Rescue PFD... bang for the Buck?

[Clif]

Anybody been shopping? Who has the better rep, features or whatever for price differences?

HERE is one. Notice the tow strap is extra. Is that normal?

[okieboater]

Hey Clif,

I have used one of those for several years and just retired it. My main issue was getting the darn thing on as I generally got the parts all tangled up and getting the zipper to work was a hassle.

I generally use my PFD's for 2 or 3 years and replace them. I just got a Astral Aqua vest 300. The over the head slip on is nice, but I have not yet (knock on wood) taken a swim in it, so not sure how that will work. I am a bit concerned that it might slip, but who knows. It is pretty comfortable to wear. I almost got the stolquest version and have heard good things about that unit.

If you want my old one, maybe we can hook up some time and you can have it. You would have to see if it floats you ok, might be a few more years left in it.

Most of the rescue vests I have purchased the tow strap is extra.

Most all the new rescue vests are good. Jim Simmons did a review of rescue vests and I'll try to find that URL unless some one else has it handy. There was a MTI unit he tested that I liked the looks of but I could not find one in stock and not sure they ever got them made and shipped.

If you are not familiar with the use of a rescue vest, I highly recommend you take a clinic. You want to be real sure you are able to get rid of the rope tether if you decide to do a live bait rescue and with all that rescue stuff hanging off the back and side, entanglement is a thing I worry about.

Hope this helps.

[Owl]

Here's the link to Jim's study:

http://www.whitewater-rescue.com/suppor ... dstudy.pdf

Also, more good information and links on the main page:

http://www.whitewater-rescue.com/main.asp

[Clif]

If you want my old one, maybe we can hook up some time and you can have it. You would have to see if it floats you ok, might be a few more years left in it..

Cool, Okiewan! I'll take ya up on that deal. Looks like the Jan Buffy trip won't happen for me either tho, so won't be then. Would give me a chance to try it and learn what would be important for me. Had a bit of using one in a SWR class but would seek more.

And that is perfect OWL. THanks. It'll take me a while to read that.

[okieboater]

Clif, not a problem.

Right now, I am planning on the next Jan 18 Buffalo camping, floating, Dutch Oven, cajun cookin and tall story telling trip.

I will throw the PFD in the truck along with bob stout's rocket box and give the PFD to either Bob or Richard as I think either of them is closer to you than I am and maybe we can get the PFD to you. Be sure to try it out and see if it floats you ok before you get out in white water.

[Richard]

Here is a new/used one

http://www.boatertalk.com/gear-detail.php?gid=36035

[Randy Dodson]

Clif, I have a Pro Creeker and it has one problem that drives me nuts.
There are 3 straps, the waist strap at the bottom, a middle strap above that with standard plastic cinches, and then the retroglide above that which has metal cinches and they are constantly loosening up. It feels cool when you pull them cause it tightens up everything including up over shoulders (although that also brings vest up on your torso) but it never lasts 5 minutes without loosening up again.

The lower waist strap and middle strap with their plastic buckles seem to stay tight OK but the retroglide just will not stay tight no matter what.

Based on my Pro Creeker and my previous Extrasport rescue vest which had the chest pocket ripping out during it's first year, I won't buy any more Extrsport PFD's. I'd never turn down a free one though.

That's just my 2 cents worth and I'm sure there are others who have had nothing but good luck with them. So take it for what it's worth.

[okieboater]

I'll blame it on poor eye sight, not paying attention to the photo or not reading the text on the photo - but turns out the rescue PFD that I have for Clif is actually a Lotus Designs unit. This design kind of goes over your head and the front lower part wraps around to your right side where you have a short zipper to get attached. there are cinch straps as well.

Heck, it looked the same to me!

Anyway, the pfd is in my camper shell and next time I see Bobby Stout, I'll give it to him and maybe he and Clif can hook up over a cuppa coffee somewhere around the area they both live in.

Clif, let us know how your PFD test works out. I'm always interested in opinions on PFD's since I am a collector etc. Like Randy, I have purchased a lot of PFD's not found the perfect one yet, but what the hay, have not found the perfect kayak yet either!!!

PS: I noticed the mesh pocket on this Lotus unit has a rip on one side as well - must be a Extrasport copy cat. I thought Lotus was made in NC by locals, but like most every thing else (Extrasport included) they may be made in China for all I know.

One thing I would like to find is a regular kayak Rescue Vest with the 22 lbs floatation that works for me. I have one of the big Extrasport 27 lb rescue vests that I wear rafting. It's a bit too much floatation for me at least in my kayaks.

[Richard]

Ahhhhhh . . . one of the joys of class one river camping. Any comfortably fitting PFD will work.

[Crane]

Dave, I used an MTI "Big Bouy" on the Canyon trip & it's pretty high-riding and might work... Holler when you're going to be near where I'm going to be & I'll throw it in the truck so you can try it out... but, it's 27 lb.s...

[okieboater]

I would like to see that PFD. That is one model I want to check out.

Hopefully, something like Nogo, Piney etc will get going soon and we can all do some fun floating .

[Clif]

Yeah..Good info. Thanks Randy. This is the kinda stuff I was looking for. Googled up a couple of review sights. The ad pages ya kinda read with one eyebrow up...

[Zach]

I've got that vest. It works well except for 2 things.

1. I'm short so it doesn't really cinch up tight enough if I'm not wearing much gear. So in the summer it fits a little loose. Not a problem in the winter or if you are either taller or bigger (I'm 5'8" with about 40" chest and about 165lbs). Since the shoulder strap tightens around the side, being thicker should solve the problem just as well as being taller (which is why if fits better with extra layers).

2. It only has one pocket. Some of the rescue vests I've seen have a several pockets so you can keep knife, food, keys, crap, etc. separated. If I try to stick knife, keys, and cliff bar in the pocket it gets a little tough to get the knife out. Though this is less of a problem if I stick the cliff bar and keys in my drytop pocket (which I usually don't).

So if you are bigger than me and keep your knife on a clip on your PFD then you shouldn't have a problem.