Astral V-Eight PFD
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Offering an ergonomic design and lightweight construction, this great-fitting PFD features a patented Airescape® airflow system to keep you paddling cool and dry.
Shop similar products- Airescape airflow system eliminates excessive heat buildup and perspiration to maintain a comfortable core temperature
- Superhigh mesh back provides a great fit in taller seat backs
- Durable polyethylene foam delivers high flotation and saves weight
- Adjustable webbing side straps and adjustable shoulder straps; hook-and-loop on shoulder straps manages loose webbing ends
- 2 large expanding mesh pockets
- Ripstop nylon outer shell provides superior abrasion resistance and durability
- Quick access lash tab
Imported.
View all Astral Men's PFDs| Best Use | Paddling |
|---|---|
| Flotation | 16.2 pounds |
| Material(s) | Polyethylene foam/ripstop nylon/nylon/acetal plastic/polypropylene |
| Lash Tab | Yes |
| Weight | 1 lb. 3.8 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Nice vest, but inconvenient pockets
I ordered this vest online, so unfortunately didn't get the chance to try it on in the store. The vest seemed to be of excellent quality, and I liked the mesh back. The front felt a little bulkier than I expected. The two pockets are mesh only (this was described online), not very roomy, and are awkward to access because they face toward the sides rather than the center. For example, to reach something in the right pocket, you'd need to either twist your right arm into an uncomfortable position, or reach across your body with your left hand. My husband got the NRS C-vest and I liked that one a lot better, so will be returning the Astral and replacing it with the C-vest.
A tip for zipping problems
Just purchased 2 of these for myself and husband for touring kayaking, largely due to very good reviews for comfort, etc. Several folks have talked about difficulty zipping. I found the same thing when I initially tried to zip it up for first fitting, without loosening the side belts. Zip first with a very loose fit so the front edges, which are relatively thick and squared, fully approximate. Then adjust. The bouyancy in these pfds is concentrated low for freedom of movement, and is much thicker than many others in the front. Try this, it zips up just fine for me. Hope this suggestion helps.
Most comfortable ever
This is far and away the most comfortable PFD I have ever worn. For a little context, I am a wearing this to paddle in a touring kayak. I am a 60 year old woman no one would describe as skinny and I wear a 38 DD bra so I have different fit requirements than say a 25 year old man but every other PFD I’ve had either doesn’t get worn when it probably should be or is constantly irritating. This one doesn’t interfere with the kayak seat back and is both not too bulky in front and not chafing to my upper arms while paddling. Love it and I never thought I would say that about a PFD.
Fits snugly without any impeding arm movement
I bought the Astral V-Eight PFD specifically with my Rebel Ilaga in mind, which has a low seat-back and low flat aft deck. I wanted a vest that would not restrict arm movement or present any obstacles for rolling. I am also using this during Florida's hot summer months so I was looking for a mesh back for coolness. This vest scores 5 stars on all of these points. In addition, the shoulder straps, chest strap, and dual side straps, on each side, can be individually adjusted, keeping the vest snug and comfortable. I have had no feeling of the vest riding up on me nor have I experienced any arm restrictions during advanced paddle techniques. I like the zipper access on the pockets making a cross arm retrieval of my phone a quick and easy process. The pockets are not deep if you like to carry a lot of gear, but I don't carry a lot of gear on my vest. I feel safe and secure in the V-Eight which is what a PFD comes down to. I am 5'9", 172 lbs with a 41" chest and like to take long walks on the beach (LOL... couldn't resist). I selected the Medium/Large. This is a perfect fit with plenty of room on the straps. Astral also makes a woman's version, which is less bulky in the chest.
Unobtrusive
I tried on several in store and found this one to be the most comfortable. Because of the small and high rear pads it never interferes with a seat back. It also stays out of the way of paddling. There is really no reason not to wear it at all times on the water. I particularly like the two zippered mesh front pockets. One holds my tri-fold wallet and the other my large I-phone (both on Ziploc bags).
Comfortable and well made with one exception...
This life jacket is great. It is extremely comfortable, breathable, and easy to put on. The pockets are big enough to hold a phone one one side (iPhone X, maybe not much bigger than that) and keys on the other. The one draw back is the zipper on the pockets. They are seemingly strong well made plastic zippers, but my first time using it one of the zippers got stuck closed. I believe this is due to there not being anything to stop the slide from going to far. I was able to get it working again after several minutes and multiple people trying to work it down. Just a small annoyance on an otherwise great jacket.
Too wide a fit for narrow frames
When I first tried to zip this up I could not. I widened the straps and then it was easier however the material used for this PFD is so boxy that once the vest is tightened appropriately, it is difficult to move your arms (ala the kid brother in his winter jacket in A Christmas Story). I feel that paddling in this would only result in my arms rubbing against the material. Very uncomfortable, perhaps a better fit for a larger frame. We are much happier with our NRS PFD and will be returning this.
Great PFD
Went to the store and tried this one and the similar Stohlquist model. I was skeptical whether the extra $20 would be worth it and ultimately decided it is! 1. This one has a lot more mesh and breathability 2. I was able to do "windmills" with my arms without rubbing too much 3. I really appreciate the brighter color for visibility I wear this mostly on a SUP and never get the urge to strap it to the board because it is so comfortable. Mine has also been tested when I went swimming with my kids off a pontoon in the middle of a lake. Good buoyancy for my build.
Extremely comfortable paddling PFD
I bought this to upgrade from an Extrasport Yucatan which I found to be bulky and obtrusive under the arms while paddling. This PFD is extremely comfortable and lightweight when compared to the Extrasport. The front foam is contoured so it fits more flush against your body and sits comfortably low on your chest, giving a lot of room to paddle. Additionally, this has vent holes that do a great job at letting air circulate and keeping you cool on those warm days. The sides have very small pockets and don't get in the way at all (a HUGE improvement over the Extrasport). The back foam is a bit thick, but sits high and comfortable, leaving plenty of room for a high seat back.The shoulder straps are nice and adjustable, and have convenient Velcro to keep the straps from flopping around all day. In terms of all-day comfort, this PFD has it. With the contoured foam, ventilation and low body surface coverage, you almost forget that you're wearing it. My only gripe with it, and it was worth reducing 1 star, is that the zipper is strangely difficult to get zipped up. Maybe it's just how it fits on me personally, but it doesn't just zip right up like most other PFDs that I've used over the years. You have to hold the sides of the PFD near you and kind of wrangle the zipper up. Worth reducing by 1 star, but still a fantastic PFD.
Not great if you're petite!
The Astral V-8 was too bulky for my liking. Being a more petite person (5'0) with a short torso, even with a size S/M, the mesh pocket material rubbed on the bottom sides of my arms leading to chaffing. The zipper was also really tough to zip due to the bulk of the padding and the pockets were too small for much functionality beyond a small set of keys. I had to go with a different brand with more pliable padding instead.