C-Forum

i'm looking for a new vest.
any suggestions?
thanks

Two new ones I like:

Astral Bouyancy
http://www.astralbouyancy.com
the 300


Hydroscapes
http://www.hydroscapes.net
the "full on"

both have belay systems that can be pretty handy, depending on the paddling you do. Both also have some degree of integrated protectors. Hydroscapes is made in Canada.

Cheers, Jan

I've been thinking about the one that Kalin brought to the Armada in '03. It only had one shoulder strap. I tried it on & thought it was real comfortable. At the time I though it was a bad idea to only have one strap, but have been rethinking that recently. Does anyone remember who made it?

Not sure about the one strap thing...sounds like some sort of totally unsafe slalom vest. I definalty recommend the Astral vests though. They are made by a good company with a strong mind towards being as environmentally friendly as possible when working with such materials as Nylon and corura, etc...www.astralbouyancy.com

At first I was real concerned about the one strap deal. But I've been thinking that if I get trashed so badly that the thing goes down , then I have really screwed up.

anybody know of a way to get an astral vest in canada?
any dealers, or will astral direct order?


-allan

i thought the astral might be good, but i tried one on and it just felt odd. i dunno. maybe i'll try again.

does anyone use the stolquist brik?

Lotus P-Vest for me, before that a Lotus Nantahala (? discontinued) - would have bought another of those, but it was discontinued...

I'm pretty shure boatwerks is an Astral distributor.

Larry Horne wrote:i thought the astral might be good, but i tried one on and it just felt odd. i dunno. maybe i'll try again.

does anyone use the stolquist brik?

I use the Brik and like it alot. Very good fit for me and does not ride up or move around. Not a lot of coverage on the upper spine like the Astral, but enough floatation for my 190 lbs. No belay/tow system though. Thinking about adding one from northwater.

Serratus Flack Jack from MEC
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 9343160235
Has all the features I need (mesh pocket, tab for attaching a river knife, loops for rescue belt, Whistle included).
Easily upgraded with all the necessary rescue equipment (rescue belt, cowtail e.t.c.) for creeking.
good price, too.

martin

the one-strap c-1 vest was made by Waterstick. Not sure if they are still around.
Alden

i have a extra sport inferno that i like a lot. its a rodeo vest, and has a very small profile. the thing that i have found with many life jackets is that i need to buy an exta large. the extra large shoulder straps are longer so the floatation sits lower. we have this luxury because we sit higer in a c-1. this is really nice when you are crossing over and there is nothing to get in your way. also just having the extra range of motion is really nice in general. just something to think about . you might like it. --- joey

i tried a friend's Astral aqua vest 200 the other day (i own a HF Ocoee PFD). At first i thought that the Z-strap system was a bit gimmicky and the side buoyancy/padding seemed bulky and i thought it was going to get in the way while paddling. But i was very supprised at how comfortable it was, after paddling for 5minutes, i didn't realise that i was wearing a buoyancy aid. They give a good amount of buoyancy without compromising the ease of manouverability one bit.

I am currently trying to get my hands on one for myself because i was so impressed by it.

Allan,

If you are in Canada definitely check out Kevins
Freeride and Full On Vests.

They are great.

http://www.hydroscapes.net

Jan