UCD Canoe Club

Boats and Gear => Buy and Sell => Topic started by: rowantheboat on May 25, 2009, 17:23:42

Title: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: rowantheboat on May 25, 2009, 17:23:42

Though I am fully aware of the dangers in asking a "which-should-I-buy" question...
... Which should I buy? ;)

I was thinking of the Astral Greenjacket (http://www.i-canoe.com/Buoyancy+Aids/Rescue+PFDs/Astral+Green+Whitewater+Kayaking+Rescue+PFD.html)

But would the Kokatat of Stohlquist ones on i-canoe be any better/worse?

Cheers.

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: Monkey Loving Bob on May 25, 2009, 19:29:18

I think the Kokatat ones look nifty, wasn't so big a fan of the Greenjacket, can't think why other than it's a bit 'gadgety' and the big moving frontpanel kinda seems weird in safety vest? Don't know if it's just me, but it's worth thinking about. Worth noting is that I have the playboating vest with the same panel and I don't wear it all that often, for the same reasons as above and almost never on a river. If you like the fit of the Astral vest try one of their Aquavests (300r?) (http://www.i-canoe.com/Buoyancy+Aids/Rescue+PFDs/Astral+Aquavest+300.html?osCsid=1c17a09b1e4b3911a06458ae7670e655), I use it and reckon it's it's got all the right bits in the right places. It has it's drawbacks but overall it's pretty cool.

Simon R. has the Kokatat (http://www.i-canoe.com/Buoyancy+Aids/Rescue+PFDs/Kokatat+Ronin+PRO+PFD.html) and Kill has/had the Stohlquist (http://www.i-canoe.com/Buoyancy+Aids/Rescue+PFDs/Sthohlquist+X-Tract+Rescue+PFD+Buoyancy+Aid.html), ask them if you can try them on and see what you think.

If I had to change mine today I would go for the same again or the Kokatat for the handiness of the entry zip.

Best of luck.

Conor.

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: kill on May 25, 2009, 20:44:35

I gave my Stohlquist to Lambe. I'm pretty sure they don't make them any more. Get the Palm Axis. All the cool kids do. You just won't fit in otherwise.

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: caz on May 25, 2009, 21:55:05

i can vouch for the aquavest just got one this year and absolutely love it. alternatively you can lose about 20kgs and buy my palm one about two threads down  ;D

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: rowantheboat on May 25, 2009, 22:41:12

If only, Caz...if only... ;)

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: Douchier on May 26, 2009, 06:54:20

I think that you should get the Kokitat one, only because "Ronin" kind of sounds like "Rowan" - if you've got some kind of speech problem.

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: Matt on May 26, 2009, 13:21:38

I have the Greenjacket and I like it. I heard the Ronin is good too, so maybe you should listen to Douchier - I think he makes a good point

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: Simon R. on June 02, 2009, 18:11:17

i have the kokatat Ronin, i like it nice fit, doesn't get in the way. good bouyancy placement. very easy to put on and take off, im a big fan of the zip which i didnt think id like before i bought it. ive found it very comfortable.

pockets are on the small side would be my only complaint

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: Douchier on June 02, 2009, 22:56:21

Quote from: Matty McWhite Eyebrow on May 26, 2009, 13:21:38

maybe you should listen to Douchier - I think he makes a good point

He has as it happens, and only for the reasons that I gave, not for any others.


Sorted...

Title: Re: Buoyancy Aids...
Post by: rowantheboat on June 03, 2009, 14:47:53

Thanks Douche, that was indeed the only reason for my choice of the Kokatat.
 ;)