Hi all. I tried on the Astral LDB at a local dealer and have found that it fits incredibly well on me. I have a broad chest and shoulders and I have found it difficult to find a lifevest that feels right, but this one did and did not restrict my mobility at all. I know there is not much padding along the spine, but that can be fixed with the extra bouyancy insert. I have also sat in my boat with the vest on and the additional floatation in the back and it feels very natural. I see that it is not really recommended for whitewater, but what are the drawbacks? Also, is there a downside to having the 23 pounds of flotation that you get with the insert? Mobility is not an issue for me with it.

Thanks!

Did you try any of the rest of the astral range? The fit is probably similar and you can get something a bit more ww specific.

Take a look at the Aquavest... I paddle the 300 and it is simply put, the best pfd I have ever used!

Thanks for the replies.

The only other one that they had was a Tempo 200, and it did not feel as good to me.

I have been curious to try out the Auquavest 300 though.

I have a Stolquist right now, and it has never fit me correctly. I guess that is what I get for ordering a vest online and not trying it on first.

Jason,

I'm glad that you discovered the LDB at your local shop. You're right in that its super comfortable, this can be partly attributed to the front flotation panels being made from organic kapok. The LDB was designed with rec and touring paddlers in mind and the booster does allow it to crossover into the whitewater realm. Drawbacks might be that you would need to buy the booster seperate, and fit it in the jacket. Also, the shoulder straps are not reinforced as much as some of our whitewater models, so its not quite as burly if you're pulling on them...The big plus is that you get a high float jacket, and that you can switch from whitewater to a high back touring kayak.

You may want to consider the Norge as well for whitewater kayaking...

www.astralbuoyancy.com/02/norge.php


Its alson made from the same soft and conforming Organic Kapok and is full cut in the back. The shape of this vest is more suitable for whitewater kayaking.

thanks,

Bryan Owen
Astral Sales and Service
888.265.2925
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