I'm looking for a new buouyancy aid that has all the rescue bells and whistles, but I'm struggling to find one that's not a pullover style. I need one with a zipper to get over my drysuit zip. any suggestions?

oh yer and I've got a 34 inch chest wich makes it a little bit more tricky

Why don't you want a pullover type vest? I have a 46 inch chest and have never had a problem with any vests going over 3 layers of clothing and a dry top.. Just get the right size.
Maybe one from PeakUK, it's pullover but no problems. They come in 3 sizes:
www.peakuk.com/peakukkit.php?content=pfd&prodid=8

Or else this one from Stohlquist, which has a zipper on the side:
www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?p=STO52311

Or if You want something little bit cheaper and still good enough, look at Stohlquist X-Traxt-D:
www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?p=STO5217&k=29467

the pullover ones are realy hard to get over my drysuit zipper as it goes acroos my back. the stohlquist descent looks good any idea were i can get hold of one ??? ive heard the extrat d isnt all that i dont mind paying extra for a superior product

jackb wrote:

the pullover ones are realy hard to get over my drysuit zipper as it goes acroos my back.

Ah haaa... That's a bit annoying. I wonder if other people have this same problem.

This place in the UK has them:
www.squarerock.co.uk/2010/index.php

Check out the Extrasport Pro Creeker. About the same price as most of the other rescue vests around here, but it has a side entry zip, nice shoulder adjustment straps, and is really comfortable. I have the XS, and got it when my chest was about 32 inches with a 30 inch waist, and it fit snug with all the straps tightened all the way. My only complaint is that the lash tab is in a bad spot, because if you have a knife on it and have the pocket full (pin kit, camera, etc) it can get ripped off easily. My sheath got caught under the deck release on my skirt (IR Shockwave, which I don't use much anymore) and ripped 3 of the 4 corners of the lash tab off. That can happen with just about any PFD though, so it's not too big of a problem. I would say for smaller people the Pro Creeker is the way to go. No ride-up at all, and can be cinched really tight without hurting. The foam is contoured to fit your body better as well, and has varying thickness for that reason. It's also probably the lowest profile rescue vest out there.

cjcc wrote:

Check out the Extrasport Pro Creeker. About the same price as most of the other rescue vests around here, but it has a side entry zip, nice shoulder adjustment straps, and is really comfortable. I have the XS, and got it when my chest was about 32 inches with a 30 inch waist, and it fit snug with all the straps tightened all the way. My only complaint is that the lash tab is in a bad spot, because if you have a knife on it and have the pocket full (pin kit, camera, etc) it can get ripped off easily. My sheath got caught under the deck release on my skirt (IR Shockwave, which I don't use much anymore) and ripped 3 of the 4 corners of the lash tab off. That can happen with just about any PFD though, so it's not too big of a problem. I would say for smaller people the Pro Creeker is the way to go. No ride-up at all, and can be cinched really tight without hurting. The foam is contoured to fit your body better as well, and has varying thickness for that reason. It's also probably the lowest profile rescue vest out there.

looks good buti cant seem to find one in the uk damn it

has anyone used a yak descent it looks like it could be what im after not so sure of yaks build quality though

www.crewsaver.co.uk/YAK/Yak_Products/index.html?catid=47

My good lady bought me a Yak descent the otherday to replace my 10 yr old yak coppermine, not had a chance to try it out yet but it looks very nice, easy to get on although i'll more than likely never use the side entry zip (could be useful if i pop my shoulder or something though).
I tried a whole bunch of different pfd's at my local shop the other week, mostly palm and astrals, nice as they were i can't see how they are so much more expensive than the Descent for the same features (or less), the yak feels really well made, same heavy cordura i had on my coppermine that lasted so well (no rips, tears or holes) and some good size pockets.
70N floatation is good too not bad for £70

I use the Amp which I can get over my drysuit zip very easily just remember to loosen all the straps to begin with. Or you could try the Extrem Vest which has the features you need and front opening.

I would check out Stohlquist. I´ve got the X-Traxt-D and I absolutely love it - although I would like a bigger pocket for the chocolate (and carabiners and stuff ) The Descent also looks super good.

www.stohlquist.com/prod_find.php?s=PFD%27s

I would agree with urge i have an Amp vest and i read in a reveiw that it is not too hard to put on with a drysuit but if you want a front entry get an extrem vest

I've done some miles in my Yak Descent now so time for a update.
Easy on and off thanks to the side access, and the straps seam to sort themselves out once on. Nice and comfy and no rubbing or restrictions.
2 points though, the pockets are pretty small (though no smaller than most of the other front entry designs) and there is no knife clip on the outside.
For the money (or more) its a bargain, couldn't be happier