Hi everybody.

I just want to hear what is the best brand in PDF's in the US?

I do know that it is a matter of personal belief - but just humor me.

Ole

Ole, I think you may have answered your own question.

My question would be, how many are actually made in the United States?

I know about Kokatat and Patagonia. But there must be some other brands.
Where they are made as such, is not that important.

Ole,

Kokatat, Stohlquist, Astral Buoyancy, Patagonia all come to mind. In the old days I used to use Extrasport but haven't seen much activity from them in the sea kayaking realm.

For what it's worth Kokatat has won our Reader's Choice award for life jackets the two times it was awarded.

Michael

Has anyone been using an ASTRA pfd? If so, how do you like it? -Thinking about getting one.

Not familiar with the Astra. We published a series of articles in our April, May and June 2008 on-line newsletter about PFDs. They can be reached through Sea Kayaker's home page > Articles > Newsletter Archives and scroll down to the issues you want. Reading these will give you a good idea as to how to best fit a PFD to you and the type of watersport you are buying it for.

I have a Stohlquist but I am just starting this sport. I would prefer something made in USA. Mine is made in Mexico. Seems half way decent and some good pockets and D-rings and adjustable features.

ASTRAL (not Astra) makes their PFDs in the US. They have a ww background which influences their designs.

Kokatat PFDs are made in China.

Lotus Designs (before Patagonia killed the brand) was made in Mexico of U.S. components.


If I were to make an alphabetical list of the best brands sold in the U.S. it would be:

Astral
Kokatat
Lotus Designs
Palm (British company, partnered w. MTI in the U.S.)
Stohlquist


For the record I have an Astral Abba, a Palm Freestyle and
a Lotus Designs (model unknown). Generally, I use the Abba for my SOT/casual paddling, the Palm for ww and rolling, and the Lotus Designs for long touring when I want to carry a VHF and a camera. that's not to say any one of them couldn't be used for multiple purposes.

rotating them means they all last longer.

Kokatat PDF's I looked at said made in USA. The rep will be by Sunday at the dealer so I will look at many of them.

Wonder if some models are made here & others abroad.

I know for sure that the MsFit Tour is made in China. Ordered one during a sale at backcountry.com to get the size/color desired and the country of origin was definitely China. I wound up returning it because I wore it in the house for around 15 minutes & it just felt too puffy/bulky.

A great reason not to buy PFDs online

FWIW Lotus Designs (that late, great brand that Patagonia acquired and killed) had their PFDs made in Vietnam. If you can find some of the new, old stock still around they're worth a look. Very prized by a lot of instructors and guides around here. Low profile, sensible pockets, durable fabric. Mine came as a throw in w. a white water boat bought last year, and it's my favorite touring PFD.