If you’re going to be on the water, you need a certified, wearable personal floatation device also known as a PFD or life vest. It’s required by law, and it’s only smart. However, the array life vests and life jackets from which you have to choose can be confusing even to a crusty old seafarer. This convenient guide shows you what various types of PFDs look like and how they work. It also shares pros and cons of each design, to help you make the right choice for your kind of time on the water – fresh, salt, or anything in between!
1) Type l Life Vest Pros & Cons
Shop Type 1 Life Vest at Bass Pro Shops
Pros:
- Excellent for survival in rough water
- Designed to turn unconscious face up
- High visibility for rescue
- Approved for commercial use
Cons:
- Bulky
- Not comfortable for extended wear
- Tends to be put on for emergencies rather than worn at all times
2) Type lV Flotation Cushion Pros & Cons
Shop Flotation Cushion at Bass Pro Shops
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Throwable device
- Also serves as seat cushion
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not wearable
- Not approved as sole PFD for many types of watercraft
- Of no use to unconscious victim
- Loses buoyancy quickly when used as seat cushion
3) Auto Inflatable Life Vest - Suspender Style
Shop Bass Pro Shops In-Sight A-24 Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest
Pros:
- Minimal restriction to movement
- Maximum comfort for extended wear
- Both auto inflate and manual inflate options
- Wide adjustability for body size
Cons:
- Expensive
- Needs to be rearmed after inflation incident
4) Full-Feature Life Jacket
Shop Bass Pro Shops XPS Deluxe Fishing Life Jacket
Pros:
- Excellent for all-around use
- Comfortable fit
- Pockets and D-rings for gear
- Excellent bouyancy
Cons:
- More restrictive than some other models
- Not designed to turn unconscious victim face up
- Size specific with minimal adjustability
5) Adult Universal Life Vest
Shop Bass Pro Shops Adult Universal Life Vest
Pros:
- Wide range of adjustment for body size
- Great to have on hand as extra PFD for guests
- Form fitting for comfort
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not breathable for really warm weather
- Not designed to turn unconscious victim face up
- No pockets
6) Basic Mesh Fishing Life Jacket
Shop Bass Pro Shops Basic Mesh Fishing Life Jacket
Pros:
- Maximizes free arm and upper body movement
- Adjustability for body size
- Comfortable even in warm weather
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Less buoyancy than some other models
- Not designed to turn unconscious victim face up
- No pockets
7) Realtree MAX-5 Mesh Life Jacket
Shop Realtree Max-5 Mesh Life Jacket at Bass Pro Shops
Pros:
- Camouflage for waterfowl hunting
- Both shoulders open for right- or left-handed shooting
- Padded Shoulders for shooting
- Pockets for shells and gear
Cons:
- Not available in range of colors
- Sized primarily for men only
- Not designed to turn unconscious victim face up
8) Type ll Life Vest
Shop Type ll Life Vest at Bass Pro Shops
Pros:
- Lowest priced wearable
- Bright orange color for visibility
- Simple to put on and wear
- Long durability and buoyancy
Cons:
- Bulky
- Not comfortable to wear
- Kids don’t like the look
- Tends to be put on for emergencies rather than worn at all times
9) Full Floatation Jacket/Float Coat / Float Parka
Shop for these popular brands: IceArmor by Clam, Onyx, Mustang Survival and Stearns
Pros:
- Maximum survivability in cold water
- Camouflaged for hunting
- Lots of pockets and gear attachment points
- Rain and snow repellant
Cons:
- Restrictive to arms and upper body
- Not comfortable for extended wear
- Too warm to wear in anything but coldest weather
- Most expensive wearable option
10) Inflatable Flotation Belt Pack
Shop Bass Pro Shops M-16 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack
Pros:
- Least restrictive to arms and upper body
- Less expensive inflatable option than suspenders
- Extremely comfortable to wear
- Fits wide range of adult body sizes
Cons:
- Manual inflation only
- Requires victim to “put on” device after inflation
- Must be rearmed after each inflation
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