Astral Designs "Ronny" PFD Hot

Many kayakers - especially kayak anglers in warm climates who frequently fish shallow water - seem to hate wearing PFDs. “They’re hot...” “They’re bulky...” “They don’t fit well...” When looking at solutions for “traditional” PFDs, I was directed to Astral Designs. Their lightweight “Ronny” (and companion “Linda” model, cut especially for lady kayakers) addresses all these concerns, and more.

For many, “PFD” conjures visions of bright orange blocks of foam, held together with white straps. The Ronny is a long way from that concept. As a USCG Type III PFD, it provides at least 15.5lbs of flotation using lightweight and compact PE (polyethylene) foam. The shell and liner are a high-grade 200 denier nylon, which resists dirt and saltwater grunge, and rinses clean after every use.

The front of the Ronny sports a large mesh pocket with an internal loop (to clip a whistle, keys, etc.), a quick access knife tab, and reflective trim. Zippers are the bane of saltwater garments, and the YKK heavy duty self-locking teeth get the job done. A Hypalon “grab tab” at the bottom of the zipper helps make zipping up easier.

I haven’t worn a vest that works better with a kayak seat - especially a high back. The big flotation pads on the back of many vests can be very uncomfortable. The thin back of the Ronny doesn’t force the wearer into an uncomfortable position, even with the highest backed seats. The large arm openings make for easy movement when casting, paddling, and reaching behind for something in the crate.

I finally got the chance to wear the Ronny on a hot day. Last weekend topped out over 90⁰F here in Florida. I hoped the light construction and mesh “Thin-Vent™” at the top of the vest back would make a difference - and they did. I felt the cooling effect of air circulating inside the vest and through the Thin-Vent™ every time I cast, shifted position, paddled, etc. Was I warmer than I would have been without the PFD? Of course. Was I uncomfortable? Not in the least - and I knew I was well-protected in spite of the high temperature.

With the up-front understanding that it is not specifically a “fishing PFD”, there are a few very minor things I’d change on the Ronny. A small elastic loop at the top of the zipper would hold down the pull and eliminate a snag point, especially for fly line. The pocket design is not really conducive for holding any but the smallest-profile VHF radios. I’d also like webbing loops or tabs atop the shoulders to hold a strobe or LED.

The smallest size Ronny was a little bit big on my ten-year-old son, but not enough to compromise his safety and I am sure he’ll grow into it before the summer is out. The “Linda” is the ladies’ version, and incorporates all the features of the Ronny. The pre-shaped foam panels provide a comfortable fit, and the mesh pocket is shaped to accommodate the differences in design. Although I didn’t test the Linda (for obvious reasons), I have no doubt it meets the same construction and comfort standards as the Ronny.

The true test of any safety gear is whether the user will actually use it - all the time. I’ve worn the Ronny for eight or nine hours at a stretch, paddling, casting, and doing everything else you do in a kayak. The comfort of this PFD is unmatched - after a few minutes, I’m not even aware it’s part of the game. I’ve never once felt the vest bind, pinch, or restrict my movement.

The Ronny is available in S/M, M/L, and L/XL sizes to fit chests measuring 31”-51”. Retail on the Ronny and Linda is $89.95. If you’re looking for a lightweight, modern PFD design that will keep you comfortable in high-back seats and cooler on the warmer days, look no further than the Ronny. I recommend it without reservation. For more information, check out the Astral Designs website: http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/