Last winter and spring were my first rowing my Watermaster on coastal rivers. I used an inflatable pfd that I've since learned doesn't provide sufficient protection. Can anyone recommend a specific pfd as good quality? I see REI has Stohlquist vests and then there's NRS. Thank you in advance!
I tried on both the NRS Chinook and Stohlquist Fisherman, I ended up going with the Stohlquist as it was more comfortable.
I showed up pretty much set on getting the chinook but the shop rat said I should try on a few others since they're all a bit different. He was right. I really recommend trying them on before you buy one, the cost of an ill fitting PFD could be more than monetary.
Nrs gear is like the walmart of rafting gear. I still am amazed why people use it, its not that cheap and it is all Chinese and constantly has safety recalls. Their frames are heavy and rattle and squeek,they always carry another vendors gear until they can have it ripped off with a slight change in China then they dump the original vendor. May be just me but I don't support them for that reason. Everyone raves about the customer service and yes it is good. But to keep replacing something for you because it never worked and they paid 8.00 for it and sold it to you for 75.00 seems a little crazy to me?
there marketing plan works. They have short lead times, and carry a myriad of parts in stock.
I will agree with you that most of there shit is overpriced, but they kill it on the logistics game.
As opposed to all of the US built PFDs... Just because NRS is big doesn't make them bad. They found a good balance of value and have done very well with it. I think their dry bags represent their niche very well. Not as nice as Watershed but half the price. Not as cheesy as Seattle Sports but a little more expensive.
Not sure if the OP planned to wear it while fishing or not. If so the 2 UA mentioned are both great. If you don't plan to wear it while fishing I may suggest something a little less cumbersome. I really like my NRS Ninja. I use it for WW kayaking, sailing, and rowing my raft. It just has one big pad in the front and the back so it doesn't bind on your shoulders/armpits at all. I often forget its even on. Super simple strap system so its easy on/off although it is an over-the-head style. Price point isn't too bad either for something that will work in class 4-5 conditions.
Totez you are correct about their logistics, DRE is just fittings to me and seem popular in Colorado but I don't see why someone couldn't make that at home. I am more into the custom welded frames my self. I wish people would support more local river stores than NRS , people complain there aren't any local stores then order online from NRS and the local boys close shop, even when I can't find it at my local store I find another mom and pops to order from to keep those guys going. Just the way I do it for me.
i built mine as cross inspired DRE and NRS. I used the 1.25" pipe with speed rail. I stole alot of the measurements straight from NRS for my anchor bracket.
I wish i knew how to weld, because my next raft is gonna be a fixed one with three modules
Thanks you for the input. I see REI carries the Stohlguist, so I'll start there as I can try it on. It looks like the sizing can easily be adjusted which think would be key as I fish winter and summer.
I use a Stearns Universal, which has a center work platform for holding flies etc. and a NRS Chinook, which is comfortable but I detest the small pockets. They both serve the purpose but I would certainly try the various ones on before buying, something that I did not do. The Chinook is more adjustable.
+1 for the chinook. It's very comfortable and I don't have a problem wearing it all day. I think it's good advice to find one that is comfortable, because you'll likely wear it more. Most PFD's actually suck pretty bad if you don't wear them.
As for the pockets on the chinook - it has way too many. I get lost in those damn pockets. It takes me about 10m to remember where I put my lighter.
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