I've been browsing PFDs (got a foot of snow today, there isn't much else to do) and was wondering all of your opinions on which is better. I've only ever used a front zipper, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. Is there some advantage either system, or is it just personal preferance/comfort? Andy P a_m_p_at_spils.com 2003-02-17 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have often seen the zipper on front zip pfd's come undone while the wearer was performing a rescue which included crawling on their stomach across a boat. I have never seen a side zipper on a pfd come undone. Is this a problem? I don't think it creates any more of a problem then someone who paddles with the zipper down to let some air in and cool down. I'll leave it to you to decide. Scott So.Cal. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>>>I've been browsing PFDs (got a foot of snow today, there isn't much else to do) and was wondering all of your opinions on which is better. I've only ever used a front zipper, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. Is there some advantage either system, or is it just personal preferance/comfort? IIRC, the side zipper came about when the choices were the standard front zipper pfd and the "Squirt" style pfd for whitewater, which was a pullover without a zipper. It meant that the pfd had to loosened and adjusted every time you put it on. Then somebody had the idea of putting a side zipper on it. As time went by, the Squirt pattern became more common... *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I like front zip. I have a side zip PFD now and I like it a lot. The only thing I don't like about it is - you guessed it - the side zipper. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
FWIW, I've been using a Lotus L'Ocean (side zipper) for two seasons, and am very happy with it in terms of fit and design utility. I got used to the side zipper very quickly -- front/side is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. Find a PFD that has the elements you want and that fits well. You'll get used to the zipper before you've worn it twice. Bob V Andy P. wrote: > I've only ever used a front zipper, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. Is there some advantage either system, or is it just personal preferance/comfort? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I would agree with Bob. I'm using a side zip Lotus Sea Sherman. When shopping for one, sipper location was last on the list. The other features like adjustment straps (shoulders/waist), pockets, lash tabs, strobe mounting tab on back of shoulder, ability to accept tow system, reflective striping, etc. As I said, when looking the zipper location didn't matter to me. I would also highly recommend finding a model with a rear pocket (on the back). I ended up making my own to add to my vest (I think you can buy add-on rear cargo pockets too). It is a great out of the way place for emergency items (particularly your stranded-on-land-without-your-gear items like fire starting materials, shelter, etc) - doesn't get in the way when doing rescues. I know in his videos, Wayne Horodowich mentions putting a hydration bladder in his back pocket. Keith *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Keith Wrage wrote: > I would also highly recommend finding a model with a rear pocket (on the > back). I ended up making my own to add to my vest (I think you can buy > add-on rear cargo pockets too). Kokotat makes a rear pocket that fits onto my L'Ocean, and with a little creativity can be fitted to most PFDs. BV *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I prefer a front zip, but mainly because it makes it easier to get out my camera, which I carry around my neck tucked under the PFD. Chuck in MN *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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