Actually, depends on where you plan to use them. I'll get flack for this, but I wouldn't use them on moving rivers. On lakes and the salt, they're perfect. You don't need the auto inflate, but are nice to have. Especially if you're on flat water and by chance have an accident and you get thrown unconscious. A bonus at that point. I actually have two from the UK. Excellent, and great floatation (mine make the SOS's look like pool toy PFD's lol).

On rivers, I only use and suggest standard PFD's. It's too easy to get thrown and become knocked out (since chances are if boat gets flipped it's because of rapids usually caused by boulders). Even an auto inflate takes a few seconds to inflate. Which isn't long. But long enough for you to become submerged just long enough to become sucked into a hydraulic and STAY UNDER! When I did swiftwater rescue (used to be certified, think it's well expired by now lol) had people pulled under with high floatation vests on. But for some, having that floatation working the second you hit the water was a lifesaver too.

If you do decide on an inflatable (guess it's better to have an inflatable then none, though I don't like trusting my life to something mechanical especially with vests), go with one of the better ones. Don't go off price, go off quality and how they are rated. Go off the floatation factor. You want as high of "pounds" of floatation as possible. I'd find one at least rated at 25#'s floatation. If not more. My vests are rated at 35#'s of floatation.

But, for my own personal preference.

Salt/lake-Inflatable PFD perfect
River-standard PFD

Chances are most of the rivers most people fish on will be fine with an inflatable. But, those who fish stretches of the Duc, Calawah, etc you are running some good water. If you do get an inflatable, make sure it's an auto. I've been thrown from quite a few boats over the years, and the last thing you'll do is reach down to pull that rip chord. Unless you're ex military and have been water hazard trained. Then you're probably ready to do it without thinking of it.