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The Product...
Pro Joust Personal Flotation Device from Extrasport
Sizes: XS/S, MD/L, XL
Flotation: 61lbs 11oz
Warranty: 18 month limited warranty
Colors: Red, Tequila Sunrise, Evergreen, Royal, Slate
Additional: Patented quick release rescue harness
Customer Service: 800-633-0837
MSRP: $149.95
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The Product Tester...
Sam Hamilton
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 145
Build: Athletic
Style: Aggressive
Background: On river manager for Sheri Griffith Expeditions, Moab Utah. Professional river guide for ten years. Class V kayaker. Worked seasons on most major whitewater/wilderness rivers in Maine, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, including hi-water row trips on the Colorado River's Cataract Canyon.
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The Completely Biased Review...
Category: Gear
Photos: Sam Hamilton
Over the years, Extrasport has proven itself to be one of the most reliable personal flotation device manufacturers. With the Pro Joust, Extrasport continues this great tradition with a combination of comfort, full range of motion, and uncompromised safety.
I tested this vest kayaking, rowing, and paddle captaining, on the Rogue River in Oregon and the Colorado River in Utah. In both cold and warm water, the vest adjusted  beautifully to my body. Whether over a dry suit or on my bare skin, the vest fit comfortably and did not slip around. Extrasport is using a new system that allows the vest to easily and securely adjust over the shoulders. Most notable about this life jacket, is the design (or cut) around the arms, which allows for great range of paddling motion without chafing.
The dramatic cut of this pfd forced Extrasport to put the flotation of the vest into a small surface area over the lower portion of the vest. Yet, the vest still offers plenty of flotation, making it suitable for guiding and other rescue scenarios. The rescue harness is standard and strong with a quick release. The vest is also outfitted to carry a tail for rescuing equipment that would connect to the rescue ring and reach around under the right arm.
Another great feature of the vest is the placement of the knife fixture. It is on the left shoulder blade, making it an easy grab for the right hand. More important though, the knife is out of the way of the front side so as not to get pulled off when climbing into a raft (a frequent cause of lost river knives!). The entry zipper is also out of the way under the right elbow, minimizing possible entanglements up front.
My only complaint about this vest is its lack of pockets. There is one small pocket inside the vest, which is just large enough to hold a c.p.r. micro shield. However, unzipping the vest is the only way to access it. I would like to see this exact vest with a larger pocket on the chest, for energy bars or tips!
Overall, this is a terrific pfd that meets the needs of the avid whitewater professional or recreationalist. All the stitching is strong and reinforced to make this p.f.d. last a long time.
More Biased Reviews Of This Product...
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