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Review Summary
2024-10-15T16:51:55
In brief summary: I did purchase the Rapid Responder PFD but would have preferred an NRS Big Water Guide PFD with back-up buckles (the front zip has no retention system) and minus the MOLLE system. However, I do rather enjoy my ability to float higher in the water and the jacket is quite comfortable. Detailed: - I have recently completed my 29th season as a commercial river guide. I am about 5 ft 9 in tall and about 220 lbs. - My favorite PFD ever has been the Astral Ringo, a side entry. Either my Ringo got old, or I grew too much, probably a combination ??. I took a decent swim and wasn't floating high enough for my liking and so decided to look into a high-float PFD. (I was hoping to find a high float Ringo.) - I do not like crawling into my PFD from the bottom (sorry Green and Indus jackets). Since I could not find a side entry high float, I looked into front zips and the Big Water Guide series of jackets. (The Rapid Responder is basically a Big Water Guide with extras). - The Big Water Guide is a front zip; if it would have had back-up buckles, I would have bought that jacket. A front zip with no zipper retention or back-up buckles can be disconcerting if an especially energetic swim unzips your jacket. (Voice of experience) - I'm not a fan of the half of my jacket covered in MOLLE, nor really a fan of all the Velcro fuzz. (I came out of the woods after an evac with many little things stuck in my PFD's fuzz). But I do enjoy floating. - Despite the appearance of the quick release buckle being in the middle of the jacket, I find that mine tends to shift more to my right, and sometimes gets in the way of my guiding (I guide from the right and my paddle commonly catches on the quick release buckle). I DO however like the snug feeling of the belt around my body, it feels reassuring, like my PFD is not going to ride up or go anywhere. I did remove the live bait ring. - I did purchase the leg straps, just in case... As stated in a different Q&A, there are no loops to attach them to in this PFD, but there are on the Big Water Guide jacket. I figured if I took a big swim and my jacket rode up, I would find a way to attach them. I haven't taken such a swim as of yet (knock on wood) and as I said earlier, the belt provides a lot of reassurance that I won't need the leg straps. - I do wish there were pockets. Yes, the Big Water Guide has 2 gear pockets and a place to put your hands. The Rapid Responder does not. Yes, it has the MOLLE system (as does the Big Water Guide jacket, although less of it), but I am not looking to attach things to the outside of my jacket that aren't smoothly built there. - Thank you for reading this far. In the end, if the Big Water Guide jacket and the Rapid Responder jacket had a child, with some DNA manipulation, I believe there's a better mix of bells and whistles for the everyday use PFD of a commercial river guide. ??
Dave M.

2023-06-22T15:10:01
As a first responder need something durable and plenty of place to put the gear I need to do my job this jacket offers that to me
Bryan E.

2023-03-02T05:30:37
Fits well, well made. Easy to to put on and take off.
Kyle W.

400-denier ripstop nylon
V
High
Front zip
MOLLE Accessory attachment system
2 - Front
Side: 4
Shoulder: 2
Waist: 2
95N/22 lbs (9.98kg)
3.15 lbs (1.43kg)
603403482291
Good pfd
By Bryan E.
As a first responder need something durable and plenty of place to put the gear I need to do my job this jacket offers that to me
Professional guide for 15 years
By Kyle W.
Fits well, well made. Easy to to put on and take off.
Advanced Protection for Rescue Scenarios
Engineered for rescue professionals operating in hazardous environments, this Type V PFD provides functional adaptability and certified flotation in fast-moving water. The shell is made from 400-denier ripstop nylon, offering durability against abrasion and puncture risks often encountered during swiftwater deployments. Its high-profile flotation design delivers 95 Newtons of buoyancy, meeting US Coast Guard Type V standards through independent testing by Underwriters Laboratories.
Streamlined Structure for Movement and Fit
Mobility and ergonomic fit are enhanced through a four-panel front layout, allowing for upper body flexibility without compromising support. A single thin foam panel in the back reduces bulk for easier positioning in boats and tight environments. The front zip closure ensures a quick, secure fit and is backed by buckle straps for added safety under tension. A wide adjustment range supports chest sizes from 32 to 56 inches, with eight points of adjustment at the shoulders, waist, and sides for personalized fit control.
Critical Gear Integration and Tether Support
A built-in quick-release rescue belt with an anodized aluminum ring enables live bait and tether-based extraction methods. The interior harness system provides stability during high-force rescues, while webbing loops at the base allow for connection of leg straps when needed. Two lash tabs on the front serve as mounting points for strobes, knives, or other compact gear. These load-bearing features make it easier to deploy essential tools without restricting movement.
Identification and Visibility Features
Reflective safety elements meet SOLAS standards, helping increase visibility in low-light or nighttime operations. The jacket supports clear agency identification with two 4 x 4" hook-and-loop panels on the chest and a 10.5 x 4" strip across the upper back for placards or unit tags. These features allow responders to organize and identify personnel quickly in multi-agency deployments or fast-evolving field environments.
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