I used to have the Green Jacket but struggled with getting it on and off. I recently got the Blue Jacket and also purchased the Quick Release Belt from Astral. The Blue Jacket has built in loops to run the quick release belt through, and I haven't had issues with it coming off yet. I also like that I can remove it, which I often do. My only complaints are the lighter material which you mentioned, and finding a good place to put my knife on the outside. As always, great video!
You point out a lot of issues I have as a beginner whitewater paddler. I'm usually out with one or 2 other guys (who are also beginners). I'm not rescue or swift water certed, but I need to be able to drag boats fairly often, as there are frequent swimmers. Also, my rivers are generally rocky, log filled, and shallow, with wooded hike ins and outs that really do a number on less beefy vests. Having the qr strap is super handy, but I don't want people thinking I'm trained to save 'em if we roll up on another group.
Good Topic of discussion. From my personal and professional sense of it... Astral generally speaking (tho' well made, nice gear) tends to place too much emphasis on more niche fits, fancy factor looks. Some more specifics tend to be focused on complexity of features (certainly well thought out, but also often include doodadery). Yes - there is a place or within segment/genre for that. Another point = Not so much from an outfitter/guide or wholesalers standpoint... they are somewhat cost prohibitive; meaning less bang for buck regarding something of necessity running mild to wild. I am pleased that you addressed Buoyancy!!! This is the Green Vest's achilles heel. Likely, not such a big deal for high-proficiency hard-shell kayakers; but out of a boat in ultra aerated, scary potentially longer swim conditions, and frigid or icy silt laden waters are when you rely on a PFD to work as effectively top-water plus hi-viz as possible (swimmer and rescuer perspective). Higher to High-float maximum floatation buoyancy is what I prefer especially in remote destinations multi-day. One of my all time favorites is the Universal fit Extrasport Gorge frontrunner to the NRS Big Water. All my outfitted/rental customers are issued Extrasport Sturgeon with the generous pockets, easy front access, and high buoyancy. For rescue work I use Universal Rescuer... Mainly because not only swift water use --- I also do floatplane recovery, snowmachine recovery and occasionally winter seas.
@@NikonF5user Stohlquist Rocker, after having tried out 4 PFDs. Irony is that after all of that, it has yet to used on a kayaking trip, since I was injured the entire year.
I’ve been running this off for a couple years I like it mainly because of the pocket. I’m a kinda bigger bodybuilding build and the side pockets are actually hard for me to close so I don’t use them anymore. I used to have my flip line in there but since it was hard to access I moved it and put some extra foam in them to help with flotation because I don’t float haha
I have one and wish I’d have gotten the rainbow one to match my boat. Can’t find one now. :-) The pockets on this jacket are superb - even the small side ones as you mention. I store two rolled-up cam straps for those times you need an extra. Meanwhile, I really wish that NRS or Astral would make a higher-float, low profile PFD like this with like 22 pounds of buoyancy with better colors than the red or yellow rescue jackets.
It’s a very good point. I think some of the rescue jackets look a little thinner than customer jackets. NRS Rapid Rescuer looks decent from a shape/size perspective. But only in yellow and red, and it has too many add-ons for anyone but rescue pros. I’d like something more like the GreenJacket - which has just the right amount of features - with higher flotation.
Zack, do you cut the harness strap to size on the GJ or leave it as is? It seems really long and I’ve scoured the internet and can’t find a solid answer. Thanks.
Does the jacket size change when sizing up or just the strap length? I just got a M/L since I'm a 41" chest and it's about 2-2.5" from my belly button, this sound like a proper fit to you?
the zipper on front pocket is kind of metal thing and it so irritating for me who have been using this for guding sea kayak trip because if i forget to wash it up at least every 3 days this zipper gonna rusty and so difficult to open, i like the zipper on side pocket tho its the same size like on the front pocket but its 100% plastic and super duper durable, no more worried about rusty, that's the only weakness i think on my green jacket
I was told today that the Green Jacket isn't too good for new/intermediate paddlers as it can be dangerous (hard to get out of) if you aren't experienced with it. Would you say that is true and if yes, why?😅 (I'm quite interested in gathering new information, so yeah.)
I'm not sure if I would call this PFD dangerous because it's hard to get out of. In some very rare situations it might make sense to remove your PFD but I don't think that very rare circumstance is a reason a beginner shouldn't get a Green Jacket. I don't think a new paddler should get it because they don't need the safety harness and it's expensive. For most people the Astral Blue Jacket is better.
I've noticed you using the Palme Nevis more and more often in videos lately, has it grown on you since the initial preview video compared to the Green Jacket as your new go-to for safety kayak/guiding harder rivers?
I like the Nevis for rafting more since it has a little more flotation and there are pockets under the main pocket that I absolutely love for storing my flip line and some simple rescue gear. For hardshell kayaking I find the Nevis a bit bulky so I still use my Green Jacket.
@@GearGarageTV That's a great distinction, thanks! I'm looking for a more technically oriented vest for whitewater packrafting compared to the Astral YTV and have been stuck between these two - appreciate your insight, in general I'm a huge fan of more flotation and willing to trade a bit to get it since packrafting = swimming instead of rolling most of the time :)
@@ZacharyCollier More pocket space/room, attachment points, safety harness (sorry if not using the right lingo re: technically oriented, I mainly meant "feature rich")
