Time for a new PFD

Ive narrowed it down to 3.
The Stohlquist Descent is tested and a perfect fit, but the Astral Green Jacket and Kokatats Ronin have some attractive features.
I know that there are a lot of Kokatat fans here and was curious if anyone has experience with the Ronin.
I would be pleasantly surprised if there are any Green Jacket users here, but if so, Id appreciate a review.
Thanks

Terry I think Jim wears a Ronin.

Do PFDs wear out?

Curious as to why you want a rescue vest if you're not paddling whitewater.

The green jacket gets great reviews from the ww community. I've always had good luck with Kokatat products so I'll probably be grabbing their rescue vest for ww. I think it has 18 lbs of flotation or so. Great for oxygenated water and big water.

Terry I think Jim wears a Ronin.

Thanks Sean,  He said that he was using a hybrid(CO2) vest, then we quickly devolved into NFL topics,
so I don't know if he has used the Ronin in the past.

Do PFDs wear out?

 Its time.  Too much sun, too much sweat, and too much slime.
Plus, gear is evolving and better comfort and function might lead to more usage.

Curious as to why you want a rescue vest if you're not paddling whitewater.

The green jacket gets great reviews from the ww community. I've always had good luck with Kokatat products so I'll probably be grabbing their rescue vest for ww. I think it has 18 lbs of flotation or so. Great for oxygenated water and big water.

I will plan on this vest being my all purpose PFD and if it keeps raining, I might get to paddle some steeper water next year.

The "rescue" options are hard not to find function in. They have an extra pocket and sheath clip, plus the
quick release tow ring is multi-useful.
 I think that opportunities to tow are universal in kayak adventures, not just WW.
This seems to be the smartest way.
I also find myself regularly clipping on to my PFD, especially on river trips.
I leash my bowline to my PFD when stomping upstream to fish a section more thoroughly or to retrieve  someones discarded trash.
Its also a good leashing option for river SUP trips or even just swimming tethered.
The quick release makes these ops that much smoother when there is trouble.
There just seems to be enough positives that I need to at least consider going "rescue".
Still just considering.

The Descent could be the big winner. The cross cinching belts gave me solid core support and I felt completely unrestricted. All that and was super comfortable. It felt like they made it just for me.
I would be good with the Descent but the Ronin is just way too Jedi not to look into.

Just need to find an outfitter and try one on with or without the extras and my attachable toys.

I liked the Kokatat I tried at the store, and it gets great reviews. But comfort is key. I was definitely going to get one. You're right about all the benefits, just always thought it overkill for most SOT fishing. I'll keep using my stohlquist on the stealth, the half back is way to crucial to comfort to give up.

i love my descent,It has good comfort and fit, one of my favorites.

i love my descent,It has good comfort and fit, one of my favorites.

Have you tried any of the "lawn chair" seats while wearing the Descent?
The wider and flatter backed Ronin has me thinking that it might be more comfortable for this style.

 I finally got the chance to try out the Ronin "pro" and it unfortunately was not a fit. It is no doubt a great product from a great company but just doesn't fit and form as well as the Stohlquist does for me.
So even though I get to check one off of the list I had to add a different PFD from Kokatat.
The Maximus vs Maximus prime.  Grips my torso almost as well as the Descent and it seemed like it offered even more protection without sacrificing freedom. The back was comfortable when sitting in the Jackson lawn chair and the front was free of possible snags. I am still interested in testing the Astral Green Jacket if I can find an outfitter, but otherwise I would be happy with either the Descent or the Maximus for a class V.
Soon a decision will be made.

A little bit of descent info that helps explain why it fits so well.

After some solid time doing research and trying on a lot of different PFDs I have finally made a decision.

 I wanted a vest that was low profile but offered high protection. I believe that a vest should act as body armor as much as a floatation aid since many injuries happen during portage. This is the reason that I choose to stay clear of the backless PFDs that offer increased comfort when riding the SOTs.
 The PFD needed to have some functional features to attach the gear that I believe is "essential" without too much extra tech that would snag on boat re-entry or if tangled in a strainer of some sort. I initially was searching for a vest with some "rescue" features since I attach to my bowline on occasion and can see to benefit in tow capabilities. I decided to opt for a cleaner, snag free style of vest and to use a biner/cowtail combo when I need to tow.
 I looked at low profile sailing vests, as well as wakeboard styles, but came back to WW PFDs that would be a fit for all of my paddling interests.
"Fit" was also one of the primary reqs in my final decision. I don't always use a PFD when I am on the water, but when I do I want it to be comfortable and molded to my torso so to only benefit my experience instead of inhibit. While I have used quality PFDs before, there was still a tendency to ride up when I was swimming and I was often adjusting the vest even when in or on whatever platform that I was paddling.
 The Stohlquist Descent had been the front runner during my entire search largely due to how well it melded to my body. When I made the decision to stay clear of the "rescues" extras in favor of a lower profile, the easy choice was the Stohlqist Rocker.
 I do not believe that this is the PFD for everyone but it seems to be the best vest for me and it may encourage me to wear it more often.

I am with Terry on the rescue vests having a lot of versitility and the features will be used at some point. I've put on a few pounds in the last year and need to get a new vest. I was looking at the Kokatat Maximus Prime but the longer cut does become problematic with high back seats. I am considering a padded wedge, like a very low lumber support.

 Ive been experimenting with a short piece of pool noodle ,with a bungee cord run thru it, for a lumber enhancer on the Jackson chair. Hope that may help or at least inspire a better idea.

I do not believe that this is the PFD for everyone but it seems to be the best vest for me and it may encourage me to wear it more often.

Hydro, that is also my next PFD. If you find a good deal please PM me. Thanks!

Mike

I just started reading this thread.My question is are you using the rocker pfd for sit on top ocean kayak fishing?Thanks for all your research Terry.