PFD - Where to start

[WestCoastRix]

Hello all,

I did look though the past 2 years of posts and looked at every PFD post. There is good information there. Some of the info seems dated and wanted to get more recent comments on this.

I'm a newbie and need a PFD so that I can start crewing locally to get my feet wet. The goal would be to get something light, comfortable, safe, reliable and from a reputable company (not in that order). I'm leaning towards an HIT version with harness attachment. I would prefer having face/head shield, strobe and space to include an EPIRB.

I've been looking at Mustang, Onyx, and West Marine.

Are there any other manufacturers that I should be looking at (I'm in the U.S.)? Or specific models that you have had good luck with?

Please - not trying to start a flame war. Just want to have a solid place to look. Most of the reviews I've found online seem somewhat tainted from an advertising stand point. Also - can't tell if any of the Amazon review are coming from experienced sailors.

Thank you in Advance. Cheers!