Honest Review of Stohlquist Fishing Life JacketSarah Jonsgaard

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Stohlquist Fisherman Lifejacket (PFD)

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4.7 516 ratings

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Price:

$117.64 Free Return on some sizes and colors

Brand	Stohlquist
Color	Khaki
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Life Vest Type	Type III
Material	Polyethylene Foam

About this item

GRADED SIZING - Stohlquist's Graded Sizing offers the best fit, and lowest footprint possible, for the widest range of body types. We have fine-tuned each individual size and sculpted the foam footprint and foam thickness to provide a better fitting, and
CROSS-CHEST CINCH - The innovative Cross-Chest Cinch harness, found only on Stohlquist PFDs, offers the most unique fit of any PFD, by keeping the vest down & in place, to eliminate ride-up. The "cinch" prevents and eliminates chafing on your chin and und
BREATHABILITY & MOBILITY - Open sides, with adjustable mesh shoulders & back panels for maximum ventilation. The higher mesh-back design offers increased clearance for tall seat backs
MOLDED EVA POCKETS - Dual front-mounted tool pouch pockets with protective EVA stiffened outer shells provide fold-down work surfaces and protect pocket contents. Each pocket measures 7.5" x 7.5". Don't get flooded, all pockets on the Fisherman life vest allow for drainage
BORN IN THE WATER - Stohlquist products are the result of a lifetime of hands-on paddling and entrepreneurial spirit of founder Jim Stohlquist. Each model we offer follows the lineage of 40+ years of product innovation and refinement to provide our customers with the best WaterWare available today

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Product Description

The Fisherman provides excellent cockpit management with places for the little things that could end up in your seat or overboard. Dual front-mounted tool pouch pockets have protective EVA stiffened outer shells to protect pocket contents, and act as fold down workstations.

Product information

Technical Details

Item Package Dimensions L x W x H

‎15 x 15 x 5 inches

Package Weight

‎0.92 Kilograms

Brand Name

‎Stohlquist

Warranty Description

‎Manufacturer Warranty

Model Name

‎FISHERMN,USCG,KHAKI,SM/MD

Color

‎Khaki

Material

‎Polyethylene Foam

Suggested Users

‎unisex-adult

Number of Items

‎1

Manufacturer

‎Stohlquist WaterWare

Part Number

‎QF1379601MD

Model Year

‎2023

Style

‎S49

Included Components

‎Water Sports PFD's

Outer Material

‎Foam

Size

‎S/M

Sport Type

‎Boating, Water Skiing, Fishing, Rafting, Kayaking

Additional Information

ASIN

B07NQSXF1V

Customer Reviews

4.7 516 ratings

4.7 out of 5 stars

Best Sellers Rank

#109,093 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
#337 in Life Jackets & Vests

Date First Available

February 14, 2019

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

516 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers like the fit, appearance and maneuverability of the life jacket. For example, they mention it's adjustable for size, has great pockets and is high quality. Some appreciate the maneuverability, saying it doesn't move around too much when paddling. That said, opinions are mixed on the weight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

25 customers mention25 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the fit of the life jacket. They mention that it is adjustable for size, comfortable, and fits with room. Some say that the pockets are large enough for a phone and other necessary equipment.

"Really impressed with the comfort and fit of this vest. Very breathable and I did not notice any hot spots from wearing it...." Read more

"The perfect PFD for bigger guys...." Read more

"Very adjustable if you have a bit of a belly,was hoping the pockets would be a little bigger but you can still put pliers,knives and smaller..." Read more

"This PFD wad so comfortable and easy to adjust. The pockets were great for ease of access. I practically forgot I was wearing it...." Read more

21 customers mention21 positive0 negative

Customers like the pockets in the personal flotation device. They say it has the right amount of pockets for fishing, holds items they need, and is practical. Some appreciate the two pockets that fold down to use as a tray. They also like the clip for knife attachment and the fact that it holds a river knife quite well.

"...It also holds a river knife quite well on the accessory square near the shoulder...." Read more

"...Lots of storage in the pockets and loops...." Read more

"This PFD wad so comfortable and easy to adjust. The pockets were great for ease of access. I practically forgot I was wearing it...." Read more

"...I also love the pockets on this thing...." Read more

20 customers mention20 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the personal flotation device. They mention that it's well constructed, and the heavy nylon material is very good quality. Some say that the pockets are a great feature and make sturdy trays. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and functionality.

"...Mobility is top-notch,and the materials seem to be high-quality. It also holds a river knife quite well on the accessory square near the shoulder...." Read more

"...The front hard pockets are such a great feature and make sturdy trays which are very helpful when out on the kayak...." Read more

"...supplies in them.the high back is perfect for in the kayak.seems very well built" Read more

"...I practically forgot I was wearing it. Great for a paddler and fisherman." Read more

10 customers mention10 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the life jacket. For example, they mention it's a nice vest, well-made, and has great pockets. Some say it'd be a good choice for kayakers looking for a top-quality product.

"...It is designed to be a paddle style jacket and it is extremely comfortable to wear...." Read more

"Excellent custom fit design and all around top notch kayak PFD" Read more

"Very nice vest, I’m 5’9” 200lbs, about 45” chest, fits well with room for larger adjustment...." Read more

"Nice looking, seems well made. Very bulky though, obviously it’s the foam needed to float." Read more

8 customers mention8 positive0 negative

Customers like the maneuverability of the personal flotation device. They say it has a top-notch mobility, and the materials seem to be high-quality. It allows arms to move freely, and it's easy to move with it on. The range of motion is fantastic, and there's plenty of room for movement.

"...Mobility is top-notch,and the materials seem to be high-quality. It also holds a river knife quite well on the accessory square near the shoulder...." Read more

"...Once adjusted, it does not tend to move around too much when paddling. Lots of storage in the pockets and loops...." Read more

"...Comfort, okay I already said I love it and that it doesn't ride up. But geez you really don't know it is on...." Read more

"...This adjusts and fits perfectly. It even allows me to move with my fat belly. seems like zippers are good quality...." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the adjustability of the personal flotation device. They mention that it has a lot of adjustable parts, and it will also fit people much bigger than they are. The chest adjustments really let them fine tune it to fit them correctly.

"...The chest adjustments really let you fine tune this to fit you correctly...." Read more

"...As it has a lot of adjustable parts, it will also fit people much bigger than I am...." Read more

"This unit appears to be of quality workmanship. Comfortable with good adjustments. Sizing is correct. Well designed...." Read more

"...Wear a 40 inch suit jacket. The L / XL fits great. Plenty of extra room for more adjustments to the vest...." Read more

9 customers mention6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of the personal flotation device. Some find it lightweight and comfortable, while others say it's very bulky.

"...Convenient storage and not to bulky. I was concerned about the deep water re-entery but was able to after a few practice tries." Read more

"...Lightweight and holds items they need. Not too bulky and lets air flow so don’t overheat when out on hot sunny days." Read more

"It's a bulky PFD, so if you're in a fishing kayak like me it can get a little in the way. Not a big deal as you can simply do a small adjustment...." Read more

"...by far is the best quality, has well thought out storage and is not bulky at all. Great purchase." Read more

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Ordinay Average Guy

You will forget you have it on.

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023

Color: OrangeSize: Large-X-LargeVerified Purchase

I didn't believe the other reviews about how comfortable this life jacket is, but I had already tried several of the other high end kayak-specific models from the other makers at my local kayak shop. I just wasn't in love with any of them. I decided to take a chance on this one, and the comfort level makes me forget about not only the price tag, but also that I'm even wearing it while paddling and fishing. I will have to see how thing go when it gets hot outside, but so far, so good. Mobility is top-notch,and the materials seem to be high-quality. It also holds a river knife quite well on the accessory square near the shoulder. I'm even packing a gut and man boobs and have no issues with discomfort. All in all, I've got no complaints and would recommend.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

H. Do

Great kayaking PFD

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2023

Color: KhakiSize: S/MVerified Purchase

Really impressed with the comfort and fit of this vest. Very breathable and I did not notice any hot spots from wearing it. Once adjusted, it does not tend to move around too much when paddling. Lots of storage in the pockets and loops. I only wish the pockets were a tad larger to fit my Samsung Note, but it should fit all the smaller smart phones.

Helpful

The904

Big boy PFD

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022

Color: Olive GreenSize: XX-LargeVerified Purchase

The perfect PFD for bigger guys. For reference I am 6'3 270 and this PFD has adjustments to fit someone much bigger than I am while still being able to snug it down and staying comfy.

I compared this directly with the Chinook and this was better in every way. The chest adjustments really let you fine tune this to fit you correctly. The front hard pockets are such a great feature and make sturdy trays which are very helpful when out on the kayak.

The high back pad is perfect for sit on top kayaks. The pad also contorts to your upper back and doesn't stick out like a back horn. Which was an issue I had with the Chinook.

It is always hard finding stuff like this for the big boys but they knocked this out the park.

8 people found this helpful

Helpful

David penner

Very comfortable when in the kayak

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

Very adjustable if you have a bit of a belly,was hoping the pockets would be a little bigger but you can still put pliers,knives and smaller supplies in them.the high back is perfect for in the kayak.seems very well built

One person found this helpful

Helpful

You don't even know it's on.

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2020

Color: OrangeSize: Large-X-LargeVerified Purchase

Let me preface this with... I love this thing... So we probably all run around with a wally world vest, or local sporting good store offering for a while thinking it's fine. I just pretty quickly grew tired of getting hit in the neck with blocks of foam. I had a sport PFD for a bit, which was neoprene and fit snug and didn't move at all and was nice but, I was getting into kayak fishing and thought I would be able to use a few pockets on me. I didn't want to load up on a bunch of crap like I see some people... I mean jeez guys, it is supposed to float in case you go over not strap 2 days of gear onto while holding your beer.

I tried a few on, all the big names. I did also like the big orange OS vest from that 3 letter word company. But honestly this one felt reaaaaally good. The way the thing cinched down just kept it from moving at all on me. Plus I'm a pretty beefy. 5'10 225. 46" chest. 36" waist. I got the L/XL and it fits just fine even with a breakfast burrito in the gut.

I have room for a couple of shirts or thin 3mm (what I had to test) wetsuit underneath.

The pockets hold my Pixel 4XL, albeit barely, with it's chunky case on. A pair of pliers, tackle scissors, bunch of little bits and bobs in the mesh internal pockets, a rape whistle, a plano 2 sided mini-box, tigers milk... These pockets are hardened, so it protects the stuff inside and makes sliding over them easier.

Outside just a light and one of my moras. Lots of room for more, but I am not big on looking like a Christmas Tree. Plus it gets harder to get back in the yak with all the stuff dangling.

500D Cordura baby! The only PFD I could find that wasn't disposable. Seriously how many people I ran into that had 1 or 2 year old vest with holes in them... man get out of here with that nonsense. You think I'm gonna drop a bill and a half for trendy fashion gear on the water? Move along... I want safety gear that is purpose built and is going to last.

Comfort, okay I already said I love it and that it doesn't ride up. But geez you really don't know it is on. You can paddle all day and not even feel it anywhere on your body. Forward, Reverse, or Draw, it all feels smooth the vest doesn't move or encumber you in any way. I only had to adjust a couple of times, and this was because I was crawling around to reach my ice chest lol and even then, just barely more of a twist than anything.

Supposedly the foam in this will mold to my body over time, I can't imagine this becoming more comfortable over time, I am already feeling spoiled by it.

Negative, probably the only thing I can say, I don't like adjusting straps all the time so I leave them pretty well adjusted to where I had them last. This makes it a bit more difficult to "zip" on than others that have the belly buckle before you zip. So I have to squeeze my arms together while trying to zip up to sort of pinch the sides of the vest together to get some slack. Now obviously this could be avoided if I wasn't a lazy SOB. But I mention it because I am pretty sure 90% of the world will do the same thing.

The flip side is, this is more comfy than having a belly buckle pinching into you all day...

So if you are on the fence, looking at all the PFD's out there and don't know which ones to get, are worried about function and comfort over which ones your friends will like more. GET THIS ONE and be done wasting time.

CB

33 people found this helpful

Helpful

The Dad

Great fit and very comfortable.

Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2022

Color: OrangeSize: Large-X-LargeVerified Purchase

This PFD wad so comfortable and easy to adjust. The pockets were great for ease of access. I practically forgot I was wearing it. Great for a paddler and fisherman.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Very comfortable

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022

Color: OrangeSize: Large-X-LargeVerified Purchase

Overall I am very pleased with the quality of this life jacket. It is designed to be a paddle style jacket and it is extremely comfortable to wear. I bought it for kayaking, and I specifically wanted something that had pockets for bits of gear, not fishing in particular. I would have been pleased if it had a little bit more reflective tape, but the bottom line is that it is comfortable and functional and well-made.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Jordan

Bulky but with plenty of space for gadgets

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2022

Color: Olive GreenSize: Large-X-LargeVerified Purchase

It's a bulky PFD, so if you're in a fishing kayak like me it can get a little in the way. Not a big deal as you can simply do a small adjustment. I also love the pockets on this thing. I can attach my line cutters, pliers and other things to the rig as well as use my pockets if I'm lazy and don't want to put a bait away at that time.

2 people found this helpful

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