I'm in need of buying a new life jacket and will need to order online. I don't like the mesh shoulder type, because they are too bulky in stomach area. What life jacket do you like? I'm average built size L guy.

I've had three or four non-inflatable types, and find them more comfortable than my Mustang auto/manual inflatable pfd except for hot weather. The Mustang is less comfortable where it goes over the shoulders because all of its weight in concentrated in a smaller area. I also find the area with the CO2 cylinder to be a bit bulky. Most of the weight is on the right side where the gas cylinder and release mechanism are located so the right shoulder takes the brunt of the weight.

Your best bet is to go to a BPS and/other stores that have a variety of devices and find which one feels more comfortable for you. The other thing you might want to consider is color. If you end up in the water, which is when you need it, what color is more likely to be visible to searchers. Black, greens, and blues will not be as easily spotted as yellows and reds. Also consider some reflective tape so you can be found more easily at night. The good tape looks like a camera flash going off when hit by a beam of light.

Nearest BPS is 1 1/2 hrs away and I never seem to be able to get there. So I am willing to take a shot and order online. I am looking for some names and models. Near by stores either only had mesh type or regular type with too many pockets which I didn't like.

The BPS jackets that they have on sale for 19.95 most of the time are quite cool and comfortable. I bought 2 last year and have been quite pleased. For the money it's hard to go wrong and I am comfident they will do their job if needed. . Mine are the mesh jacket and just checked, they are currently $35. Not the same as the ones they have listed now for $19.95 dual fit. My recommendation now is if you can to wait until the holidays as BPS and Cabellas will always have super good specials on these items then.

For me, I'm better off with the inflatable. I'm guilty of not wearing a pfd. When I tourney fish, pfd is required when big motor is on. With regular pfd's I'd take them off as soon as I get to my spot. Bought the Mustangs for this past season. I keep the Mustang on all day and don't even notice it.