I have owned my Stohlquist “Ebb” PFD for quite some time and whether used as my primary jacket or as a loaner for friends it has always performed well. It is a simple vest with only 2 flat pockets on the front that makes it a nice choice for fly fishers. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable and the open sides help to keep a paddler cool in the summer heat. The mesh lower back is breathable and the high back floatation works well with todays framed seats. With no extra buckles and the flat pockets on the front, the Ebb is a good jacket for deep water reentry. I think for the price that this jacket is a great value for the kayak angler and was well pleased with the purchase.
The true test of any PFD is in the water and I have done plenty of deep water reentry practice with this vest. There is plenty of floatation to pull up a large paddler and keep them there. There was a tendency for the vest to ride up a bit while I was floating but I have never had a vest that would not do that, and most of the blame would fall to my shape. If you are in the market for an economical PFD that is comfortable and functional this is one vest that will fill those needs.

(from the Stohlquist site)
• Open sides for ventilation.
• Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up.
• Neoprene padded back lower waistband.
• Mesh shoulders & back for maximum ventilation.
• 1 1/2" webbing belt, dual forward pulls for a trim and low profile fit.
• Beverage/bellows pockets with drainage.
• High back rides above back rest.
• Adjustable 1 1/2" webbing shoulder and side pulls.
• Entry grip tab at zipper base
• #10 YKK zipper with non-corroding slider.
• Lightweight PE Foam
• 420 denier nylon ripstop shell and 210 denier inner liner.
• Type III PFD with Sea Level Buoyancy: 16 lbs. 2 oz.