Recommended PFD?

[flatlander44]

I'm looking to get a more comfortable PFD and hope to get some suggestions for make and model. Will be for open boating on Class I and II rivers and some flatwater as well. Still learning, so not uncommon for me to take a swim.

Primary user will be a 5'8" male, 200lbs, (wears a 44 Short suit coat). Mostly will paddle during the warm to hot months, so something that doesn't retain a lot of heat would be preferred. I don't fish so don't need a lot of pockets.

In the event it makes a difference, I paddle a Bell Yellowstone Solo and Wenonah Solo Plus. I switch back and forth from kneeling to sitting.

[sig]

I'm similar sized to you and my Stohlquist Descent (L/XL size) pfd is very comfortable. It fits much much better than others I've owned or borrowed.

I have the rescue vest version but I believe they make a non-rescue version for fewer dollars.

I wear this vest in my whitewater and flat water canoes (and in my kayak when I still owned one).

[Ouachitoff]

I believe Sig is referring to the Stohlquist Rocker. I am 5'11 175 and had the S/M Rocker but found it was too short for my torso. It was a rock-solid PFD though, the shoulder straps were just a bit too short for my long torso. I particularly liked the flotation (16.8 lbs).

[Hcarr999]

The NRS ninja seems to bee a pretty good all around pfd I have wore it kneeling in my caption and sitting in my playboat doesn't ride up to bad and reasonably priced.http://www.nrs.com/product/21481/nrs-ninja-pfd" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tomOzarkVideo]

Get an NRS vapor… That way, when you become completely obsessed with boating and have to trade up to a rescue model, you won't have a really expensive spare lying around. :myday"

[sig]

Descent
http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/ ... scent.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rocker
http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/ ... ocker.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Canoe_Codger]

I am 6', 195# and paddle a Bell Morningstar. I got the Astral Ronny last year for around $100. It is high visibility, fairly adjustable, has a vented back and open sides, single mesh pocket and gives me good floatation (16# bouyancy). Particularly in hot weather on Class I-II, if a PFD is hot and uncomfortable you will be less likely to wear it consistantly. And a PFD doesn't do you much good if used as a seat cushion.



If/when I get a paddling partner I may upgrade a bit, but this PFD beats the box store flat panel vests by a river mile.

Michael

ETA: In my avatar, the Buffalo River in Tennessee, the water in that section was 4 - 14" deep. I do wear my PFD. Even if Jake and I are the only ones on the river doing so.

[flatlander44]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Gives me something to look for at the Rec Canoe School.