I’d try on a Stohlquist Cruiser.
Thanks for taking time out to answer me.
No. They are riding up because of my short torso.
I have a onyx. Not the Movevent though.
You are the 2nd person to advise me on that so I just bought one. Thanks, I hope it solves my problem.
Hope you find something that works well for you…not the same thing works out for everyone the same way because guess what we are all different…hahaha.thats a good thing.but the onyx curve movevent I really like to use out all my pfds
River kayakers often use short PFDs to fit above their spray skirts. That would be the place to look.
I have the same problem because I am very short waisted. I’m 5’ 5" overall but my upper body is more proportional to somebody 5’ 2" (long legs and long pelvis). I prefer Astral PFD’s because they seem to fit me better than other brands I’ve tried (Stohlquist, MTI, Onyx, Extrasport).
But I have still had trouble with ride-up even though my kayaks have very low lumbar backbands, I am careful to adjust the straps correctly on the vests and I usually don’t even lean against the backband when I am paddling. The PFDs are just a couple of inches too long in the body. I did get an Astral YTV (lower profile and more designed for whitewater) last year and it seems to fit better than the V8, Abba or Camano (all Astrals that I’ve collected over the years).
But I think their fit ranges may be a little oversized. Per measurements my 41" chest should be in the middle of their M/L which is why I have always bought that size. But I recently tried on a friend’s S/M Astral Abba (supposed to be 31" to 37" chest) and it actually fit me better than even the YTV M/L. It had never occurred to me to try a S/M. One drawback of ordering on line instead of buying in a store.
I borrowed a Yak brand PFD (a white water model made in the UK ) from the livery of the paddling club I tripped with when I was in England 3 years ago and I loved the fit of that, but have never been able to find them for sale this side of the pond. I guess I have a dumpy little British bod. This is similar to the one I borrowed:
https://crewsaver.com/uk/yak/9230/yak-products/pfds/16653/NewTaurus
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I have been told that at least one of Astral’s models (the one, which came after the SeaWolf, don’t remember its name) don’t have any size differences in the PFD itself. All differences between small and large models are in the length of the straps.
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Thank you for taking the time to answer. I just ordered a Stohlquist “cruiser” on the advice of a couple of other shorties. I will look up that English company though. Thanks again.
Earlier this summer we replaced our old Kokatat MsFit Tour pfds with Astral Bluejackets. The fit is wonderful. The waist band can move up and down relative to the over-the-shoulder part which lets it cover a pretty large torso length range. Only downside is fewer storage options if you are used to the pockets and lashtabs on the Kokatat.
Yes, pockets are a drawback on Astrals. Much as I like my well-ventilated older model Astral V8 for hot weather paddling, it has pathetic pockets – a tiny mesh one and a little slit that fits nothing but a tethered whistle. My other 3 are not much better compared to many of the Kokatat, NRS and Stohlquist models.
I have wondered if the NRS Ninja would be a decent fit – it’s described as: “The Ninja is a great option for adults with short torsos”
Would the type of inflatable PFD that hangs around the person’s neck and inflates when it is submerged in water work for a short-waisted paddler? I am looking at something like the Mustang Survival MIT 100 Auto Activation PFD.
One problem with an inflatable is that it will inflate when you practice self or assisted rescues. That type of practice needs to be done several times a paddling season.
Another problem is that you need to check the cartridges and replace them when necessary. Couple of years ago a MOB during the Chicago-Mackinac sailboat race resulted in the death of a sailor because of faulty cartridges on his inflatable.
That makes sense. Thank you.
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Hi there - so, I have to say first that I noticed in the reviews section that you and I both own an Advanced Elements Ultralite (purchased last year) and an Eddyline Rio (purchased this year). I am 4’11", and petite overall - usually a size 2, but also have a broader than average ribcage. I have the Onyx MoveVent in XS/S. Last year, when I used it with my Ultralite, I found that the back of the seat kept pushing it up on me. It was a little annoying but ok. Over the winter I did a lot of research and ordered an Astral V8, but it didn’t work for me at all - totally stuck out on the sides and just didn’t fit right so I returned it. But this year when I used the Onyx with my Rio for the first time, it worked great with it. No issues with the seat back pushing it up. (BTW, really loving the Rio, but also still keeping my Ultralite!)
Kokatat Hustler is great. Bought one for myself and the wife. I bought the rescue Hustler she got the regular one. World of difference not pushing up because it’s lower.
I had an ASTRAL V8 and sent it back the Hustler was way more comfortable.
I had a solquistTrekker which had a high back for 7+ years not bad either. Had few other kokatat vest before that.
And, replacing wafers & cartridges costs $24 to $48 (depending on the brand) each time I need to replace them on my auto-inflate systems previously used on my motor boat or when very infrequently used on my fishing SOT. Wafers have a shelf life and USCG/state maritime groups will check them for compliance during a safety check.
Have you had any luck with your PFD sizing? I found that the Khimera pfd from Mustang fits pretty nice for my torso. That and onyx make my favourite life preserver
Sorry it took so long for me to reply. I was told by a couple of people with same problem that the Stohlquist “Cruiser” was a good choice so I bought one and it is a great choice, very comfortable and doesn’t ride up. It’s perfect. I would recommend it to every woman with a short torso. Thanks for the input.
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