PFD Recommendations pls

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Created by

delmar71 > 9 months ago, 10 Jan 2019

delmar71

NSW

89 posts

10 Jan 2019 9:35am

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... :)

Dezza

NSW

955 posts

10 Jan 2019 11:28am

Neil pryde high hook vest, has a small front pocket, light and not overly bulky but good flotation

clarence

TAS

979 posts

10 Jan 2019 11:37am

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

BSN101

2378 posts

10 Jan 2019 11:05am

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

cammd

QLD

4331 posts

10 Jan 2019 1:10pm

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

regal1

NSW

449 posts

10 Jan 2019 2:18pm

+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.

peterowensbabs

NSW

497 posts

11 Jan 2019 12:38am

Go the NP. It works.

delmar71

NSW

89 posts

11 Jan 2019 9:20am

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peterowensbabs said..
Go the NP. It works.

Thanks everyone, appreciate the input. Am thinking the NP.

Gorgo

VIC

5108 posts

27 May 2019 11:49am

www.vaikobi.com/collections/men/products/new-v3-ocean-racing-pfd-fluro-yellow-grey

Nelle

VIC

109 posts

27 May 2019 5:57pm

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

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

27 May 2019 6:28pm

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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.

BSN101

2378 posts

27 May 2019 6:48pm

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Orange Whip said..

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!

tbwonder

NSW

735 posts

28 May 2019 8:11am

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.

RAL INN

2896 posts

28 May 2019 9:43am

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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?

aussieboats

NSW

342 posts

28 May 2019 10:55am

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

BSN101

2378 posts

28 May 2019 8:59am

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aussieboats said..
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

And the knife is for peeling your apple...

Forward make some cool kit, im really liking that vest. Its just a shame that i bought a NP one just recently.

Orange Whip

QLD

1074 posts

28 May 2019 12:21pm

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BSN101 said..

Orange Whip said..

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.

gofaster

105 posts

28 May 2019 11:55am

+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.

aussieboats

NSW

342 posts

28 May 2019 2:57pm

i have a camel pack attached to the back of the forward jacket works a treat

tbwonder

NSW

735 posts

28 May 2019 11:21pm

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RAL INN said..

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.

sboardcrazy

NSW

8292 posts

1 Jun 2019 11:07am

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.

sboardcrazy

NSW

8292 posts

1 Jun 2019 11:12am

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Save your body when the big crashes come along

Looks great.. I just bought a neil pryde as i knew it would fit me. I would have considered this one especially if i'd tried one on. I'd love to try on your's at Budgy next time....

Swindy

456 posts

3 Jul 2019 5:04pm

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.

Tony Polony

NSW

340 posts

4 Jul 2019 6:37am

Nice one Rog. Which retailer did you get it from?

srtgumbee

112 posts

4 Jul 2019 6:57am

Are people using a waist harness or seat harness with the forward impact vest?

Swindy

456 posts

4 Jul 2019 10:21am

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Tony Wills said..
Nice one Rog. Which retailer did you get it from?

Just followed the link further back in this thread.

Swindy

456 posts

4 Jul 2019 10:22am

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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.

gh

NSW

153 posts

12 Aug 2019 6:07pm

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?

maxi388

QLD

19 posts

7 Jul 2020 8:58am

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Swindy 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??

olskool

QLD

2459 posts

7 Jul 2020 2:28pm

+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.

olskool

QLD

2459 posts

7 Jul 2020 2:34pm

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.

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