Categories: Travel

The 5 Best Personal Flotation Devices for Men – Reviews

Stohlquist Descent Personal Flotation Device – Men’s Kokatat Maximus Personal Flotation Device – Men’s Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device – Men’s Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device – Men’s Kokatat Maximus Prime Personal Flotation Device – Men’s
Rating ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
Brand Stohlquist Stohlquist Kokatat Kokatat Stohlquist
Closure side zipper side zipper side entry side entry side zipper
Flotation / Buoyancy 16 lb 8 oz 16 lb 8 oz [XS/S] 16 lb 5 oz, [M/L] 17 lb 5 oz, [XL/XXL] 18 lb [XS/S] 16 lb 5 oz, [M/L] 17 lb 5 oz, [XL/XXL] 18 lb 16 lb 8 oz
Manufacturer Warranty lifetime lifetime lifetime lifetime lifetime
Pockets 1 mesh bottle, 1 large zip layered pocket system 1 large front, 1 electronic 1 large front 1 mesh bottle, 1 large zip
Recommended Use kayaking, rafting high performance kayaking rescue paddling kayaking, rafting
Tow Compatibility no yes yes no
USCG Approved type III type III type V type III type III

Stohlquist Descent Personal Flotation Device – Men’s

Paddlers who need top-grade performance—from serious river rats to professional first responders—choose the Stohlquist Descent Personal Flotation Device. This PFD works for Type V strong swimmers and uses its excellent fit and performance to aid you in high-pressure situations. Rescue-compatible with a quick-release belt and tow tether, the Descent excels when you’re pushing your limits.

  • Wrapture shaped torso utilizes articulated foam and convex interior seams to provide a close but comfortable fit
  • Low-cut, offset front-zip entry adds to low profile
  • Cross-cinch harness and Grip-Loc non-slip neoprene panel on the interior eliminate annoying ride-up and subsequent chafing
  • Textured panels and stiffeners as well as contoured padding protect your shoulders during portages
  • Free-floating suspended shoulders stretch as you move
  • Stainless steel anchor points allow for crotch harness attachment
  • Pockets include easy-access garage on top, hands-free expandable mesh beverage pocket, high-capacity main front pocket
  • 3M reflective accents enhance your visibility
  • Item #STO0048

Kokatat Maximus Personal Flotation Device – Men’s

Kokatat made the Maximus Personal Flotation Device for whitewater boaters and aggressive sea kayakers who prefer to hit the water with the extra protection of a full-size vest. The type-three Maximus puts all the webbing adjustments up front where they’re easy to reach, while wide neoprene shoulder panels and a free-floating front flotation panel give you the freedom of movement required to boof, cartwheel, loop, and carve the face of ocean waves without feeling held back. In terms of added features, the Maximus is a step down from the Prime (a vest designed specifically for whitewater rescuers), but offers the same adjustable fit, side-entry closure, and full-size protection at a lower price tag.

  • Type III rating identifies this as a performance PFD designed specifically for swift-moving water and whitewater
  • Outer shell is made of 500D Cordura that’s not only extremely durable, but it’s also quick-drying
  • Gaia foam is PVC-free to make it more friendly to the environment and it provides reliable, high-performance flotation a rescuer or serious paddler can count on
  • Front-And-Center webbing adjustments give you quick, one-pull adjustment of the fit of your PFD
  • Side-entry design ensures that you immediately get the correct fit at the shoulders and around the torso
  • Rugged, side-entry zipper sits low and close to the PFD and it’s capable of withstanding season-after-season of use on the river
  • Shoulder straps feature soft neoprene material and a wide cut that ensures ultimate mobility and comfort
  • Front flotation panels and webbing adjustments use a Dynamic Suspension System design that ensures the most unrestricted range of motion around your core
  • Other features include a front lash tab and a strobe anchor at the back of the PFD
  • Large front pocket is gusseted to make it easy to stash waterproof electronics or safety tools in the front of your PFD
  • Item #KOK0145

Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device – Men’s

Whitewater makes your mouth water and rapids get your heart pumping (in the good way). Sounds like the Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device is right up your alley. Designed as a high-performance piece for boaters who live to shoot tight vees and send the occasional ‘fall or two, this PFD adjusts to fit like a glove. Stash your small, essential emergency gear on the accessory lashes, and slide a cold one into the front before you raise the pirate flag for a four-day charge through the canyons.

  • Ergonomic Wrapture torso shape dials the fit of this vest to hug your core with a curve rather than feeling like a brick on your chest and back
  • Free-floating shoulder straps stretch so you can move with ultimate ease and feature a tough surface material for portaging and protection
  • Non-slip panel inside the chest helps to minimize or eliminate ride-up when you’re moving in the water
  • Six adjustment points have straps at the side, front waist, and the Cross-chest cinch
  • High-visibility 3M reflective accents make you easier to spot in the dark
  • Stohlquist paid attention to small details by adding a secure D-ring for your whistle, a hands-free front bevy pocket, large main pocket, and accessory lash-tabs for your knife or strobe
  • Item #STO0049

Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device – Men’s

Whitewater makes your mouth water and rapids get your heart pumping (in the good way). Sounds like the Stohlquist Rocker Personal Flotation Device is right up your alley. Designed as a high-performance piece for boaters who live to shoot tight vees and send the occasional ‘fall or two, this PFD adjusts to fit like a glove. Stash your small, essential emergency gear on the accessory lashes, and slide a cold one into the front before you raise the pirate flag for a four-day charge through the canyons.

  • Ergonomic Wrapture torso shape dials the fit of this vest to hug your core with a curve rather than feeling like a brick on your chest and back
  • Free-floating shoulder straps stretch so you can move with ultimate ease and feature a tough surface material for portaging and protection
  • Non-slip panel inside the chest helps to minimize or eliminate ride-up when you’re moving in the water
  • Six adjustment points have straps at the side, front waist, and the Cross-chest cinch
  • High-visibility 3M reflective accents make you easier to spot in the dark
  • Stohlquist paid attention to small details by adding a secure D-ring for your whistle, a hands-free front bevy pocket, large main pocket, and accessory lash-tabs for your knife or strobe
  • Item #STO0049

Kokatat Maximus Prime Personal Flotation Device – Men’s

Designed specifically for swift-water rescuers and whitewater professionals, the Kokatat Maximus Prime Personal Flotation Device is a full-featured vest that can handle season after season of abuse at the hands of the hardest paddlers in the river. Burly 500D Cordura resists abrasion and the environmentally friendly Gaia foam offers high-performance flotation. It’s stacked with safety features like a front lash tab that serves as a mounting point for essential gear, a quick-release chest harness and stretch mesh sleeve that accommodate a rescue tow tether, and an anchor for a strobe light at the back. And while you’ll find many of these same safety features on the two other Kokatat class-V PFDs, the slimmer Ronin Pro and the more spartan Guide, the Maximus Prime offers the most chest protection, the widest shoulder straps, and the added security of dual front webbing adjustments, making it the ultimate solution for those looking for a professional-grade tool for rescue or heavy whitewater.

  • Type V rating identifies this as a special-use PFD designed for kayaking and swift-water rescue
  • Outer shell is made of 500D Cordura that’s not only extremely durable, but it’s also quick-drying
  • Gaia foam is PVC-free to make it more friendly to the environment and it provides reliable, high-performance flotation a rescuer or serious paddler can count on
  • Front-And-Center webbing adjustments give you quick, one-pull adjustment of the fit of your PFD
  • Side-entry design ensures that you immediately get the correct fit at the shoulders and around the torso
  • Rugged, side-entry zipper sits low and close to the PFD and it’s capable of withstanding season-after-season of use on the river
  • Shoulder straps feature soft neoprene material and a wide cut that ensures ultimate mobility and comfort
  • Front flotation panels and webbing adjustments use a Dynamic Suspension System design that ensures the most unrestricted range of motion around your core
  • Other features include a front lash tab and a strobe anchor at the back of the PFD
  • Large front pocket is gusseted to make it easy to stash waterproof electronics or safety tools in the front of your PFD
  • O-Ring attachment point, front chest-harness quick release, and tether/tow system further the rescue capabilities and safety of this PFD
  • Inner liner utilizes a soft, warm material that can be used to warm your hands when you eddy out and have a break in the action on the cold, cold river water
  • Stretch mesh sleeve enables the use of a cowtail or River Tow Tether
  • Item #KOK0144
Martin M. King

Hi! Welcome to my review project dedicated to outdoor activity. I have great experience in hiking, camping, and fishing. I'm ready to share it with you. Hope it will be useful for you.

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Martin M. King

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