PFD's

[Karla]

I am looking to buy a new PFD for whitewater paddling boat. What recommendations for more comfortable, better fitting one that is not as bulky from everyone.

Thanks
Karla

[-HotLilNacho-]

hey karla, i'm brand new to this sport and just buying gear. i just bought a stohlquist wedge, and although i haven't had it in the water yet, i'm amazed at how comfortable it is and how well it fits. great low profile flotation, full arm/shoulder range of motion, and of course, several adjustable webbings. i will probably have it at the ualr pool this coming wednesday night if you'd like to look at it/try it. also, they have them at lewis & clark in little rock if u want to try there. (i ordered from the company to get the color i wanted...yep, im a chick!)

happy shopping,
Marianne

[james fleming]

Hey Karla, there are many PFD on the market and each one will have its distinctive feature. There are pockets, straps, quick release straps, zips, reflective piping and other gadgets to lure the customer.
One thing that some folks might miss is the actual floatation it provides. Does the PFD offer you enough flotation for the water and environment you are paddling in and the cleanness of the PFD. By cleanness I mean that there are minimal buckles, webbing, straps that could catch or snare in things if you take a swim in white water. The cleaner you’re PFD the safer any potential swim could be.

Try many, if you can and do exactly what you’re doing asking questions and listening to others, but, in my opinion, don’t skimp on a few bucks on a PDF, for what ever reason. It could save your life.

For what it is worth I have had a Palm PFD and have recently renewed it to another Palm. I took a bad swim a few years ago, and as far as I am concerned a factor of me walking away was the PDF. It literally saved my life.

Palm worked for me…(oh, am not sponsored or like, just a dude that likes to be on the water, no interest in Palm)

Good luck.

[RandyJ]

Yep, lots of good choices out there. I have an Astral and love it. Will eventually move over to a rescue vest (looking forward to Kokatat's release of the Ronin Pro), but this one has lots of freedom of movement, and fits well without being restrictive. I carry a throw rope in the front pocket, and added the hydration bladder in the back, which is awesome. I definitely stay more hydrated on the river, and don't have to mess wiith popping the skirt to take a few sips of water. Especially good for that cotton-mouth that seems to crop up at the top of a juicy drop!

Good luck.

[RomanLA]

I would look for something that is comfortable and has lots of storage. Make sure you get a bright color too. I went with a sleek, black pfd (Stohlquist Brik) and definitely have some buyer's remorse.

[Randy Dodson]

I'm sold on Astral. Just go to OOO and try em all on.

[Karla]

I already bought the Stohlqist Betsea for women. It is good, better than my astral I had that was too bulky and rode up all the time. Thanks for all your info.

Karla