BLUESTORM Stratus 35 Inflatable Life Jacket PFD for Adults | US Coast Guard (USCG) Approved Automatic Self Inflating Life Vest Preserver with Manual Ripcord

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Made in Japan, that's all you need to know. No but seriously this is a really nice life vest that I have no doubt will save my life if need be. A bit on the pricey side compared to others on the market but as soon as I saw it was made in Japan i knew exactly why. Do not hesitate to buy this vest!!!! Too notch!!!! Don't worry this isn't a fake review

Meets the needs of a casual paddler. Lightweight and comfortable which encourages wearing it while paddling. Easily adjusted. Self inflation is easy enough. My other PFD inflates when wet, and this one does not, but at least I can wear it while it's raining.

Very cool. East set up. One cartridge was packaged in left side ( Velcro compartment ) inside of small black slip. Goes on easy like a vest, feels very secure with curve in vest to contour to body. Secures with one buckle, fast off/on! Once the vest is on, all accessories on vest are easily accessible. Movement is not restrictive, and no huge amount of pressure on my diaphragm or lungs. Easy adjustment strap (check if you’ll fit first since there are no alternative sizes, only one ‘universal’ size) seems like quality parts- the back strap adequately pulls the neck harness away from my neck so it won’t rub/touch when I turn my head or give me a rub on the noggin (for baldies)although if I had a short(er) neck than ‘average’ I think it might touch the back of my head/neck more than I’d like just a heads up (pun dad joke intended). Everything seems quality even instructions (located in right Velcro compartment) were easy reading with all included info needed for rearming and part numbers

FYI, to minimize the packaging they pack the CO2 cartridge actually inside the velcro sealed packed vest itself on the OPPOSITE SIDE of where it will be used. It is very easy to look through all the packaging and believe no cartridge was included.Good quality and functionality. Some other vests have a method of clipping the inflation pull ring out of the way so it doesn’t accidentally snag. This one leaves it dangling, but at least it is shaped to avoid snags. The lower strap goes up high around the back so it’s just below the shoulder blades rather than down near the waist. This would make it hard to add a strap to go under the crotch as is often required. Although it doesn’t strap around the waist, waist size is the only description of my body size I can give. This vest fits well around my pretty heavy (ok, fat!) 42” waist body. However, it wouldn’t go much larger than that.

Value for money:Great value for the dollar spent Ease of use:Nice and comfortable for kayaking

These are the third brand that I’ve tried of inflatable vest, and they fit the best of all of them.We enjoy high performance boating, and I trust these with our life.

Haven't needed to use it yet, fortunately. Fit and finish are excellent. Quality materials used throughout. Bought a second one.

This life vest is a bit bulky however the build quality is very good and the fit is great. I don’t doubt it when it comes to flotation as this life vest is several steps above the normal inflatable life vest. This vest fits good and once you get used to how it sits on your neck and how it rides high on your back you will forget your wearing it. This vest has more bulk as it’s not thin and skinny but rather thick (1inch thick) as this lays on your chest. With this vest it would be overkill if you on a lake or calm water as there’s no doubt this would work from calm inland water to 20min rd off shore in some chop. This is a high quality vest and keep in mind its several levels higher than the starter inflatable life vest.