Joe, For me, 10 pounds combined with my other gear would provide minimal flotation. 20 to 25 instant pounds with that same amount of drysuit floatation would be ideal. I think Kokatat have a hybrid model that would fit the bill, but too may "bills" for me right now. Fully inflatable models do best but have reduces R values, trauma protection, and storage conveniences. There are even times when I regret wearing any flotation but the memories of deep water disasters with airway difficulties moderates my attitude. Generally, I only consider and associate maximal buoyancy ideals with very, very cold winter paddling. Everything else is just fun. Deep temperature lows and rough water mean I'll be in my diver-modified drysuit and fully-inflatable Mustang vest (no connection to company). For the bulk of recreational users, 15 pounds is fine, about what I generally prefer these days; however, my post was meant to add impetus to the desirability of paddlers choosing their gear with some thoughts about safety parameters (as opposed to hey, "this Kokatat Mango-coloured PFD matches my mango-coloured drysuit" (insert manufacturer of your preference). Doug Joe said: A friend is a test engineer for Consumers Union and a few years ago they did a comparative study of PFDs, primarily the Type III designation -- what we paddlers normally wear. He said that the buoyancy of these jackets was somewhat over 15 pounds, perhaps a bit more. This level was selected for recreational activity to allow enough flotation to keep one's head and one arm above the water. The former so you can breathe and see, the arm to wave with or grab ropes... Joe P. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Feb 17 2011 - 20:59:52 PST
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