It’s been a few years since Palm release a basic PFD. The Palm Equipment Alpha PFD is exactly that, a no frills back to basics PFD that is also ICF approved so can be used by paddlers in whitewater slalom.
What you get is a slab over the head PFD with adjustability at the shoulder and waist. The PFD is constructed from a light weight ripstop nylon (in this case Jet grey) with contrasting straps and logo in aqua. This matches the new 2015 Palm Fuse perfectly.
Inside of the Alpha is a small pocket. You could fit a key in there or indeed anything else of a similar size. The pocket is fastened using a strip of Velcro and has plastic D Ring inside to clip your keys into.
The straps used in the Alpha have good quality buckles. The shoulder straps even have a small amount of padding.
As yet I haven’t tried the PFD in anger. But given the multiple adjustment points and the inclusion of Palm’s rubber strip to the waist band of the Alpha I am confident that when I use it in my swim test that it will still in place.
Specs:
Sizing Vs Bouyancy
XXS (40N)
XS/S (50N)
M/L (60N)
XL/XXL (70N)
Materials – Nylon 50D ripstop
Entry – Pullover entry
Fit – Comfort Fit
Safety features – Bartacked shoulder straps with pulley adjustment
Adjustment – 3D anti ride-up waist belt and Easy Glide straps
Pockets – Slimline internal velcro pocket
Weight – 607 g (M/L)
Certification – EN ISO 12402-5 / 12402-6 ICF 6.12 kg
Other Features – Mix of PVC and EPE foam for optimal balance of weight and flexibility
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