Astral V-Eight Life Jacket (PFD)

Comfortable, non-restrictive, attractive PFD -- fits women well.
September 09, 2010

Having just returned from a three day kayaking experience on the Eastern Shore in Maryland, can equivocally say that the PFD is comfortable, cool, and versatile. As a couple of others reviewers have noted, it does have the tendency to sit a little high in the back; however, did not find it restrictive in any way. All in all, can highly recommend and would purchase again.

I liked the vest so well, I bought another...
January 27, 2010

At 6'1' and 230 lbs. I found the XL vest to be lightweight, very comfortable, and cool as advertised. Other than checking the buoyancy and stability in calm, slow moving water (very adequate and stable) I haven't had the chance to use in any turbulent conditions yet. I did end up buying one for a partner that is 5'4' and 125 lbs., the S/M fits her ladies physique very well and the orange color means I will not lose her anytime soon. We use the vests mainly for canoeing and s.o.t kayaking and keep them on most of the day. My only negative is additional attachments or pockets would be helpful.

As advertized
August 16, 2009

Kept me relatively cool on a hot day. Probably as comfortable as you can get in a PFD. Seems to fit a little high in back making me look more round shouldered than I am.At 75, can't really complain.

Light-Weight / Maneuverable / Cool / Comfortable
July 30, 2009

Bought this PFD for my spouse as she is a non-swimmer. V-Eight is compact, light-weight, open/wide arm area allows full maneuverability with great range of motion, and the breath-thru mesh material makes this cool to wear in hot climates. I did notice it does ride up on her a little in the water but it does not tilt wearer forward or cause wearer to slide out. Just tubed down the Salt River in Arizona for 4 hours at 107 degrees and she enjoyed it immensely. After an hour she didn't realize she was wearing it and was confident of its protection and how it didn't hinder her getting back into the tube (after getting in and out of water). Yes a little costly, but my friends who bought cheap ones complained of discomfort and the how hot it made them. Most removed them during the river ride and what was the reason they bought them again for? Not to drown! The green color is subtle and stylish. I highly recommend this versatile PFD.

I highly recommend this pfd
July 23, 2009

This life vest, as promised, is very comfortable, cool and well cut for kayaking. it also fits a female body well. I highly recommend it.

Affordable versatility
April 26, 2009

O.K. I will admit it. I first looked at the V-Eight because it was an Astral and it was close to $100. But now I like the comforatability of the V-Eight. I live in Columbia, SC the hottest place in the south. It is very cool. I sometimes forget that I am even wearing a PFD. I have never felt that . Usually I cannot wait to get that thing off of me. Now I will be at the truck before I even think of removing it. It is compact and small fitting which allows great manueverability and great range of motion. And it is an Astral so Kudos on the style points. besides, Chicks dig it. I highly recomend this affordable yet comfortable, cool and versatile PFD to anyone at any level.

Cool to wear in hot weather as advertised.
September 22, 2008

I bought this life vest because of how it was advertised by keeping you cool in hot weather and it was right on. I went out kayaking in the hot Florida sun and didn't feel like I wanted to take the life vest off to keep cool. I highly recomend it.