.........Women's PFD

Kokatat's MsFit

Construction: Three panels of foam on the front are divided by princess seams. The center front panel consists of two layers of foam, separately enclosed by fabric. The inside layer closes with two Fastex buckles. There is an unzippered mesh pouch between the layers, and the outer layer closes with a center front zipper.
Features: VK liked the Fastex buckle inside the zipper. She felt it added a bit of security. She also liked the key holder inside the zipper flap. However, she would prefer that the pockets be on the outside, and for the side pocket to be larger.
Fit: Snug and comfortable.
Ease of entry/exit: While there is an extra step required for the double-layered closure system, the center front zip is the easiest for putting a vest on or taking it off.
Adjustability: VK found the shoulder and side adjustments easy to use: "I liked having the bottom strap adjust at the side, rather than in the front." LR found it easy to tighten the side panels, but hard to loosen them, as the hardware was located far toward the back. And, she noted, "the shoulder straps were not adequately adjustable for my body."
Range of motion: VK found the armholes quite generous. "I had no trouble with body rotation." LR felt that this PFD was "constricted in front, with plenty of room in back. The stiff material used in the shoulders of the PFD made it sit two inches above my shoulders."
Visibility: While the turquoise color of the vest tested makes for lowered visibility, this vest also comes in red, blue and high-visibility yellow.There is no reflective tape or fabric. Buoyancy: This PFD kept both reviewers' heads and shoulders well out of the water, although it was not easy to swim in. While swimming, LR found this vest to ride up above her chin.
Price: $98. Kokatat, 5350 Ericson Way, Arcata, CA 95521, Phone: (800) 225-9749.