I agree, I'd love some guidance on choosing a PFD! Being a heavier, short woman I've tried half a dozen PFDs and they ALL ride up so high on me the second I sit in my kayak that it makes paddling difficult.
So yesterday I did exactly this. I went into my local shop and actually spent a solid hour in there trying every PFD on. Had them all lined up on a display boat and kept reorganizing them from best to worst. What my choice came down to was adjustment ease because of mid day changes of clothing layers. Some really expensive ones are very difficult to adjust because of buckle location. They gave me a lowback chair to emulate the kayak seat. In the end it came down to almost identical NRS vests. I tried out the thinback vs the highback foam. And ultimately chose the Chinook. Outside of the inflatable types, it also happened to be the most expensive one in my row of options. When I went in to it however I vowed to leave cost out of it. Although I spent close to $200 on a PFD, I'm very happy with it. It's very comfortable and has angling in mind. This video was a huge help in going in with some advance education, points to consider, and I think it helped me make a good informed decision. Thanks man
I just went all in on kayaking a few weeks ago thanks to your videos! I went with a high back onyx to fit my camping style seat, but now I wish I’d just done thin back. I’m 6’5” so everything hits me weird
I have a nice NRS PFD vest that I’ve been using for paddle boarding but I find it lifts up in the shoulders in my kayak. I’ll have to check out this vest and other Astrals. I love my Astral Loki water shoes.
It's a life saving device, and your worried about your phone. Stop with the phone. Let us see a video of you wearing all these in the water, when it matters.
Now with the knife, I carry on land, sea, air daily and it's not a knife. Again it's a floatation device, but hey you look good in the store wearing it. Let's try it, in the water, by all means talk about your phone if it makes you feel better while your in the water.
@@Cornfed41 get a life. I've been wearing PFD's and doing open water rescues for 30+ years. I've taught hundreds if not thousands in my life to do rescues and reetries, and yes I also bring my phone to take photos and film for my UA-cam channel.
Great video, how do you find the Seba in hotter weather? Does it breathe or do you find it warm. Also, would it be suitable for Hobie kayaks with the vantage seat?
I always add plastic buckles with sewed nylon webbing. As no vest has everything customers choose to wear or detach as needed. Why buy a holster when a rescue 12 gauge flare pistol can be buckled? Nylon mesh bags can secure about a dozen cartridges that an open pocket commonly spill out when your hull rolls over Buckled,. to be safe. If anybody has a clue then don't lose it. .
I really like the Ringo but you didn't mention anything about buoyancy. What is the maximum weight a person can be for this to keep them on the surface? Thanks!
Hey danke für das video. Ich bin auf der suche nach einer pfd. ich hab mir ein oru kayak haven tt gekauft und such nun noch eine pfd. bin auch bei astral V gelandet... meine frage an dich. Was würdest du empfehlen für eine frau mit etwas zu vielen kurven (brust und bauch)? Ich bin auch keine gute schwimmerin. Ich bin eher auf seen und ruhigen flüssen unterwegs. Vielen lieben dank 🙏🏻! Liebe grüsse aus der schweiz monika
Needing to buy 4 kayak vests, is that really a $400 purchase, any recommendations for a lesser cost vest? Amazon junk like the Onyx would work, just wondering.
Bit late to your comment. But based on my experience with their MoveVent Dynamic PFD, I'd say they're far from junk. Had it for almost 2 years now (don't remember which store it came from), and its been comfortable and reliable for me. There's definitely better out there, but for the money I'm quite happy with it. I know they offer products from bargain bin price range up to $300+ , so it really comes down to which model(s) you're looking at and what features and level of fit/comfort you expect for your money. If it's a couple times a year something like the one I bought or a little cheaper will be fine and offer decent comfort, giving you years of service. If you're going to be hitting the water on a regular basis then you'll probably want something with better features and more durable materials (if you want many years of service). Also the fit/comfort should be of utmost concern as the more comfortable it is the more likely you're actually going to use it, and a PFD that isn't comfortable to wear is a PFD that doesn't get put on, and those do you absolutely no good. Keep in mind what fits one person like a glove may be uncomfortable and ride up on another, best to try a variety on beforehand if it's an option.
Sweet! Getting into sailing myself these past few years. Mostly dinghy sailing as well as a Hobie Revolution 13 with sail kit. Do you have any videos of you out sailing to reference? Im pretty sure I’ve seen just about every video you’ve put out but maybe I’ve mist it if you have. Wish I was into sailing back in my lodi days.
It's all well and good in the store, talk about the ride up, the PFD coming up and away and now you have nothing, buy hey it looks great while you're in the store, the kayak, until you hit the water. The PFD is in your face, your trying to pulll it down while trying to secure your boat and paddle. All the while your adrenaline is pumping.
@@HeadwatersKayak Thank you. I'll try better to not be a tool. Thank you for responding. I went to Manhattan Kansas to buy a boat. I left with an amazing life jacket. I have been watching your video's to see what boat I should get. Like most most I put the cart before the horse. Purchased Bending Branches Angler Pro plus for $275. Looking to purchase a Wilderness Systems 125 Pungo. Finding this in Wichita Kansas , well it's not available. I would rather purchase from a small business, over REI, or Scheels . Again thank you for your response. I always strive to do better.
Very informative video. After using the Astral Ringo pfd would you highly recommend it? I use an inflatable pfd but would like to switch to a normal vest but find they restrict the paddling of my canoe. I live hundreds of miles from a Astral dealer so would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks!
I like the side entry low profile women's cut. I no longer use the river knife accessory. Because their never in a good spot. And the knife is either in the way, or hard to reach. Nice front pocket that is securable is a plus. With a small high front pouch for my whistle. Good padding or armor on the shoulder straps are Uber nice for difficult portage's.
Most phones are pretty water resistant now, that is why they are glued up(can't get to the battery anymore) if you are concerned you can get plenty of dry boxes, or bags to put it in.
By not flipping over. 😂 I have an iPhone and it sometimes gets a little wet, but I’m not usually doing whitewater of the type of paddling that would cause me to get wet to my chest.
Just to be clear I closed my shop in lodi and the shop is Redding was sold to our friend Bryan. We still work closely and a some of my old staff works there now.
@@HeadwatersKayak SETH ROCKS! First saw him with the Scupper 12 & 14 vids, and I was like, "Where's Dan? Who's this guy?" But I watched and he did fantastic reviews! you guys are killing it.
Why do all life jackets seem to allow for generous movement, however, at the expense of safety? Every model I found would be up around my head if I fell in. Keep in mind not everyone has a chiseled physique, but the straps are stitched and cinched so low that to catch under the arms the foam ends up beside your ears. I have somewhat of a belly and it even works it’s way up while paddling. Seems like someone would have a design that has arm holes or something to keep the vest in place lower on the torso. My wife refuses to wear hers and uses it for a backrest because of this.
I think Stohlquist honestly has the best cinch system to keep the PFD from riding up. A strap that goes from your chest to your lower lower back. Check out the Ebb.
just a thought, check life jacket to your size... Will the PFD make you float "face up" if you are unconsious? try this, dive off a dock wearing your PFD and see how you surface. That's qhy those "cheap orange things" are shaped like they are... 😊🤔
Paddling PFD’s are not designed to float you face up. They distribute thee buoyancy evenly to make it more comfortable for paddling. So worst case if you got knocked out you’d have a 50% chance of being face up.
I like the having a pfd with a pocket for carrying a pistol when I kayak
I am looking at getting into the sport, you have been super helpful!
Thanks Dan, I had no idea what to look for.
Sadly, many choose their PFDs based upon how well it fits under their deck lines or how good of a seat it makes as they don't wear them.
Another very educational video, and enjoyable to watch.
Thank you so much, helps me narrow down my selection!!
Have a woman try women's pfd on as a video. There are NONE .
I am interested.
Great feedback. I will get on this
I agree, I'd love some guidance on choosing a PFD! Being a heavier, short woman I've tried half a dozen PFDs and they ALL ride up so high on me the second I sit in my kayak that it makes paddling difficult.
Please help us girls pick a jacket .
Hagenes Place
So yesterday I did exactly this. I went into my local shop and actually spent a solid hour in there trying every PFD on. Had them all lined up on a display boat and kept reorganizing them from best to worst. What my choice came down to was adjustment ease because of mid day changes of clothing layers. Some really expensive ones are very difficult to adjust because of buckle location. They gave me a lowback chair to emulate the kayak seat. In the end it came down to almost identical NRS vests. I tried out the thinback vs the highback foam. And ultimately chose the Chinook. Outside of the inflatable types, it also happened to be the most expensive one in my row of options. When I went in to it however I vowed to leave cost out of it. Although I spent close to $200 on a PFD, I'm very happy with it. It's very comfortable and has angling in mind. This video was a huge help in going in with some advance education, points to consider, and I think it helped me make a good informed decision. Thanks man
solid hour lining stuff up? Tell me EVERYONE in world hates you without telling me.
I just went all in on kayaking a few weeks ago thanks to your videos! I went with a high back onyx to fit my camping style seat, but now I wish I’d just done thin back. I’m 6’5” so everything hits me weird
Yea when your tall PFD’s can be awkward. I really like thin backs. Try the Ronnie.
Also over 6'4" and I feel you brother.
The Ceiba has kapok in the front panel in a waterproof pouch. The military used it decades ago, nice and soft.
blsck is the worst it literally attracts heat
I'm surprised Astral isn't more popular with kayak fisherman. I really like my V Eight Fisher and might have to get a Ronnie fisher too
The Ronnie Fisher is super nice. I've been using it now for a few videos and I'm really impressed.
I have a nice NRS PFD vest that I’ve been using for paddle boarding but I find it lifts up in the shoulders in my kayak. I’ll have to check out this vest and other Astrals. I love my Astral Loki water shoes.
It's a life saving device, and your worried about your phone. Stop with the phone. Let us see a video of you wearing all these in the water, when it matters.
Now with the knife, I carry on land, sea, air daily and it's not a knife. Again it's a floatation device, but hey you look good in the store wearing it. Let's try it, in the water, by all means talk about your phone if it makes you feel better while your in the water.
@@Cornfed41 get a life. I've been wearing PFD's and doing open water rescues for 30+ years. I've taught hundreds if not thousands in my life to do rescues and reetries, and yes I also bring my phone to take photos and film for my UA-cam channel.
Great video, how do you find the Seba in hotter weather? Does it breathe or do you find it warm. Also, would it be suitable for Hobie kayaks with the vantage seat?
You can tell you been out enjoying yourself on the kayaks. Loosing some weight.
Thanks Man! It’s been a great move coming to Redding and stepping away from the retail shop.
Can find one that doesn't interfere with my bonafide ss107 high back seat
I always add plastic buckles with sewed nylon webbing.
As no vest has everything customers choose to wear
or detach as needed. Why buy a holster when a rescue
12 gauge flare pistol can be buckled? Nylon mesh bags
can secure about a dozen cartridges that an open pocket
commonly spill out when your hull rolls over Buckled,.
to be safe. If anybody has a clue then don't lose it. .
I really like the Ringo but you didn't mention anything about buoyancy. What is the maximum weight a person can be for this to keep them on the surface? Thanks!
Hey danke für das video. Ich bin auf der suche nach einer pfd. ich hab mir ein oru kayak haven tt gekauft und such nun noch eine pfd. bin auch bei astral V gelandet... meine frage an dich. Was würdest du empfehlen für eine frau mit etwas zu vielen kurven (brust und bauch)? Ich bin auch keine gute schwimmerin. Ich bin eher auf seen und ruhigen flüssen unterwegs. Vielen lieben dank 🙏🏻! Liebe grüsse aus der schweiz monika
Needing to buy 4 kayak vests, is that really a $400 purchase, any recommendations for a lesser cost vest?
Amazon junk like the Onyx would work, just wondering.
Bit late to your comment. But based on my experience with their MoveVent Dynamic PFD, I'd say they're far from junk. Had it for almost 2 years now (don't remember which store it came from), and its been comfortable and reliable for me. There's definitely better out there, but for the money I'm quite happy with it. I know they offer products from bargain bin price range up to $300+ , so it really comes down to which model(s) you're looking at and what features and level of fit/comfort you expect for your money. If it's a couple times a year something like the one I bought or a little cheaper will be fine and offer decent comfort, giving you years of service. If you're going to be hitting the water on a regular basis then you'll probably want something with better features and more durable materials (if you want many years of service). Also the fit/comfort should be of utmost concern as the more comfortable it is the more likely you're actually going to use it, and a PFD that isn't comfortable to wear is a PFD that doesn't get put on, and those do you absolutely no good. Keep in mind what fits one person like a glove may be uncomfortable and ride up on another, best to try a variety on beforehand if it's an option.
Sweet! Getting into sailing myself these past few years. Mostly dinghy sailing as well as a Hobie Revolution 13 with sail kit. Do you have any videos of you out sailing to reference? Im pretty sure I’ve seen just about every video you’ve put out but maybe I’ve mist it if you have. Wish I was into sailing back in my lodi days.
No UA-cam videos about sailing, but if your on IG check out my personal page @dan_arbuckle and @sv_sami1280 which is my boat
Guess I'll be stopping by a newfound kayak store on my next trip through Bend.
That place is a paddlers Paradise. Tell ‘em Dan sent you!
It's all well and good in the store, talk about the ride up, the PFD coming up and away and now you have nothing, buy hey it looks great while you're in the store, the kayak, until you hit the water. The PFD is in your face, your trying to pulll it down while trying to secure your boat and paddle. All the while your adrenaline is pumping.
Buy a good life jacket that doesn’t ride up. And don’t be a tool. 😉
@@HeadwatersKayak Thank you. I'll try better to not be a tool. Thank you for responding. I went to Manhattan Kansas to buy a boat. I left with an amazing life jacket. I have been watching your video's to see what boat I should get. Like most most I put the cart before the horse. Purchased Bending Branches Angler Pro plus for $275. Looking to purchase a Wilderness Systems 125 Pungo. Finding this in Wichita Kansas , well it's not available. I would rather purchase from a small business, over REI, or Scheels . Again thank you for your response. I always strive to do better.
Dan you must be paddling a LOT, you look like you’re slimming down
Second person to say that. I really haven’t lost a whole lot of weight, but I’ve been paddling hard, so maybe it’s migrating into muscle. 🤷♀️
Very informative video.
After using the Astral Ringo pfd would you highly recommend it?
I use an inflatable pfd but would like to switch to a normal vest but find they restrict the paddling of my canoe.
I live hundreds of miles from a Astral dealer so would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks!
I actually switched out for the E Ronnie and I’ve loved it.
@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks, do you believe the E ronnie is just as comfortable even though it is a front zip?
I like the side entry low profile women's cut. I no longer use the river knife accessory. Because their never in a good spot. And the knife is either in the way, or hard to reach. Nice front pocket that is securable is a plus. With a small high front pouch for my whistle. Good padding or armor on the shoulder straps are Uber nice for difficult portage's.
Yes I plan on getting a Green Jacket for WW use. Hows Clear Creek flowing? I think I'm ready to head back out there.
@@HeadwatersKayak
Nothing moving right now. Except summer flows on the Trinity. Anything else you have to head way.... north.
R&R flows through Jelly's Ferry to Bend bridge.
I always love your videos but do you recommend putting your phone in your life jacket because I'm always concerned about being waterproof?
My iPhone is waterproof ish. But don’t take my advice. I average one phone per year in the lake.
Maybe you could put your phone in a plastic bag and keep it in you’re life jacket?
Most phones are pretty water resistant now, that is why they are glued up(can't get to the battery anymore) if you are concerned you can get plenty of dry boxes, or bags to put it in.
How would your phone stay dry?
By not flipping over. 😂 I have an iPhone and it sometimes gets a little wet, but I’m not usually doing whitewater of the type of paddling that would cause me to get wet to my chest.
no inflatable life jackets?
Not for me. People use them, but not useful for the type of paddling I do.
Thanks, that was very helpful.
This Bama fan agrees. Man, maybe world peace IS possible.
@@timshelton7905 Maybe so, War Eagle! 😆 (At least you're not an Ohio state fan)
Very helpful, as always!
Thanks Vernon! Appriciate you always checking in.
You ever gonna have a shop in the bay area?
I can’t imagine that ever happening.
@@HeadwatersKayak lol Guess I have to move up North.
Just to be clear I closed my shop in lodi and the shop is Redding was sold to our friend Bryan. We still work closely and a some of my old staff works there now.
LOVE the new intro!!!
Thanks! Me too. That was Seths handy work. Adding him to the team has been a huge step up in quality.
@@HeadwatersKayak SETH ROCKS! First saw him with the Scupper 12 & 14 vids, and I was like, "Where's Dan? Who's this guy?"
But I watched and he did fantastic reviews! you guys are killing it.
You're so lucky! I don't know of any store within 200 miles of me that has that much selection on hand!
It’s a very cool store
Why do all life jackets seem to allow for generous movement, however, at the expense of safety? Every model I found would be up around my head if I fell in. Keep in mind not everyone has a chiseled physique, but the straps are stitched and cinched so low that to catch under the arms the foam ends up beside your ears. I have somewhat of a belly and it even works it’s way up while paddling. Seems like someone would have a design that has arm holes or something to keep the vest in place lower on the torso. My wife refuses to wear hers and uses it for a backrest because of this.
I think Stohlquist honestly has the best cinch system to keep the PFD from riding up. A strap that goes from your chest to your lower lower back. Check out the Ebb.
Great vid bro! Just started paddling and this is great info! Think Ringos the one for me too.
What’s the best jacket for a hurricane? Just in case .
just a thought, check life jacket to your size... Will the PFD make you float "face up" if you are unconsious? try this, dive off a dock wearing your PFD and see how you surface. That's qhy those "cheap orange things" are shaped like they are... 😊🤔
Paddling PFD’s are not designed to float you face up. They distribute thee buoyancy evenly to make it more comfortable for paddling. So worst case if you got knocked out you’d have a 50% chance of being face up.