How to Choose PFDs (Life Jackets)

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Light and easy to wear, this PFD inflates instantly. It's perfect for stand up paddlers and other watersports enthusiasts who want a compact, low-profile alternative to traditional life jackets.
Shop newer versionBest Use | Paddling |
---|---|
Flotation | 15 pounds |
Material(s) | Polyester |
Inflatable | Yes |
Weight | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
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I was thrilled to find this "hip pack" style inflatable device. I found myself not wearing my standard life vest because of the bulkiness and discomfort. The Zephyr inflatable goes on me every time I'm on the water now! I quickly snap it around my waist, and it is so comfortable I forget that I'm wearing it. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who, like me, wants something other than the traditional vest. I practiced inflating it while in my pool and it works perfectly. I give it an A+.
Here's the deal, I have resisted purchasing a PFD like this for two reasons; 1) the initial price - much higher than a normal 'vest', and 2) the expense for the Re-arming kit, most around $25 (general range). What I do like is the 'fit', nothing obstructing movement, light weight, and not bulky. So, REI has a sale, 20% off, and I decide to buy this one - knowing I can return in a year (great REI!!) if I don't like it. I have a computer "chat" with NRS, and find it easy to get thru and talk with them. A pending issue, my "lake" requires me to have a Class 3 PFD, and I find out this one qualifies (if warn) and is rated a Class 5 also. Good! Then I ask about the CO2, and they tell me any 16 gram unit will work, theirs is not special, so I pick up one at a local bike shop (screw in type) and NRS is sending me another GREEN tab used for re-arming. Cool, for $3, I get a re-arming kit in case I ever need it. I'm all set, Class 3, re-arming kit, light weight, easy to use.. done deal.
This thing saved me a few times when I fell into the lake from my SUP. With this thing you need to be sure you know how to use it, so practice before u head to the water. Make sure you wear it to the front of the body, Cuz it'll be hard to turn ur face facing the sky once u pull the string the deploy the airbag, cuz the airbag will try to float ur back facing the water, which will make ur face IN THE WATER. One thing that i hate about this PFD is that u can't swim with it, cuz the velcro will undone as u swim, and people will look at u funny cuz u r swimming while dragging a blue bag with several yellow strings and flat yellow airbag, and if u accident pull on it, then.... u gonna have to buy new compressed air.
I bought this specifically to use when paddle boarding, as an alternative to a regular life vest. I love the compact size. I feel it's perfect for paddle boarding as it does not get in the way of paddling. I have not had to deploy it on the water, but feel it would be very easy, based on my test at home. When trying to re-board the paddle board, it doesn't hinder or get in the way, as a regular life vest would. Highly recommend.
Great price, easy to use. Perfect for using on the rivers.