PFDs
It's all a mater of personal preference. I just bought a new neoprean PFD from Wally Mart that I find very comfy, and it has zippered pockets that I really like. Some of the more sucsessfull racers in my club swear by the inflatable life vests saying that they are very light and out of the way while racing. I would sugest that you shop around and see what you like the best.