Gear Review: Astral Ringo PFD

Value Rating: 10 Durability Rating: 9 Overall Rating: 10 Location of Test: Oregon rivers and lakes Duration of Test: 5 months Product Name: Ringo PFD Product Brand: Astral Best Use: Whitewater, paddle boarding, kayaking Sizes: S/M | M/L | L/XL The Full Review: I've had the Astral for 5 months now. I remember standing on the side of the Clackamas when my buddy walked by me, looked at my PFD and asked, "Is that thing even Type lll, bro?" Message received, it was time to get a new PFD. I wore the Ringo around the shop for a full day before buying it to make sure it had the comfort I was looking for. It came through with flying colors. This thing feels like a hug. The 3/4 front zip entry is easy to throw on, tighten the side and shoulder straps down and you feel snugly fit and safe inside this PFD. When you're wearing this PFD, you maintain a full range of motion in the shoulder region which, as any paddler knows, is extremely important. There is no rubbing of the arms on this PFD. It possesses the flotation required to run whitewater yet is as comfortable as can be when just brought out on the lake. One big pocket in the front is all you need to store your phone, car keys, etc. at arm’s reach. Just unbuckle the pocket and you're in. Side note, I've kept my keys in this pocket during many swims in whitewater and have never lost them. This is a secure pocket. The Good Comfortable Easy to get into and size Looks good Easy to use pocket in front of the PFD The Bad: No bad things to say about this PFD The Bottom Line: The Ringo offers the comfort and buoyancy you need.