{"id":2546,"date":"2023-01-06T06:00:20","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T13:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepaddleboardnerd.com\/?p=2546"},"modified":"2023-12-15T03:26:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T10:26:16","slug":"best-inflatable-pfd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepaddleboardnerd.com\/best-inflatable-pfd\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Slim Inflatable Life Jackets (PFD) 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
The main thing to think about when buying inflatable personal floatation devices is that they are not the same as life jackets.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t know how to swim, are going to be in a fast-moving boat, or on very cold water these are not for you.<\/p>\n
They are also not suitable for children. But as far as paddle boarding and kayaking go these are perfect.<\/p>\n
See Also:\u00a0Outdoor Master Shark Electric 20 PSI Pump Review & How To Use<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It is required to have a PFD on your paddleboard in most places and not everyone wants to have a big bulky life jacket on them or on their paddleboard. That’s where these kinds of PFD\u2019s are the best.<\/p>\n They may be a little pricey but they are reusable with the purchase of a rearming kit. The goal is to never have to use it, but things happen, it\u2019s always better to be safe. The best life jacket is the one that you will wear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n My Choice<\/span><\/p>\n Note: Scroll left\/right on tablets and phones<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n The Onyx M-16 wants to keep you safe while not restricting movement.<\/p>\n If you have a hard time wearing life vests because they are uncomfortable or restricting, then this is the PFD for you.<\/p>\n It uses a 16-gram CO2 cylinder to give 17 lbs of buoyancy with a manual inflation tube to bring it up to 26.5 lbs.<\/p>\n See Also:\u00a0Best Coil SUP Leash For Stand Up Paddle Boards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You must be 16 years or older to use this and weigh over 80 lbs. It fits chests measuring 30 to 52 inches, and the waist fits up to 52 inches.<\/p>\n It is U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type V and Type lll. It is reusable with the purchase of the proper rearming kit (click to view on Amazon)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Onyx M-16 Belt Pack PFD<\/a> is basically a belt that can turn into a pillow of air to keep your head above water in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n I love it for paddle boarding because it’s so low profile.<\/p>\n I tend to not wear life jackets like I should because I dislike how bulky and restricting they are. Since buying the Onyx M-16 I always have it on and am much safer because of it.<\/p>\n PROS<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n I want to start out by saying that this PFD is not U.S. Coast Guard-approved but it’s still fine for lakes and rivers if you like this style of an inflatable life vest.<\/p>\n It uses a 33 gram CO2 cylinder which can inflate in 3-5 seconds.<\/p>\n See Also:\u00a0Best Waterproof Dry Bag For Kayaking, Camping, Paddling<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It is rated 150N buoyancy which means that it is for offshore and will keep you afloat with clothing on. It is a universal fit for people under 330 lbs.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t going to be out on the ocean and you want a PFD that is a little larger than the belt kind then the Eyson Slim<\/a> is perfect.<\/p>\n It’s still a slim non-restricting design while being very buoyant when inflated.<\/p>\n There is a belt version as well (click to view on Amazon)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The PFD is reusable with this kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n Included with the purchase of the vest you also get two reflector bands and a whistle.<\/p>\n PROS<\/p>\n CONS<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n This inflatable PFD is really cool because it can be automatic or manual.<\/p>\n If you are on rough water and want it to inflate when submerged in water you can have it set to automatic.<\/p>\n If you are on calmer waters and will have time to inflate it by pulling the tab then you can have it set to manual.<\/p>\n See Also:\u00a0Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers For Boats, Kayaking<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Absolute Outdoor Onyx A\/M-24<\/a> is for people 16 years or older and weighing more than 80 lbs.<\/p>\n It has a buoyancy of 22.5 lbs when inflated and is a universal fit.<\/p>\n The re-arming kit (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> is a little more spendy because of the automatic option but is still very affordable.<\/p>\n It’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type V and Type lll. It has a very slim design and is not going to restrict movement like a traditional life vest.<\/p>\n PROS<\/p>\n Onyx M-16 Belt Pack PFD<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0Because my reviews are mostly for paddle boarding or kayaking I am recommending the Onyx M-16.<\/p>\n When you go out on a paddleboard you are probably going to be spending some time in the water. That is why I do not recommend any inflatable PFD that is only automatic unless you have special needs that may require it.<\/p>\n See Also:\u00a0Best Life Jackets (PFD) For Dogs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This PFD is manual and very low-profile which I love. I have a hard time wearing traditional life jackets and since this is one that I wear and actually use, it’s the best one for me.<\/p>\n Make sure to always check that the CO2 cylinder has not expired and is inserted correctly.<\/p>\n I would buy a few extra cylinders so you can try it out when you purchase the product and be familiar with how it works. Also, have an extra in case you need to re-arm the belt.<\/p>\n Remember to use common sense when out on the water. Be safe, and have fun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, they can.<\/p>\n Most inflatable life jackets have re-arming kits you can buy with a new tab and air cylinder.<\/p>\n When you buy an inflatable life jacket it’s a good idea to buy an extra re-arming kit as well so you can test the life jacket in the water so you know what to expect in an emergency.<\/p>\n Inflatable life jackets or personal floatation devices use an air bladder, usually folded up in a slim vest or belt pouch, that is filled with air from a cylinder.<\/p>\n When the bladder inflates, it creates a floatation device around your body to keep your head above water.<\/p>\n There are two kinds, automatic and manual. Automatic PFD’s inflate when submerged in water.<\/p>\nBest Inflatable Life Jacket Reviews & Info<\/h2>\n
\n1. Onyx M-16 Belt Pack PFD<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n2. Eyson Slim Inflatable PFD<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n3. Absolute Outdoor Onyx A\/M-24<\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/h2>\n
\nMy Inflatable Life Jacket Recommendation<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions About PFDs<\/h2>\n
Can inflatable life jackets be reused?<\/h3>\n
How do inflatable life jackets work?<\/h3>\n