NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD Vest Universal

2024-06-06T14:15:16

Nice jacket, but like most eescue PFDs a few too many bells and whistles. I like the high flowtation and sase to putting on. Also the lack of a giant sternum pock, makes getting onto a flipped raft easier.

David L.

Originally posted at

2022-01-13T11:06:12

Best PFD I?ve ever seen. Love it. It?s my winter time jacket for solo Everglades trips. Can?t screw up there.

Chad G.

Originally posted at

2020-10-16T10:05:08

Nice jacket for an extra large person. Very adjustable

orlo

Originally posted at

2020-08-31T15:09:12

Very good quality vest

Rodolfo E.

Originally posted at

2019-11-13T19:00:01

I am a swift water rescue technician and instead of my department buying all my water rescue gear, I bought mine out of pocket because I wanted the best of the best. This PFD so far is the best I've ever seen and worn. The only reason I give it 4 stars because the two lower clip pockets on the front to carry equipment and accessories have weak stitching that attaches the pockets to the vest itself. I carry webbing and rope in one pocket and two aluminum carabiners and two small 13mm pulleys in a velcro tab mesh bag in the other pocket, but just from that alone the pockets have already started de-threading and coming loose a little from the PFD itself and I've had this PFD only since July of this year (2019). Obviously if they were to rip more and I couldn't use the pockets the PFD would still be more than effective and great during my rescue work, just a bit of a disappointment considering how much great workmanship goes into the rest of the PFD and also because of how costly the PFD is. Other than that minor issue, I still recommend this PFD over any other one.

Kristen

Originally posted at

2019-03-01T05:17:42

Excellent worked very well with our swift water and boat training.

Johnny B.

2018-08-26T12:21:53

Very good product sturdy and well made.

Scotty J.

2018-06-06T20:00:01

Agreed with a previous review, shoulder straps don't stay in place.

Daddy O.

Originally posted at

2017-12-14T19:00:00

I wanted the extra security that the increased flotation provides. I have not got it wet yet but my boys and I are rafting in Siberia next summer. !

Canuck

Originally posted at

2017-07-24T20:00:00

Great.

RM

Originally posted at

2016-05-29T20:00:01

This is the third rescue vest I have purchased. I returned the other two because they were too bulky, too hard to get into, too uncomfortable. I just spent 3 days training in swiftwater rescue and had no issues with this vest. My guess is that they have fixed the problem with the shoulder adjustment straps loosening others have referred to as that was never an issue. I was a little skeptical of the one size fits all. I am 6'1" 205 with a barrel chest and it is plenty adjustable. A truly large man might have some trouble getting a proper fit. The extra flotation is really nice and the vest is every bit as comfortable as my Class III vest. Yes, it is a bit more bulky, but you don't get something for nothing.

White B.

Originally posted at

2016-05-03T20:00:01

Fits good and the flat flotation make self-rescue easy.

John

Originally posted at

2016-03-22T20:00:01

Plenty of attachment points for additional safety gear (whistle, light, knife, etc.)

Pony

Originally posted at

2015-12-29T19:00:01

These PFD's are currently on our rescue for our swift water rescue team . They are easy to use and fit a variety of sizes . It would be nice if there were two back attachment points for the crotch straps similar to the two on the front. Otherwise this works well for our needs

Sarge

Originally posted at

2015-04-12T20:00:01

I purchased the jacket just before I took a 2 day river rescue course, so I got to test this jacket's abilities on the first day I wore it. I was a little nervous about the wide range of sizing this jacket adjusts to, I wanted something that fit me very well. I have a long torso and short body, and I am barrel chested. I was able to quickly adjust it to fit me before starting a 2 day rescue course. The jacket worked perfectly, never rode up, and I never had to re-adjust it. I have seen other jackets that have tool loops sewn on the should straps, I wish this jacket could accommodate that, or I'd like to see loops on the inside of the cavernous packets for positive retention of 'biners and pulleys.

Learch

Originally posted at

2014-09-29T20:00:01

I used this in a very aggressive two day ocean and swift water river rescue course. The PFD performed great during each evolution of training and only added to my ability to learn and perform. I only wish there was a better way to keep the shoulder straps from twisting.

KFD 8.

Originally posted at

2014-09-28T20:00:01

After many years of using my old, bulky, high profile PFD, I decided that it was time for me to invest in a newer model. After much time, consideration and thought, I finally found a nicer life jacket to buy. I decided to buy the N.R.S. rapid rescuer. When I first got this PFD in the mail, I noticed several things. The first few things I notice were how much more comfortable compared to my old bulky PFD. I liked the pockets where the right one is the perfect size to hold a water-bottle and the left one is great for a carabiner and a nose-plug. When I first tried it in whitewater, I liked how much floatation it had and how it didn't ride up on me. I have swam many class four rapids wearing this lifejacket and it has safely gotten me through all of them. I wore it on a twenty one day rafting trip down the Colorado and it was comfy and convenient the whole trip. The only time I wasn't happy with this PFD was when we slept on the rafts the last day and it was hard to get comfortable in. The lifejacket was easily adjusted to fit me the way it should. The biggest issue I had with this lifejacket was the shoulder straps don't stay adjusted. It's not the funnest thing when you're on a class four river and keep getting hit in the face with straps. It is very annoying. After days of tightening the shoulder strap, I finally decided to just tie the strap while it's tightened. It has been bothering me less since. Once I tried to put my guide knife on it, I noticed that the lash tab was much larger than I think it needs to be. It made attaching my knife very difficult. The lash tabs were also in an awkward place. The handle of the knife sticks out at a funny angle which is very annoying when climbing into rafts. I'm giving this PFD a four star rating because while it has it's quirks, it's one of the nicest PFDs I've ever used.

Paddling e.

Originally posted at

2014-08-09T20:00:01

Great PFD for the price. Pretty sure I read other reviews complaining about the shoulder pads not staying in place, and I have the same complaint. NRS could easily fix this issue by putting a couple extra stitches on the loop so it holds the strap in the middle of the pad. I put a couple on by hand and I'm looking forward to the next trip.

Brian

Originally posted at

2014-06-15T20:00:00

I was concerned that the lifejacket might not work well when I am in the cockpit of my kayak with a skirt on. However, I was pleasantly suprized that it works perfect. I am 6'1" and 260 pounds and it's perfect

dhershman

Originally posted at

2014-03-30T20:00:01

Tha sholder straps come off the pads when in use and the belt is way over the top for most uses otherwise a fine life vest!

bigfoot o.

Originally posted at

2013-07-03T20:00:01

I wear this whenever I'm out on the water. Love the multi-part adjustments and fits great. Took it out when I was rolling my new kayak and found that it can ride up when in water, but found that I missed a buckle. Got the NRS Tow Tether as well for the vest and the two work great. Overall great product but a little excessive for recreational wear.

Kirk

Originally posted at

2013-05-16T20:00:00

My Searce and Rescue team uses this exact type. I liked the fit and bought my own.

Max A.

Originally posted at

2012-08-26T20:00:01

My Chest is big, the PFD is perfectly adjustable to it and gives you an armour protection feeling in case you hit rocks. I tighten it snugly and it feel comfortable too. excellent buoyancy, best ventilation on a type V pfd. Pockets, D rings and clamps are more than desired. Only, I'd make a better protection for shoulder straps: the current design seems not able to keep the protections in place.

Carlo

Originally posted at

2012-05-24T20:00:00

I went with the creek rescuer instead... way more comfortable

vidiot42

Originally posted at

2012-03-07T19:00:01

PRO:I could never say enough good things about this PFD! I am an adventure guide and LOVE how much this thing can hold! You can even fit a 32oz Nalgene in one pocket with a radio in the other! The built-in tow/rescue system is GREAT for towing stranded paddlers. It feels like the entire jacket is getting pulled on, not just your waist... The universal mounting locations are in great positions for maximum accessibility. Strobe over the shoulder is high enough to be seen nearly at any angle. Multiple knife locations that don't interfere with the zip up and reflective stripes all the way around.CON:Yes it is heavy and yes it does restrict your torsional movement alittle. To me that doesn't matter because of how useful and great the PFD feels. The weight seems irrelevant once you get use to it. The ONLY thing I would change is the pads for the shoulder straps never seem to stay in place...(they flip in our out leaving the webbing on your shoulder)BOTTOMLINE:I will buy this PFT until I die... It is the single best PFD I have ever used, is especially good in those "oh [*]" scenarios. 22lbs of flotations feels like you glued on the surface.

Will G.

Originally posted at

2011-08-30T20:00:01

Bigger water

Cam

Originally posted at

2011-08-18T20:00:00

The jacket feels comfortable and allows for alot of movement. The extra lash points are handy. I really appreciate the big pockets. I can fit extra rescue stuff in one and a full can of beer in the other.

hapyakker

Originally posted at

2011-07-19T20:00:01

For a guide PFD, it's pretty good, although, I haven't even used it for a season yet, and it's starting to get a little weather-beaten already. I ordered the Red color choice v.s. the Yellow, and the 22lbs. of flotation works exceptionally well, except the zipper can pull down a bit. As a bigger guy, I do feel a bit of restriction and snugness on the lowest buckle strap, and it sometimes pinches my rib cage. Other than that, an exceptional PFD in EVERY WAY! Plenty of storage, and well-made. I will report back in due time how it's holding up. So far, so good......

Ben G.

Originally posted at

2011-07-10T20:00:00

i've only had this pfd for about a month but i did happen to go for a swim last week, and the pfd performed perfectly. it didn't ride up on me, and had plenty of flotation to surface me to the top and im 6 foot 200lbs. i like all the extra lash tabs, and storage pockets to carry your gear and keep it close at hand. i had a nrs big water guide jacket prior to this pfd and i prefer the larger upper straps on my big water guide to the thinner ones on the rescuer. i've only had this pfd for a month so ill let you know how its doing later this year. i really like the 22 lbs of flotation in this pfd, and that was my deciding factor in purchasing it. this jacket is also very adjustable so it can fit about anyone.

mad t.

Originally posted at

2011-05-20T20:00:01

I bought this PFD for a trip down the Grand Canyon. I wanted more floatation which this thing has. I'm 5'10' 210 lbs. I was thrown from my boat and ultimately swam Lava. I felt like this PFD helped keep my head up and me safe. Comfort was also a big factor. By the end of the trip this jacket had formed to my body. Being that you have to wear a pfd all day while on the boat this jacket performed great. Very comfortable. I wanted a jacket with larger pockets/storage. Again this fit the bill perfectly. I kept my camera, signal mirror, sunscreen and whistle in the left pocket alone! There is a small D clip in side the pocket that I attached everything to with a small carabeiner. So I wouldn't loose anything even if the pocket was unclipped. The other pocket was used to hold my sunglasses cloth, lipbalm and bandanna. I never felt like I was bulky or over loaded. I do wish this pocket also had a small D clip but it does not. In a nutshell this PFD is a great option for big water, long trips, rescue applications, etc.

D

Originally posted at