Some of the better rated models from well-respected makers I find very uncomfortable. So, there are all kinds of performance parameters and design orientations (like WW versus touring) but at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable in the thing, it has to do the minimum flotation requirement, and stay on well enough not to ride up while in the water. One of my older hi-floats had good R value, seemed comfortable enough, though it rode high while seated in the cockpit and didn't provide the real freedom of movement I desired. I suppose it's all a matter of deciding which model gives you comfort (so you will actually want to wear the cumbersome thing), freedom of movement (important in WW paddling and for touring, you don't want chaffing), and then get the flotation values you feel don't distract from the first two. Buying one PFD for all seasons requires a bit of thought, but if you paddle in really hot climates I be tempted to get one of the newer venting PFDs. Most paddlers tend to go with units like the Kokatat ProFIT Tour or similar PFD from the other big boys. I don't like the Ronin. Some folks don't like the PFD's that go over the shoulders to put on either. As for flotation rates, seems like the more floatation the PFD has without distributing it higher on the jacket, the more you will feel like the Michelin Man, unless you go with a hybrid model with air chamber augmentation. But boy, have PFDs come a very long way since I first started paddling. Doug One piece of gear we all rely on, whether canoe or kayak paddlers, is the PFD. I am wondering what people think about the effectiveness--in the water of the models we have today. Almost all kayak-influenced with big open shoulders for free movement, but with the flotation then moved a bit lower on the torso, and from what I can see more focused on the front and back. In some ways they are more technically oriented, but when I think about replacement I wonder how they compare with my old hi-float which has more than 50% more flotation than required, although some of that is mounted high. GaryJ *************************************************************************** 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 Sat Mar 05 2011 - 17:05:25 PST
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:31:45 PDT