities, but an excellent fishing vest is the Cool Mesh vest from Cabelas. See http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998AUAKAF/IB032G

I doubt that this vest has much of an impact rating, but it would be more comfortable to wear in all conditions than most. If you are going to use the things for waterskiing, tubing and that sort of thing, I suggest genuine waterskiing vests that have 100 mph impact ratings.

JF

[Eyecon]

Try the Mustang Airforce inflatible,it's light and comfortible.And yes it's reliable.These are the same vests worn by NASA asternauts and USAF fighter piolets.They cost about the same as stearns and Sospenders($119) but are hard to find.I hav'nt had to use mine in an emergengy,but it's good piece of mind knowing it's there if I need it.This works very well over bulky winter jackets.

[Bret N]

I like the sterns mesh vests, the whole upper portion of the vest is nylon mesh. They are comfortable and cool, so we actually wear them. Most stores have them for $30-50 depending on model. Bret

[Phil T.]

Watch WalMart for those. I bought one for $17 last fall. It's camo colored, but I don't mind.