IMHO there is always a chance that your kayak may capsize. Much less chance for a very experienced kayak-er. However most out there on the lake are not in the very experienced category.
Without a lot of experience, a capsize can be a bit unsettling. If a touring style kayak with a smaller cockpit, the wet-exit maneuver is a hands behind hips and push out. Easy enough after a few practice runs in shallow water with a buddy standing next to you. The thing is out in deep water a capsize may be totally unexpected. I would not want my inflatable PFD to auto inflate while I am in the process of executing a wet-exit from the boat.
So I'll stick with manual inflatable PFDs. Also not keen on the belt type for kayaking. A capsize probably means unexpected rough water and maybe cold at that. The extra steps to get the belt type in place on your body may cost you a lot.
And wear the damn PFD. If it is attached to the boat somewhere and a sudden wind dumps you in the lake, that PFD attached to the boat will be last seen blowing away from you. The answer my friend is..................
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