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 1st saw 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 unristrictive. A swim test showed that the bouyancy was spot on for my 14st bulk.

The entrie fit of the PFD is adjusted via only two straps, that do a zed over the back so when fastened it tightens everything up.  The straps also fold back and get stored away in a hook.  A waist belt is also provided to aid the fit. I found the technique of getting the PFD to stay put is to fasten this waist belt first and then adjust the other straps. Everytime I have fastened it this way the PFD has stayed in the correct position.

The front pocket is big enough to store a camera or snack etc. Behind the pocket is a hard warmer tunnel. A great addition for boating in the UK. Another small pocket (suitable for a knife) is located on the shoulder strap along with an accessory tether point.

The rear of the PFD has a pocket that will hold a hydration system like the camelback or platypus products. Astral produce one themselves but similar products on the market fit just as well.

A womens specific AV200 (the Wondervest) is also available along with a full on river running model.

The PFD is US Coastguard approved but not CE approved. So please bare this in mind if you purchase one to use in compettion.

I think it would be quite possible to just talk up this PFD for eternity!! It good - go try one if you can.  Let me know what you think.