Stuck between the Onyx Kayak Fishing Vest and the Ascend Paddling vest. Have an Ascend d10t with a modified stadium seat. Want something comfortable with the higher seat back and semi breathable. From what I see, the Ascend is a copy of the Stohlquist Fisherman. I see good reviews on the Onyx as well.
Any own either of these and have any feedback?
Please don’t tell me to buy a Chinook, Astral or Old Town. I fish calm freshwater and am not trying to spend $120-$200 on a vest.
Posted by GlowUpAndThrowUp
13 Comments
I had the Onyx and couldn’t use it. It’s an okay quality PFD, but the back is too low. Got in the way of my Kayak seat and was incredibly annoying.
The NRS Chinook goes on sale all the time for as low as $80 and is vastly superior to either of these PFDs. I got on this spring on EBay for around $90.
Highly suggest you don’t cheap out on your safety gear, especially if you go out for more than an hour. Cheap vests get uncomfortable quickly.
I have the onyx, so far so good. It’s comfy (although I just started wearing a pdf after ten years of owning lake kayaks).
BUT, the nerd in me loves when my gear matches. I’m almost certain either will suit your needs.
Looks like the onyx has more pockets 🤷🏽♂️
I have the Onyx and love it.
I got the ascend about a week ago toom it out once it’s compact and comfortable, does really get in the way of casting or paddling i like It .
Have had the Onyx for 5 years. Lots of pockets and zippers. Recommend!
I have the Onyx and the back goes too low, between my back and the seat.
I have the Onyx but haven’t used much else to compare. I do agree with the other poster that the back hangs too low and gets uncomfortable with a higher, folding style, seat back
Have you looked at the auto inflate ones? Those are super comfy to wear. I can understand not getting one for kayaking on account of the pockets being more of a necessity but I rocked an auto inflate one with my kayak.
NRS Chinook
Neither TBH. I would look for something where the back doesn’t come down so low.
Get whichever one has a higher back. The back on the Onyx looks pretty low from the picture, but it could just be the angle.
I have the ascend one. It’s pretty good, I like the pocket arrangement and it’s held up well. I use this one when a fish and an NRS ninja for kayaking and suping.
Can you not swim?