Inflatable vests are heavy and get uncomfortable quickly. They also require you to be conscious when you hit the water to inflate them - unless you get the automatic models and they will inflate if you get hit with a big wave, making them useless on catamarans or any open boat. I wear a Stohlquist brand life vest and love it, but as someone else in this thread pointed out, it's an individual choice. Pick a good-quality vest (don't cheap out - it may have to save your life) that fits well and allows a full range of motion and you'll be happy.