![:P :P](/media/kunena/emoticons/tongue.png)
... I have confess that I've done all the work for the review, but haven't written it up yet. We had test models from Goya, Mocke (Quicksilver) and Tripper.
The Goya jacket was a prototype so difficult to comment on except that it was comfortable once on - they are still developing the production version, which will have a zip on one side to make it easier to put on. It has the biggest pocket in front, but the one I had didn't have a juice bladder (although I believe this will be an option.)
My recommendations:
Mocke - drains instantly, nice big pocket in front, comes with nice juice bladder with bite valve
Tripper surf ski PFD - also doesn't absorb water (made with blocks of foam), smaller pocket to the side. bladder doesn't have bite valve, but a clamp on the tube.
An alternative to consider
Tripper inflatable PFD. I don't like it particularly because I wouldn't want to be trying to blow it up in extremis, but I can definitely see that it has its place especially in hot climates. It's by far the lightest and coolest of the PFDs. No excuses about overheating guys - this one is like wearing a vest.
(Incidentally the term PFD doesn't apply in South Africa - these are "kayaking jackets". Graham Christensen of Tripper commented, "Just on terminology, the term PFD does not apply to our kayaking jackets (or anybody else's) as defined by the SABS. Internationally, the term PFD is applicable, but not in SA.")
On the subject of the bead-filled Tripper PFD, I used one for years and a number of my paddling buddies still use them. They're very comfortable, because they mould to your body; and they're quite warm. I prefer the block filled version however because of couple of seconds that it takes for the water to come out of the beaded jacket.