Hi folks, have done a search but am none the wiser. Am after a PFD, will be using doing some coastal cruising on windsurfer (LT) and for racing. Want something with pockets for phone/bars/etc. Light and unobtrusive high on list as well.
Oh and stylish and cheap and makes me go faster... :)
Neil pryde high hook vest, has a small front pocket, light and not overly bulky but good flotation
There was a similar thread about a compliant PFD for the Lancelin Ocean Classic a few months back from memory.
NP high hook is the best (only?) dedicated windsurf one.
The Ronstan dinghy PFD comes a very close second IMO.
NP meets the European Standard for level 50, Ronstan meets the Australian Standard for level 50.
Storage in either of these is not huge.
Clarence
Beause we sail in off shore conditions we have had external pockets sewn into our vests (NP & Dakine) to hold our flares. Velcro flap closure. NP vest pocket is good for a Rescue Me PLB too. NP in stock at WSP as i got a new one last week, black red or fluro yellow. I went red this time (faster than Steve i hope)
I also have a 3l CamelBak Unbottle attached to the back. Vest has tabs for attachung but they dont line up perfectly so worth checking out if you are going that way
Ion do a good windsurfing one now with high hook loop, pocket for a water bladder in the rear and bars or spare rope etc in the front. Looks good and is comfy, about $50 cheaper than the NP as well
+1 for the Ion. Need to supply your own water bladder so stuck a camelback in and all good. Love the zip pocket on the front.
Select to expand quotepeterowensbabs said..
Go the NP. It works.
Thanks everyone, appreciate the input. Am thinking the NP.
Ive got a NP high hook vest, which I don't wear because it still rides up around my ears, I think its the best PFD style and probably sneaks over the line for approval when racing. I wear a N/P impact vest, but you can't even pretend that's a PFD and no camelback attachment either
Select to expand quoteNelle said..
Ive got a NP high hook vest, which I don't wear because it still rides up around my ears, I think its the best PFD style and probably sneaks over the line for approval when racing. I wear a N/P impact vest, but you can't even pretend that's a PFD and no camelback attachment either
I was the same, had one in the garage, but wouldn't wear it due to it riding up badly. Solved the problem by getting two straps sewn on it that go between the legs. Straps are not tight unless you fall in, works a treat.
Select to expand quoteOrange Whip said..Nelle said..
Ive got a NP high hook vest, which I don't wear because it still rides up around my ears, I think its the best PFD style and probably sneaks over the line for approval when racing. I wear a N/P impact vest, but you can't even pretend that's a PFD and no camelback attachment either
I was the same, had one in the garage, but wouldn't wear it due to it riding up badly. Solved the problem by getting two straps sewn on it that go between the legs. Straps are not tight unless you fall in, works a treat.
what about the loop in the middle front to hook over you harness hook? Wedgie heaven! LOL
Or dont fall in and its great.... I wish!
This is what I use www.bcf.com.au/p/marlin-australia-adult-kayak-paddler-pfd-50/225137.html?cgid=BCF08468#
It has a front pocket for food/spare rope, a rear pocket to take camelback, a waist strap to stop it riding up and its cheap.
Select to expand quotetbwonder said..
This is what I use www.bcf.com.au/p/marlin-australia-adult-kayak-paddler-pfd-50/225137.html?cgid=BCF08468#
It has a front pocket for food/spare rope, a rear pocket to take camelback, a waist strap to stop it riding up and its cheap.
Had a look. Strangely it states that the performance of this floatation device could be adversely effected if worn with a wetsuit.
So doesn't a wetsuit add floatation?
I have used the neilpryde vest for a few years but the new forward impact vest it the best so far , used by the super foiling Catamaran crew
boatcrewgear.com/forward-sailing-wip-impact-pfd-vest-new/?sku=FS-GI1000001-XL&gclid=Cj0KCQjwla7nBRDxARIsADll0kCyhlsOUm7E7AeDiI9itMVZD3vnG_rhBc-JJ73W4qjPFbnzeh287F0aAq9bEALw_wcB
Save your body when the big crashes come along
Select to expand quoteBSN101 said..Orange Whip said..Nelle said..
Ive got a NP high hook vest, which I don't wear because it still rides up around my ears, I think its the best PFD style and probably sneaks over the line for approval when racing. I wear a N/P impact vest, but you can't even pretend that's a PFD and no camelback attachment either
I was the same, had one in the garage, but wouldn't wear it due to it riding up badly. Solved the problem by getting two straps sewn on it that go between the legs. Straps are not tight unless you fall in, works a treat.
what about the loop in the middle front to hook over you harness hook? Wedgie heaven! LOL
Or dont fall in and its great.... I wish!
Yeah a local sailor hooks that loop over the harness hook but I want the harness to be completely independent from my vest. Been stuck under the sail a couple of times and on one of those occasions I had to ditch my harness to get out. Detaching that loop in that situation would be another second or so to get a breath.
+1 Forward wip. Pockets front and back. High flotation and impact protection, even for the side ribs. Well clear of the harness hook and has rubber strips inside that really do stop it riding up. Don't know that you could put a hydration pack on it though.
Select to expand quoteRAL INN said..tbwonder said..
This is what I use www.bcf.com.au/p/marlin-australia-adult-kayak-paddler-pfd-50/225137.html?cgid=BCF08468#
It has a front pocket for food/spare rope, a rear pocket to take camelback, a waist strap to stop it riding up and its cheap.
Had a look. Strangely it states that the performance of this floatation device could be adversely effected if worn with a wetsuit.
So doesn't a wetsuit add floatation?
I sent an email to Marlin Australia regarding this. They promptly replied stating that yes a wet suit does provide more buoyancy. In certain cases this may effect the ability of the PFD to self roll the wearer to a safe position. This is part of the Australian Standard and applies to all PFDs.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Neil-Pryde-buoyancy-vests-2?page=1#23
I went for an older model as it has the tabs for a camelback and also has a bigger and mesh pocket.
I used the Forward impact/ pfd for the first time today. Very impressed with it and best of all it doesn't ride up when you have a swim as claimed. I ordered it online and their size chart seems spot on.
I usually hate wearing a bouyancy vest and avoid it unless its wild conditions, sailing on my own or required for racing. I can see myself wearing this one far more often than my NP vest. It seems like its a good insulator so might be a bit hot in the summer.
Select to expand quoteTony Wills said..
Nice one Rog. Which retailer did you get it from?
Just followed the link further back in this thread.
Select to expand quotesrtgumbee said..
Are people using a waist harness or seat harness with the forward impact vest?
I'm using a seat, might use the waist harness next time out and get back to you.
So how does the Forward WIP Impact vest go with seat harnesses? I use a Dakine XT Seat.
Anyone been able to compare the above PFD with the Forward WIP Flow Neo Vest?
Select to expand quoteSwindy said..srtgumbee said..
Are people using a waist harness or seat harness with the forward impact vest?
I'm using a seat, might use the waist harness next time out and get back to you.
I am thinking of purchasing the FWip and i was wondering what your experiences are when using a waist harness??
+1 Forward Wip. I hate wearing anything on my upper body while sailing. Had a big swim recently WITHOUT the vest. Been wearing it sailing ever since.
The Forward wip is so comfy. Neoprene inner also keeps me plenty warm enough to sail SE Qld in boardies all year. Makes water starting big sails much easier. Well worth the $$.
Maxi the vest is pretty high cut. Waist harness would work.
Gh, the Wip works sweet with a seat harness.
Occasionally after a big off the vest will ride up your chest a bit. Maybe a strap thru harness hook would stop that.
