Gear Locker: PFD Review
April-May 2004
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
by Alex Matthews
Personal floatation devices or PFDs are an integral piece of safety gear for the sport of kayaking. Unfortunately, official approval standards are different in Canada and the US. There are two sets of Coast Guard regulations and therefore approval for PFDs requires two separate tests. Verify that your vest is approved for use in your area.
Although simply having an approved PFD on board a small watercraft conforms to Coast Guard regulations, life vests are only at their most effective when actually worn. A good baseline rule is to always wear an approved PFD when in a kayak, whatever the conditions. And the single most important factor in always wearing a PFD is the jacket’s comfort. Fit will vary greatly from one individual to the next, so always try before you buy. Once adjusted, the jacket must be snug enough to fit the body closely with minimal ride-up and still be comfortable .
KOKATAT ORBIT TOUR
UL (US) and ULC (Canadian Coast Guard / DOT) approved Buoyancy: 15 lbs. 8 oz. Colors: Mango, Moss, Orange Sizes: S/M, L/XL Kokatat Watersports Wear, |
At 15 lbs. 8 oz. of floatation, this pullover design was the smallest PFD reviewed. Volume is concentrated low in this vest. Testers commented on its diminutive size, and the Orbit impressed immediately with its low profile fit and great freedom of motion. The adjustable shoulder straps and dual side adjustments allow fit to be tuned by actively deciding to have the vest rest higher or lower on the torso. As a straight pullover, it gets a “type V” designation (the argument being that the user could erroneously don it backwards in an emergency) and must be worn at all times to conform to Coast Guard regulations. Reflective tape is used liberally on the shoulder straps and front of the vest for good visibility. Two integrated zippered front pockets store the essentials. I wore the Orbit Tour for everything from fitness paddling on flat water, to playing in heavy surf, and it stayed glued in place. I really liked this PFD a lot. It was one of my personal favorites and floated me well, but if you are a nervous swimmer or “sinker” you may want to consider a PFD with more floatation.LOTUS
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The Sea Sherman is a pullover/side zip design with elastic side panels, and as such isn’t the easiest PFD to get on. But once in place, it proved to be one of the most comfortable and secure. The distribution and careful contouring of foam panels yield an excellent range of motion with little bulk or chafing. The padded, adjustable shoulder straps sport reflective tape in the back, as do two vertical strips of webbing on the front and back of the PFD. This webbing also serves to anchor the optional webbing belt for The Lotus tow system—a nice option for instructors and guides. Two pockets, one large and one very small, will hold essentials, with the big pocket capable of taking a VHF radio as well as the supplied tethered whistle. An over-the-shoulder strobe holder and two lash tabs on the front round out an excellent package.LOTUS LOLITA
UL (US) and ULC (Canadian Coast Guard / DOT) approved Buoyancy: 16 lbs. Lotus Designs : Tel: 888-554-8155 www.lotusdesigns.com |
Legend has it that the original Lotus Lola’s tri-panel hinged front was inspired by the bodice of a wedding dress. Whatever the casethe Lolita (Lola’s direct descendant) fits better than ever. Designed specifically for women and smaller men, this pullover with angled front zip was easy to don and never intrusive when paddling. The foam’s shaping and distribution make for a sleek package, and this vest’s short length suited shorter torsos and smaller people extremely well. Fit is fine-tuned via two side straps, one waist cinch and padded adjustable shoulder straps. Two integrated front pockets keep items readily available, like the standard issue whistle. Three strips of 3M reflective tape on the front and two on the back make visibility on the water good. A lash tab and over-the-shoulder strobe holder are practical and well placed. This was a very popular vest with testers and one that the guys wanted to wear as much as the women. The Lolita also accepts the optional Lotus tow system.SALUS KIWI
Canadian Coast Guard (DOT) approval pending. *Not UL (US) approved Buoyancy: 15 lbs. 8 oz. Salus Marine Wear 283 Duke Street West, Kitchener, ON, N2H 3X7 Toll Free 1-877-418-9998 |
The Salus Kiwi was a last minute addition to the test. Our PFD was a pre-production sample, but accurately reflects what will soon be available in stores. The vest is so new that Canadian Coast Guard approval was still pending (but should be completed soon). At 15 lbs. 8 oz. of floatation, it matches the Kokatat Orbit for buoyancy and so is at the lower end of the approved floatation standard. This vest is very low profile with nicely beveled foam and big armholes for an unimpeded range of motion and good comfort. The front zip design made getting the vest on and off easy. Two vertical front pockets with zip closures and mesh drainage flank the front zipper providing plenty of room for sunblock and energy bars. Adjustment is via a side strap, waist cinch and shoulder straps and provides a good snug fit. Reflective piping on the front and back of the unit help keep the wearer visible. Sizing on our sample seemed to run on the small side, so as always, be sure to “try before you buy”.SERRATUS POSEIDON
Canadian Coast Guard (DOT) approved. |
The Canadian made Poseidon, at 18 lbs. floatation, was the most buoyant jacket of the test and felt a touch bulkier and stiffer than some. And that only proves the old adage that “you can’t get something for nothing”. More foam means more buoyancy which is good, but it also means more volume to the vest. The Poseidon still fits well and the front zip design makes taking the jacket on and off very easy. Two large zippered front pockets store the essentials and two more mesh side-pockets are a great place to stash sunscreen or a set of thin gloves, although they will stick out from the side a little when loaded. Adjustable , neoprene padded shoulder straps and three torso cinches overtop of stretch neoprene side panels handle the job of snugging the vest. Daisy chains with reflective Scotchlite on the front and back accept the optional Serratus hydration bladder or accessory pocket. Very well built, and at an excellent price, the Poseidon is a bargain.SERRATUS APHRODITE
Canadian Coast Guard (DOT) approved. *Not UL (US) approved Serratus Mountain Products, 3103 Thunderbird Crescent Burnaby, BC V5A 3G1 Canada. Tel: 604-444-3348 |
More than just a downsized Poseidon, the Aphrodite was created specifically for women. The four paneled front foam and two paneled back foam, are designed to contour and fit the female torso. And indeed it seems to have worked, although, like its male-oriented counterpart, the Aphrodite is just slightly bulkier feeling than the other vests tested. However, it also boasts the highest floatation of the group. Materials and build quality are excellent, with padded adjustable shoulder straps,stretch neoprene side panels, two large pleated front pockets and two mesh pockets. Daisy chains with reflective Scotchlite front and back accept the optional hydration system, or an accessory pocket. The Aphrodite is a well-made female-specific design with lots of floatation at a remarkably attractive price.STOHLQUIST A-SEA
UL (US) approved, *Not Canadian Coastguard Approved |
The A-Sea is a new Stohlquist PFD geared for the recreational and day-touring kayak market. The lower back of this vest is mesh, providing very good comfort with taller seat backs. The front closure system consists of four Fastex-style plastic buckles. Adjustable shoulder straps, two side straps and Stohlquist’s unique chest-cinch system provide a snug and comfortable fit. Two front pockets with buckle/velcro closure will hold sunblock and an energy bar. Two strips of reflective tape grace the front with one on the back for good visibility. The front closure made this one of the easiest PFDs to don and although there seemed to be lots of trailing straps once the vest was adjusted, it fit a very wide range of paddlers effectively. At $79.95 US it is also a real bargain and is sure to be a hit with rental operations and schools. Please note that the A-Sea is presently not Canadian Coastguard approved, but should be by next year.THE STOHLQUIST BETSEA
UL (US) approved, *Not Canadian Coastguard Approved Stohlquist WaterWare, 705 Industrial Blvd., Alamosa, CO 81101 info@stohlquist.com, 800-535-3565, www.stohlquist.com. |
The A-Sea is a new Stohlquist PFD geared for the recreational and day-touring kayak market. The lower back of this vest is mesh, providing very good comfort with taller seat backs. The front closure system consists of four Fastex-style plastic buckles. Adjustable shoulder straps, two side straps and Stohlquist’s unique chest-cinch system provide a snug and comfortable fit. Two front pockets with buckle/velcro closure will hold sunblock and an energy bar. Two strips of reflective tape grace the front with one on the back for good visibility. The front closure made this one of the easiest PFDs to don and although there seemed to be lots of trailing straps once the vest was adjusted, it fit a very wide range of paddlers effectively. At $79.95 US it is also a real bargain and is sure to be a hit with rental operations and schools. Please note that the A-Sea is presently not Canadian Coastguard approved, but should be by next year.© Alex Matthews reviews gear in each issue. To contact him email matthewsalex@hotmail.com.
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