I fish out of a kayak and have two NRS kayak specific life jackets. A Chinook and a Chinook offshore. I like the idea of no manual or auto inflation / maintenance required of the auto inflate styles.

This isn't for me though. My brother is a Bass fisherman and wants one of the self inflating styles that he sees all of the tournament guys using.

Can someone give me a good shove in the right direction. If you know of any deals, this is a Christmas present and that would be appreciated. Would love to keep it around $100, not going for the Mustang $400+ option.

This Mustang here is the one I use and it is so much more comfortable than the $99-150 Onyx and other brands.


I keep a couple of the Onyx models in the boat for others to use if they want to wear one.

I wear an Onyx 24A/M Seams like it was just over 100 bucks. Been wearing it for 14 years or so. Re charge it every three years and I keep a rearm kit in the boat. No complaints. I wear it 100% in the winter months even while fishing. I went in the water one time and it deployed and worked great. As I get older I’m sure I’ll wear it year around while fishing. Always while running!

cabelas/bp has a 24# on sale for 60.00.

if he is in the 200# + size get a 35# rated flotation

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-am-24-automanual-inflatable-life-vest

this the one for over 200#

Minimum 35 lbs. buoyancy


https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/new-product-100180327

^^^^^^^
This is the style I like.
In the summer, you don't have so much material hanging around you making you a little more hot.
And in the winter, easier to put over your coat and/or rain gear.

Spend an extra $1 and get a whistle to attach to the vest.