Thanks folks for the input, but is it really necessary to talk down to someone who asks a simple question and is seeking some advice? Yes, my life - or anyone elses - is worth whatever it takes to protect it. That was not my point, and I imagine you know it. What is sometimes not necessary is paying a premium price for something when a generic product - which sometimes is the same thing with a different name at a cheaper price - will do just as well. If buying one that's advertised to be "for fly fishing" at a higher price doesn't give me any advantages over a "regular" PFD I see no reason to pay the difference.