help me buy a kayak pfd!

[solobiker]

This PFD does not ride up either like the standard PFDs I have used for sailing.

[NbyNW]

I was going to recommend something by Lotus Designs but I did a little research and found out that they've been bought by Patagonia and apparently phased out. I also found a discussion thread that the founder and a few key people from Lotus are now at Astral.

I've always rented my equipment -- I got to wear something by Lotus once and loved it -- great fit (not too long) for my petite frame, didn't ride up, and didn't interfere with my position in the kayak or with the back of the seat. I would expect the PFDs designed by Astral to be of similar or better quality.

[lph]

That Astral PFD looks really nice! Any idea which model? There's one called Bella which is women-specific and resembles it a bit.

[solobiker]

Mine is a couple years old. It is similar to the Wonder Jacket. I could not remember the exact name of it and it is put away. If I get a chance I will dig it out to see..I am coming down with a cold now so I don't have too much energy right now..sorry. I do really like the fit. Oh mine also has a chest pocket where I keep a whistle. Good Luck!!

[lph]

No-no, don't bother hunting it out! The chances that I can find it here are minimal, I just wondered if it was the Bella, which I doubt because I think that's a new model.

I'll spend some time this winter trying to see which Astral models I can find to try on.