Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Firstly the Astral YTV PFD is not available in Europe but thanks to the Internet it is super easy to get hold of one.
I have had mine for a number of weeks and was able to put it through its paces on whitewater for the first time this week. A full review will be published in a couple of months, so in the meantime here is a little detail on the YTV Continue reading
Although not available in Europe I managed to get hold of the new Astral YTV PFD for review.
As yet it hasn’t been used in anger but first impressions are pretty good. Super light and super slim (unlike the model).
Below are a few shots of what must be a prototype Palm FX PFD. The front of the PFD looks the same as the production models with the exception of the zip pull running in the opposite direction.
The straps (other than colour) look just the same as the production models. Continue reading
I was never really a big fan of the previous Astral Green Jacket. I loved the features and the design but it simply didn’t fit me very well.
For 2013 the Astral Green Jacket has been tweaked and I had the chance to check out its new features and try it in the dry. Therefore I am unable to comment of what it is like to swim/paddle wearing the Green Jacket at this stage. UPDATE: Full review here.
The Willis from Astral is a super slim PFD. The PFD has a number of features in common with the very popular green jacket.
This includes a buckle system that allows side entry into the PFD, a front throw bag storage compartment, and a deep front pocket. A knife attachment point and reflective detailing complete the front of the PFD.
The rear of the Willis is a no nonsense affair and has a very clean design.
Continue readingThe Palm Helix is billed as the ultimate play vest. RRP is around £80, but a search of a few UK Kayak stores will reveal that a brand new Helix can be had for less than £45!
I have been using the Palm Extrem Vest for the past year as my main PFD. I must admit that from the start I was a little sceptical about the front opening system and did have a debate with myself about whether or not I should have bought the over the head Amp vest.
After 12 months of use I am now ready to commit my thoughts to the site.
From Palm:
I come from a background of never having experience with Phil Curry’s previous Lotus designs. I had of course seen them around the web some years back as well as in the flesh when I was out in the US.
I first spied the Astral AV200 on boaterinformation.com. It looked pretty good and seemed to be pretty well thought out. I ordered one!
Well I have not been disappointed. The construction is great. The stiching is close to a work of art – obviously good quality control.
The fit is good I found that the XS-M size was best for me as it fits upto a 42inch chest! The PFD is low profile and unrestrictive. A swim test showed that the bouyancy was spot on for my 14st bulk.
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