Speaking of kayak PFD's...

[Koz]

I have an Onyx MoveVent, but there are times when it feels to bulky, so I'm looking for a replacement. At this time I don;t think I want an inflatable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a less bulky PFD?

 

Has anyone tried the NRS Ninja?

[TnRiver46]

9 minutes ago, Koz said:

I have an Onyx MoveVent, but there are times when it feels to bulky, so I'm looking for a replacement. At this time I don;t think I want an inflatable. Does anyone have any suggestions for a less bulky PFD?

 

Has anyone tried the NRS Ninja?

I recently came into a couple NRS jackets for free, although they are covered in cobwebs. I’ll check the models later and maybe try them this weekend 

[Jmilburn76]

I forget Im wearing my NRS Chinook, it has been great for close to 4 years now and I got it new for $60. I just bought a Stohlquist Fisherman that's pretty nice as well, it was $64 on clearance.

[Bankc]

One problem I see with the NRS Ninja, and while it is certainly less bulky, is that it comes down pretty low on your back.  In a kayak, that may or may not be a problem, as the backs of the seats tend to be pretty low and the seat itself is pretty short.  So you'd have to sit kind of forward on the seat and have the PFD between you and the back seat.  I have back issues, and that would cause a great deal of pain for me in a long fishing trip.

 

The NRS Chinook and Stohlquist Fisherman looks like they ride higher up on your back, possibly above the seat back, just like your Onyx MoveVent does.  And the NRS Chinook does look as though it extends lower in the front and is a bit less bulky around the front and sides, so it might be a good choice.  

 

What don't you like about your Onyx MoveVent specifically (where is it too bulky) and what's the reason for not wanting an inflatable PFD, if I may ask?  

[Darth-Baiter]

I have a chinook and a Ninja.  The ninja is more comfy.  It rides perfectly for my kayak seat.  I wore it a few times but it’s my loaner vest.  It’s very new. I use the chinook mainly because I’m too lazy to move all my stuff over to the Ninja.  Knife, whistle, etc.  

 

if I bought one, I’d go with the ninja.  It’s less intuitive putting it on since you have to slip your head thru and snap it on the side.  

[schplurg]

I thought I read that some of the high-back vests don't keep your face out of the water, or maybe it's that they are worse at it than other designs, say if you're unconscious. I think Type I is the best for that but I don't know anymore.

 

Concerned because a big reason I wear a PFD is in case I hit my head when I fall in. Maybe it's a small concern.

[TnRiver46]

19 hours ago, schplurg said:

I thought I read that some of the high-back vests don't keep your face out of the water, or maybe it's that they are worse at it than other designs, say if you're unconscious. I think Type I is the best for that but I don't know anymore.

 

Concerned because a big reason I wear a PFD is in case I hit my head when I fall in. Maybe it's a small concern.

Believe it or not, I think the best ones for keeping an unconscious persons head above water are the orange ones that go around your neck. Not the most comfy but I’ve rocked them before, makes a great conversation piece haha . Most inflatables are a similar shape 

[Koz]

On 4/14/2022 at 9:30 AM, Bankc said:

What don't you like about your Onyx MoveVent specifically (where is it too bulky) and what's the reason for not wanting an inflatable PFD, if I may ask?  

 

It tends to ride up too much in both the front and the back, and it's not comfortable when around the top of my back when I lean back into my seat.

 

Maybe I just haven't found the sweet pot adjustment yet. I plan to be out on the water all day tomorrow, so maybe I'll experiment with it a little bit.

 

As for the inflatables, they run on the pricey side and knowing my luck I'll keep setting them off and have to fork over even more money.

[Darth-Baiter]

3 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Believe it or not, I think the best ones for keeping an unconscious persons head above water are the orange ones that go around your neck. Not the most comfy but I’ve rocked them before, makes a great conversation piece haha . Most inflatables are a similar shape 

Yup. Reading the literature about PFD rankings can freak you out onto dry land permanently:)

 

our vest are for activities and keeping a conscious person afloat.  There is truly no free lunch. 

[Cory20]

I kayak with the NRS Chinook and I find it very comfy and light in the L size. I have tried on the stohlquist fisherman and the back pad is smaller and up higher which is more comfy when leaning back in the seat.

[CrashVector]

On 4/15/2022 at 7:45 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Believe it or not, I think the best ones for keeping an unconscious persons head above water are the orange ones that go around your neck. Not the most comfy but I’ve rocked them before, makes a great conversation piece haha . Most inflatables are a similar shape 

 

No..that's a type 2.  Type 1 vests are the ones that turn most people face up.

 

A type 2 is listed as turning "some" unconscious people face up.

 

Most common ones are type 3.  They're not rated to turn you face up.

 

Type 1s are huge bulky vests mostly used offshore.

[FishTank]

The NRS Chinook has been my go to. Fits well, has pockets and after getting tipped over, I know it works.