PFD (Personal Flotation Device) Review
By Craig Paddler
MTI Livery- This is a comfortable vest at a comfortable price. While it doesn't have anything fancy to brag about and can get a little warm, I found this to be a great vest for the person who isn't going to wear a PFD all the time...although I always recommend that you wear yours. $29
NRS Vista- The Vista PFD wears and paddles well. An upgrade from the livery because of the pockets and added adjustability. I was able to adjust this jacket to give me a comfortable fit that I was happy with and it didn't break the bank. $55
Stohlquist GetAway- This is an outstanding jacket and the first review of a PFD that has a half-back design. The top half of the jacket back is flotation, the lower half is mesh. This is ideal for SOT kayakers because the top half of the jacket sets above the back rest for added comfort. $69
Stohlquist FLOWter- I like this jacket because it really hugs your body. The front mesh pocket is nice for a whistle or fishing license. The cross cinch really keeps the vest out of my face. $69
Astral LDB - The LDB is a very unique jacket with all of its flotation in the front. The back is foam-less . Lots of pockets for small items you want easy access to. An optional booster attachment can be added for additional floatation. $94
Stohlquist DRIFTer - The most comfortable of jackets I tried. Good flotation spread out to all the right places. I don't rub on any extra material. The mesh area under the arm is perfect for catching a cool breeze while I paddle. I couldn't have been happier from a performance standpoint. $104
Stohlquist Fisherman - Whenever I am fishing (which is every chance I get) this half-back jacket is coming along. I had a place for my knife, snips and clippers. The best part of Fisherman is that the pockets when unzipped become little shelves that I use to change out lures without worrying about dropping them. I was blown away with the convenience and forethought that went into this jacket. $99
Since I don't have the correct parts to review the woman's jacket my
wife Betty Paddler was kind enough to try them out and relay her thoughts.
Stohlquist eSCAPE - Fit me very nicely and did not ride up in my face while paddling. It has padding under the arm which I wasn't thrilled with, but makes sense if I fall out in a rougher water. All in all, a good comfortable fit. $55
Stohlquist BetSEA - So nice! The BetSEA has outstanding fit and adjustment. I was able to adjust the straps to get the exact fit my body needed. I also really like the assortment of colors this jacket is offered in. $104
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Books for Kayakers
New for 2007
 The Ultimate Guide to Kayak Fishing
By Scott Null and Joel McBride
This is a great guide to anyone thinking of getting into the sport or just looking for new ideas. Scott Null and Joel McBride have been involved in the sport for many years and will share their knowledge with you. This book is easy to read and is littered with wonderful photography.
 Wade and Kayak Fishing the Costal Bend
By Ray Crawford
Ray Crawford's second installment of his wade and kayak fishing booksdetails launch sites for kayaks or wade fishing on the following baysystems: San Antonio Bay, Red Fish Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus ChristiBay, and the Upper Laguna Madre. This book has amazing photos anddetails by a fellow who lives to fish. |
The ACK family is about to add another member this July. No Molly's not pregers again. Chris the scruffy manager of the San Marcos store will be getting married July 28th in Atlanta, GA to long-time girlfriend Kara who is a Texas native!