Why have they stopped making this jacket? Just wondering if anyone knows the reason. Mine is getting a bit long in the tooth and I'm thinking of replacing it.

This is their current line up:
www.astralbuoyancy.com/products/

Thanks,
Adrian

I suppose the Green Jacket replaced it. The 300 has got a lot of fans though.

The Green Jacket is way better imo, as far as foam distribution. It does have a few big changes, other than the shape. The shoulder straps are now reinforced webbing, so they won't flex like on the 300. There is no longer a pocket on the sleeve. However, the green jacket is better on every other aspect imo. If you liked the 300, check out the Stohlquist Descent. It has a similar shoulder strap design, a big front pocket that you can put a 50' stohlquist rope in, and a few other nice features like padding on the shoulder for portages/hikes, a velcro strip to keep the ring centered when not in use (similar to Extrasport), and is probably the most similar design to the 300 currently on the market. I like my Pro Creeker, and can say that it performs just as well as any other PFD out there. I have never had a problem with it riding up, and it never gets in the way.

I would say the 5 you should consider are the Ronin Pro, Pro Creeker, Green Jacket, Descent, and PeakUK River Guide (actually really comfortable, despite the looks, and a huge front pocket).

CJCC, did you paddle the 300 and now use the Green Jacket because then I'd know you were backing up what you said with experience not just speculation

I'll have a look at that Stohlquist just now, thanks!

Pity it was replaced. Why not just introduce a new model without sacking the old? It takes so much time and effort (and money) to get a new model in production and it had many fans (like me) it doesn't make economical sense to have sacked it, not to me anyway

I have paddled with a good amount of people, and most seem to have the 300 or GJ. I would guess 90% use the GJ and 10% use the 300, for the guys that use rescue vests. That said, my SWR instructor still uses his 300, even though he has Green Jackets available. It comes down to how each PFD feels on you, since everyone's body is different.

Here's the CKS review, and it makes a few comparisons to the 300 if you are interested. cksblog.com/?p=774

Most people seem to say that once their 300 wears out, they will get/got a green jacket, fyi.

Great stuff! Thanks for the info and the link. Seems sizing is a bit of an issue for them. Good read:)

The Descent is also running about a half size small. My dad fit in my old Stohlquist XS/S Flowter, and had to get a L/XL Descent. I wear an XS Extrasport and fit well in a M/L Green Jacket. I have a chest around 32"ish last time I measured, and a waist around 30" or so.

Interesting. Do you know what size does it go up to? I'm 6', 185lbs with a 34" waist and a 46" chest. Wonder what size I'd go for...

That Ronin looks pretty sweet too.

If I were you, I would go L/XL on the Green Jacket, not sure about the other ones. You would probably get more help on sizing from Boatertalk. It says from 45"-51" chest size on the Astral site. Alternately, email Bryan Owen at Astral and get his opinion. www.astralbuoyancy.com/contact/

I looked at the Kokatat as well, but the availability wasn't there and it didn't seem to be made to wrap around your body like the Astral, Stohlquist, or Extrasport. And fyi the PeakUK has a QR belt that is really thin and feels like a seatbelt imo.

Well, I won't be buying yet. I have almost zero cash and need a job ASAP

I checked out that Stohlquist Descent. Looks very cool. Even the Extrasport Pro Creeker too. I meant the Ronin Pro, not the normal Ronin from Kokatat. Decisions, decisions because I was very happy with my Astral... Let's see. Shot for the heads up!

I have a palm fusion (no budget for more) and it gets a bit loose on my shoulders.

Does anyone knows if this problem will be fixed with Kokotat ronin pro??


Thanks

The Ronin Pro is available in the US, Canada, and Europe. It is a front entry and wraparound side protection. More infor here www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=rnp

Matt
Kokatat Watersports
www.kokatat.com

Adrian, I have a few Aquavest 300's in stock still. Shoot me an Email at [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] with your size and I will see if I got what you need.

Ryan Wiegel

Matt, I would love to have a Ronin, but the problem is that here it costs half of the minimum salary.


Every thing that is sold here... is the same number, but on Euros...


And thats a lot of money in Euros.