I have been fishing out of a kayak on and off since about April.  I have just been using a traditional PFD like you'd use while water skiing.  It works okay in the kayak, but I am looking for one with a high back so that I can sit more comfortably in the kayak.  I would like to find one that is both comfortable and functional.  I'm looking for recommended PFDs in the $100 range.

I use the Stohlquist Fisherman High-Back PFD.  Another good choice is the NRS Chinook PFD.

I like the NRS Chinook. When I upgraded my seat on my Wilderness Systems Ride 115 the high backed PFD I had was not high enough. The Chinook fixed that problem and it has better pockets for the items I keep close at hand (clippers, leatherman, sunglasses, etc.)

Welcome aboard!

Since your handle contains "budget" I'm going
to assume you don't want to spend a ton of $$.
So let me recommend the BPS Ascend (tan) 
fishing PFD. I've got one and it is plenty good.

Believe it's modeled after the Stohlquist.

All that said, I was going to post a link to it for
you, but it isn't on BPS' web site. If you have 
a BPS you can go to, check it out. Solid for 
about $80.

NRS Chinook for me.

Go try them on and sit in a kayak that has a similar seat as yours does.  That is truly the only way to tell what PFD will work for you. 

I am about due for a replacement and i think i am going with a self inflating one myself to lessen the bulk.

13 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

Go try them on and sit in a kayak that has a similar seat as yours does.  That is truly the only way to tell what PFD will work for you. 

I am about due for a replacement and i think i am going with a self inflating one myself to lessen the bulk.

Cabelas had some great deals on pfd's a week and a half ago. Not sure if they are still going on http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/166022-cabelas-has-some-great-deals-on-pfds/

2 hours ago, flyfisher said:

Go try them on and sit in a kayak that has a similar seat as yours does.  That is truly the only way to tell what PFD will work for you. 

I am about due for a replacement and i think i am going with a self inflating one myself to lessen the bulk.

Good advice.  An uncomfortable pfd, that won't be worn is useless, no matter how good, or how expensive it is.

Try them on.  Find one that you can comfortably wear for several hours.  If possible find one with the floatation at your chest, so you will float face up.  In addition, it should have flotation behind your head to keep your face out of the water.

I prefer a bright color, such as yellow, though red and orange will do.  Green, black, blue not so good.  They do not provide the stark contrast of a bright color.

NRS Chinook

On December 20, 2015 at 5:03 AM, Turtle135 said:

I like the NRS Chinook. When I upgraded my seat on my Wilderness Systems Ride 115 the high backed PFD I had was not high enough. The Chinook fixed that problem and it has better pockets for the items I keep close at hand (clippers, leatherman, sunglasses, etc.)

Im a chinook user as well. Two seasons now. Great pfd, great price and ton of storage if needed...

 

I am yet another NRS Chinook owner.  I've used it for one season and happy with the PDF.

I have a Stolquist Fisherman and a couple of AI models I use.  I prefer the AI.

i had the BPS ascend and it did work great, but then found an Onyx auto inflate on sale.  i sold the BPS one the next day i think.  the auto inflate is the only way to go.  i mentioned in another thread that on sunday i made it from the ramp to the gas station in my truck before i realized i hadn't taken my PFD off yet.  

it made a huge difference like from wearing it maybe 25% of the time to wearing it 100% of the time.  i know my wife is happy about it....

if you have a budget of $100 i think you could find a good one on sale that would fit the budget