Flotation Devices - Eight Best Buys
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By Laurence Cawley in General Published: Saturday, 29 November 08 - 08:22 AM (GMT) Last Updated: Saturday, 29 November 08 - 07:38 PM (GMT) |
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Following a few simple steps should help ensure we get a PFD that is right for us.
Your PFD should:
- Be comfortable and allows free movement
- Suitable for your weight/size (check the label)
- Be adjustable for a snug fit that doesn't ride when you breathe or move from standing up to sitting down and back again
- Is visible in the water
- Does not slip if you jump into a swimming pool (yes I've tried this. Br prepared for awkward glances from swimmers)
- Is suitable for the type of kayaking you will be doing
As an aside, I'd urge those looking for a new PFD to try their potential purchase on in store and accept the advice of a good retailer. Further, I'd urge you to buy that PFD from the store in which you tried it on rather than taking the details away with you and then buying it cheaper online. Why? Because if everybody did that, kayak stores that offer advice and allow fittings etc would soon go out of business and we'd all be the poorer for it. A few extra pounds is worth keeping the personal service of a good kayak retailer in business.
Below are some of the great PFD offerings out there. There are others, but these are my favourites.
Nookie Delta Ranger: £69.99
This 50N PFD designed is front-opening (my preference) and is green, which, although
not necessarily the best colour for the open seas, is great for those paddling down rivers who want to avoid disturbing the local wildlife too much. It packs a hell of a lot of features for the price and is as rugged as they come. The pocket arrangements are the real clincher with the Ranger, with two large bellow pockets and a large back bellow pocket for a hydration pack - a great thing on long journeys.Features:
- Two bellow front pockets & ID/permit pocket
- Large back pocket (takes hydration pouch)
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- 40mm waist cinch for security
- Lashtab, D-rings & key points
- Retro-reflective piping
Extrasport Pro Creeker: $190
The over-the-head Pro Creeker is a beautifully made (cordura) PFD which has comfort and freedom of movement at its centre. Perfect for the whitewater, its features make it an ideal rescuer's PFD.Features:
- Swiftwater® rescuer system
- RetroGlide™ shoulder adjustment
- GlideFit™ foam cartilage
- Chest pocket
- Karabiner attachment point
Nookie River Monster
A quality whitewater PFD, the Monster is incredibly tough. The ultra high strength shoulder webbing really can be used to lug somebody out of the water if need-be and the pouch at the front can take a fair few items. As with most over-the-heads, it can be a tricky business pulling it over a dry-suit but when it's on, it's on.Features
- High Flotation
- Ergonomic body wrap platform
- High strength shoulder webbing network with full harness
- Multi pouch neoprene pocket
- CE EN393 Certification*
- Removable & Reversible chest rescue belt
- Retro-reflective Hi-Vis panels
- Quick release buckles for 'once-only' adjustment
Palm Taupo: c£95
With its high cut-away back, this front-zipped touring PFD offers unrestrictive comfort.
At the front, the pockets are ergonomically set up to allow easy access and the fleece-lines warming pouches are a nice touch. It is also hydration-pack compatible which is essential in a top quality touring PFD. Because of the back arrangement, this PFD really is in a class of its own in boats with a high back. It's one of the better-looking PFDs on the market too!Features:
* 420D Ripstop
* Front zip entry
* Double front pockets with attachment loop
* Fleece-lined hand warming pouches built in to front panel
* Fully Adjustable
* 3D Cut Flex Formed Foam
Palm Rivertec Whitewater: £119
A front-zipping whitewater PFD - oh yes. The RT Whitewater combines full-float security with excellent movement. It also boasts a comprehensive set of features and is mind-bogglingly comfortable for a PFD.Features:
- YKK front zip entry
- Large front cargo pocket incorporating water resistant document pocket
- 3D anti ride-up waistbelt
- Easy Glide strap adjustment throughout
- Box system shoulder straps load tested to 500kg
- Removable chest harness with quick release cam buckle and load spreader
- Welded O-ring with Velcro retainer
- Cowtail park with quick release buckle
- Reflective detail on shoulders, front and rear panels
- Front and rear lash tabs
Extrasport Riptide: $150
Deep chest pockets, fleece-lined pockets and neoprene sides - somebody really sat down and thought about how to design the perfect PFD when they came up with the Riptide. Its got a neoprene tunnel inside which prevents "rising" in use and is as tough as old boots as a result of its cordura build. Features:
- RetroGlide™ for custom fit
- 3M™ Scotchlite Reflective shoulders/piping
- Neoprene sides/waist belt
- Fleece-lined hand warmer pockets
- Hypalon zipper garage
- Laser cut, mesh covered logo drain holes on the pocket
- Gaia® non-PVC foam
Palm Axis Extrem 2: £99.95
Our second PFD from the PFD powerhouse Palm, the Axis Extrem has fast become a popular choice among serious whitewater enthusiasts. It's comfortable, over-the-head design is loaded with features, it's made to last forever and is one of the best looking PFDs out there.Features:
- Palm 3D anti ride-up’ waist system
- Easy Glide™ strap adjustment throughout
- Bar tacked full-length shoulder straps
- Removable chest harness with quick release cam buckle and load spreader
- Welded ‘O’ ring with Velcro® security tab
- Cow tail park with quick release buckle
Palm Fusion: £80
A great PFD at a great price. The lower cut means good range of movement and the gripping waist-band prevents ride-up. It's got stretching mesh sides which complete the overall sense of freedom with the Fusion and its all capped off in a tough Cordura shell. Great playboater's PFD.Features:
- Palm 3D ‘anti ride-up’ waist system
- Easy Glide™ strap adjustment throughout
- Internally reinforced shoulder straps
- Stretch mesh side panels with neoprene adjustment
- Reflective detail on shoulders, front and rear panels
- ‘One hand’ opening front pocket with inner compartment and stretch mesh drainage
- D Ring and removable key clip points in pocket
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