I tried on at least a dozen PFD's locally. Only about 3 were tolerable enough to buy. But I also didn't want to spend $90+ on a PFD as I'm just getting into kayaking. I use my sit on top kayak for fishing and wanted a PFD with several pockets to hold some lures, pliers, safety whistle, etc. This seem to fit the bill. My local sporting goods store had other ONYX PFD's but not this model, so I could verify the quality of the brand.
Advice:
A friend advised me to get the best quality PFD I could afford, or I would regret kayaking with it. He suggested I buy one with adjustable shoulder straps and to make sure it had a pocket to hold a safety whistle. He also suggested a mesh lower back for the high seat I have on my Yak. After trying some on, I could tell his advise was sound. - I also found that adjustable shoulder straps are almost exclusively found on the better PFD's.
Sizing:
I'm 5'-8" and about 198 pounds, and I found most PFD's fit so small, I could barely get them on. With the ONYX brand, the "Large-XL" size fit fine in the store, but unfortunately, this PFD does not follow the same sizing conventions. The "Universal" size fit's chests from 30" - 52" and the "Oversize" fits 40" - 60" - I have about 46-48" chest so according to their chart, could have bought either one. But based on my experience with how small PFD's seem to run, I opted for the "Oversize". I'm happy to report that this fits me perfect! Their's plenty of strap left to fit MUCH larger people. I have no idea if the padded portion is actually larger between the two sizes, or just the length of straps. Wish the local stores had them so I could compare.
Pricing:
I bought this for $55 and felt it was a bargain based on what I saw locally and the overall quality and functionality. This is easily as nice as the best PFD's I saw locally in the $90-$110 price range.
Usability:
I've used my PFD a few times now and love it! It has all the pockets I need, and is so comfortable, I forget I'm wearing it. I used it for fishing today and bought a
Plano Pocket Stowaway 5 Compartment Utility Box
which fits perfectly in the drop down panel on the left side of the PFD. If you don't fish, you can store a huge phone in that pocket. I have an iPhone 6+ and it fit fine there. It's also really easy to access there. The drop down has two different stretch material holders. One is like a pocket, the other like a strap. The drop down panel works really well and it's like having a little table to set your gear on while switching up your lures. On the right side of the PFD, I stored my whistle in the top pocket, and pliers in one of the two bottom pockets. The arm cutouts are so large that nothing rubs while paddling or casting. The half-sized back pad is up high enough that it doesn't interfere with my seat back.
Another feature of this PFD is that it has felt lined "hand pockets" much like a jacket (albeit a bit on the small side). I haven't used them yet, but someday if it's chilly out, I'm sure I will. I did not come across any other PFD with this feature.
Conclusion:
I can't recommend this PFD enough. Even if you don't use it for fishing, you'll likely find other things to use the pockets for. The overall quality rivals other PFD's that are twice the price. The colors even look good. This is by far the best PFD I've seen in my limited experience, but feel I'll use this for a long, long time.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 22 x 17 x 6 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1.11 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Onyx |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |
| Model Name | Kayak Fishing Paddle Vest |
| Color | Tan |
| Material | Nylon |
| Suggested Users | mens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Absolute Outdoor, Inc. |
| Part Number | 121700-706-004-17 |
| Style | Kayak Fishing Life Jacket |
| Included Components | Life Jacket |
| Outer Material | Foam |
| Size | Universal |
| Sport Type | Boating, Fishing |
