Astral  Lonnie PFD

Comfortable fit, plenty of room for arms to move around while on the paddle board.

I'm unsure why I can't seem to find customer reviews on this PFD, so I wanted to get one here ASAP. I just got home from kayaking this afternoon when the Astral Lonnie had been delivered. Since I'd been wearing my Body Glove PFD all afternoon, I couldn't wait to get this on! Some notable differences: the Body glove is bulky, not overly, but it does take up most of my torso (which is already short) and I couldn't access the main zip compartment on my Patagonia Terravia hip pack while on board. It also rides up around my neck and has 4 straps that connect on the front. No other customization options, no pockets. The Astral Lonnie allows me so much more torso room, has multi-point customization, frees up the neck area, and POCKETS! The back is minimalist and will be so much cooler for paddling. It feels nice, has nice cushion, feels breathable, has a sturdy YKK zipper, and I can't wait to get out in the water with it. Plenty of clearance in the arm paddle zone. It doesn't rub anywhere that could cause discomfort or chafing. I'll try and come back for an update once it gets some use if there is any other noteworthy information to add.

This pfd looks and feels great! The elastic front pockets are very secure; nothing is going to fall out even though there is no zipper. Hydration pack compatibility is a huge plus, especially since it takes the same 1.5L bladder as my running vest. Astral states that the S/M size fits chests up to 37” and that the M/L size fits a minimum 38” chest size. My chest measures 38”, or 39” if I take a deep breath. I got the M/L initially, and I could wear it if I cranked down the straps all the way, but it still felt really bulky and interfered with my arm movement. I have never owned a premium ‘low profile’ pfd before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of comfort and mobility. I ordered to S/M to try, but I kept the M/L to compare in case the S/M didn’t fit at all and I was just expecting too much comfort from the M/L. Worst case scenario I would have to send both vests back and order a different brand (like NRS) for which I wasn’t smack dab in the middle of the size chart. Much to my delight the S/M was a perfect fit and exceptionally comfortable. I didn’t have to let out the side straps all the way either. On the contrary, I had to tighten them almost as much as I could. I am nowhere near too large for the S/M, even with a chest measuring above the maximum recommended size. Hopefully my experience can help others who are torn on what size to get. For reference, I am a 5’9”, 150lb male with very little body fat.

Tried on pretty much every pfd at the store during the Memorial Day sale and this was the one I walked out of the store with. It was challenging to choose because I'm in between sizes in every brand (including Astral) but this was the most comfortable for me (M/L). I really like the easy access mesh pockets and attached whistle.

I bought this life jacket after having problems with others chafing my underarms while paddle boarding. This lifejacket is amazing. Very comfortable. It fits perfectly and doesn’t ride up or rub my underarms at all.