I currently have a full PFD and am in the market for a more low profile type (inflatable) pfd. What do you guys use and any comments pros/cons.

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Jackson Cuda

Always wondered what happens with the automatic inflatable type that when they get wet they inflate. What happens if you get caught in a very bad rain storm?? Yes Tim they seem to be the best choice for freedom of movement.

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2012 Wilderness Systems Ride 135 (Mango)
Future Beach Angler 160 DLX (Sand)
14ft Coleman Scanoe.

Auto inflatable PFD's are only suppose to inflate when submersed, water pressure.

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Keep the open side up!

I have both manual and auto-inflatable PFDs as well as conventional PFDs. My auto inflatables are about 12 years old now and still in good shape. One thing to keep in mind with an auto-inflatable is that it must be checked/inspected annually and at that time the CO2 cartridge must be weighed and the bobbin replaced.

The auto inflator device has a spring-loaded firing pin that punctures the high pressure CO2 cartridge. A “bobbin” in the mechanism keeps it from firing until needed. Once wet however, the bobbin (sometimes called a ‘pill’) rapidly disintegrates, tripping the firing pin.

The bobbin does not have to be submerged, just exposed to water. However, the way the bobbin is wrapped inside of the PFD keeps it protected from rain and splashing. I've never had mine auto inflate. I guess if you got in a heavy enough rain, you could activate it though. Mine still have the original CO2 cartridges, but I think it costs me about $7/year to replace a bobbin.

The type you wear around your waist are comfortable in a boat, but I don't like them in a kayak because of the seating position. In addition, once they inflate, you still need to put the inflated collar over your head for best support.

Bottom line - the best PFD is the one you will wear and maintain. If not on you or its not in working order well......

My son gave me an auto-inflatible for Christmas but after careful consideration I had to return it. I carry a lot of things in the pockets of my vest -- some for convience but most for safety. If your kayak ever sinks you will be seperated from anything carried in the kayak. So I carry a first aid kit, whistle, knife, car keys, and cell phone in the pockets. I have adjusted to this vest and would feel lost without the pockets. I wear it from the time I get in the kayak until I'm back on dry land.

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Tarpon 120

As do I. The problem is that my back piece of my current PDF causes a separation between my lower back and my seat of my cuda this causing back pain. So I either need a self inflatable or a smaller back piece on my pfd

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Jackson Cuda

I use an Onyx manual inflatable. Manual means I have to pull a cord to inflate it with the CO2 cartridge or there is a tube that you can use to inflate it with your mouth. It takes about two breaths to fill it. You can find it online from $65 to $80.



The argument against a manual inflatable is that they won't float you if your knocked unconscious. A conventional PFD that's stored inside the hull won't float you any better.
I always wear my inflatable and it's quite comfortable in the hottest weather.

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"For when sleeping I dream of big fish and strong fights."

For me, the only reason I can think of to wear a life vest all the time during inshore activities is in the case that you get become unconscious or incapacitated. If your unconscious you can't pull your manual cord. I have looked into getting a auto-inflate to wear at work( tug boat deck) and have been assured that they won't accidentally activate. This bothers me since what if they accidentally don't inflated after you get knocked in the water unconscious? I still think a good old foam vest is the best for safety. These are just my opinions and not intended to say one person's life jacket is right or wrong.

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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in
a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...
"Wow! What a ride!"

I wear a Mustang Survival Auto Inflate at work. They work of "Hydro-static Pressure" --- it has to be submerged for it to go off. I've gotten rained on, drenched by sprinklers, and it hasn't gone off.

with that said, they pop easy. Say you were knocked out, fell over board, it inflated and snagged on any number of sharp objects you would have in the kayak, or say oyster rock. What good will a balloon do then?

Just my .02

I also wear the Onyx manual inflate. Super comfortable and after a few minutes you forget you have it on.

And that's the key. I also have a normal PFD, and it's a high quality one, but when it's hot I don't like to wear it.

No one plans on having an accident, but trust me, they do happen. For me an inflatable greatly increases the odds I'll have it on.

My two cents.