Review on Optimized Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket by Pete Hahn

I tried on at least a dozen life jackets while I was there. Only about 3 were tolerant enough to buy. But I also didn't want to spend more than $90 on a PFD since I'm just starting out in kayaking. I use my sit kayak for fishing and wanted a PFD with multiple pockets to hold some lures, pliers, safety whistles etc. That seems like the right thing to do. My local sporting goods store had other ONYX PFDs but not this model so I could check the quality of the brand. Tip: A friend advised me to get the highest quality life jacket I can afford or I would regret kayaking with him. He suggested I get one with adjustable straps and make sure it has a pocket for a safety whistle. He also suggested a mesh lower backrest for the perch I have on my yak. After trying a bit, I could say his advice was sound. - I've also found that adjustable shoulder straps are almost exclusively found on the best life jackets. Measurements: I'm 5ft 8in and about 198lbs and I found most of the PFDs so small I could barely put them on. The ONYX brand's "Large-XL" size is great for a shop, but unfortunately this life jacket doesn't follow the same sizing conventions. "Universal" size fits 30" to 52" bust and "Oversize" fits 40". - 60 inches - I have a chest of about 46-48 inches, so according to their chart I could do any of them buy. But based on my experience with small PFDs I decided to go with "Oversize". I'm happy to report that it fits me perfectly! They still have enough straps to fit MUCH taller people. Me have no idea if the soft part is actually bigger between the two sizes or just the length of the straps.wish they were in local stores so i could compare.Price: I bought it for $55 and found, that it was a good deal based on what I saw locally and the overall quality and functionality.It's as good as the best PFDs I've seen locally in the $90-$110 price range. Ease of use: I have used my PFD several times and love it!It has all the tas clothes I need and is so comfortable I even forget I'm wearing it. Used it fishing today and bought a 5 compartment Plano Pocket Stowaway Utility Box which fits perfectly in the drop down panel on the left side of the lifejacket. When you're not fishing, this bag has room for a giant phone. I have an iPhone 6+ and it fits. There, too, access is very easy. There are two different elastic holders in the drop down list. One as a bag, the other as a strap. The drop down bar works really well and is like a little table where you can adjust your gear by changing lures. On the right side of the life jacket, I kept my whistle in the top pocket and my pliers in one of the two bottom pockets. The armholes are large enough not to chafe when paddling or throwing. The half-size rear cushion is just high enough not to get in the way of my seatback. Another feature of this PFD is that it feels like a jacket (albeit a bit small). Haven't used them yet but one day when it gets cold I will for sure. I haven't found any other PFDs with this feature. Conclusion: I cannot recommend this life jacket highly enough. Even if you don't use it for fishing, you'll likely find other things the bags can be used for. Overall quality rivals other PFDs twice the price. The colors even look good. This is by far the best PFD I've seen in my limited experience, but I have a feeling I'll be using it for a very, very long time.