After many years using my last life jacket which is now sun-faded and with rust stains from pinning number bibs onto it, I finally broke down and purchased a new life jacket, the Kokatat Orbit Tour, which seemed the best minimalist jacket for fitness paddling and racing and is Coast Guard approved.
I’ll do a review once I paddle with it.
Update 7-29-19: So it took me a couple years but here is my review:
https://davethekayaker.com/2019/07/28/kokatat-orbit-tour-personal-flotation-device-review/
Dave The Kayaker | The new home of West Side Boat Shop kayaks 