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The Stohlquist WEDGE-E Life Jacket's low-profile design allows full freedom of movement when you need it for a class-V rapid. This PFD pack 16lb 14oz of flotation to make your swim a little less scary if you should happen to end up in the drink. A front zippered pocket holds essentials like sun screen and a flip line. A four-way tab holds a knife or whistle. The Stohlquist WEDGE-E Life Jacket has become a favorite of whitewater kayakers and rafters who want easy movement without giving up too much flotation.
Bottom Line: Take on the big rapids with the low-profile design and excellent flotation of the Stohlquist WEDGE-E Life Jacket.
I had the rescue version, which is the same cut. I really liked the freedom of movement and it allowed me to tuck way forward on the deck of my kayak. It fits nice and snug around the core when properly adjusted but isn't great for anyone over a B cup in the chest. Downside - you go freaking deep when you take a big swim, which can be a good thing sometimes but it usually just sucks. Its low profile with minimal floatation and doesn't provide much back protection.
What is the main difference between the Brik and the Wedge? Any women that have bought this, any comments about the jacket? Does it run big or small? I've tried on the BeaSea and i fit a L/XL, but not sure of the Brik/Wedge since they are unisex sizing.
The Brik has an extra strap that goes across the front and diagonally down the sides for added fit adjustments. It also sits lower on the body than the Wedge. The Wedge comes up much higher on the chest and back, which helps hold in "the twins". I find this to be much more comfortable than the Brik, which ends in the middle of my chest, squeezing me in all sorts of directions (picture someone wearing a corset that is too small on them). I've never tried the BeaSea, so I can't compare these to it, but these two are specifically whitewater jackets, while the Bea is not. All that said, I'm a size 6 (with a medium-sized chest) and wear a Medium in the Wedge and love it. I recommend it!
I use this whitewater kayaking, and I love it (and its price)! I first thought it would be too long on me, but it does not conflict with my skirt at all. Being a female with a larger chest, I still find this jacket to be extremely comfortable. By the end of the day, I've forgotten I have it on. I'd recommend it to anyone!
Philip Curry started and I believe is still CEO of Astral Buoyancy. He was an originator of Lotus, which he sold to Patagonia in 1999. Patagonia has since discontinued the Lotus paddlesport brand.
I didn't realize this jacket was for men. I bought 2(L, M) because I wasn't sure which size would fit better for me. anyhow, when they arrived, and i tried them on, they really fit oddly, by it's length and how it is cut across the chest. So ladies, this probably is not the PFD for you. I sent both back.
I have been guiding for ten years and love this life jacket. It is great for class III. If you are going to be guiding class IV or V, I would consider the Stohlquist Resque vest that is designed for whitewater rescue scenarios. Stohlquist makes great jackets!
Would this be good to wear everyday? Yes. But I wouldn't recommend it for a whitewater guide. Guides tend to carry more gear on themselves than a typical paddler, so I'd look for something that has more storage.
The Wedge-E Life Jacket by Stohlquist is great for either flatwater or river kayaking. It is easy to get on and off, but you can forget to clip the bottom on occasion. Very comfortable and a great bargain.
These life jackets are very adjustable, but also have quite a bit of padding making it tighter. I'd go for a large if I were you. I'm only 130 pounds and 5'5" and I wear a medium. Comment #2: I'm 6' and 145, and I wear a large, though the straps are pretty close to being out of range when I'm not wearing much layering in the summer.
Good pfd for dinghy sailing. Also use it windsurfing. Low cut allows great arm movement and the bulk is in the front and back down low so it doesnt restrict movement either. 1 million Fully adjustable straps keep it snug and in place, doesnt ride up and floats my 225# body well but the plastic tensioner clips have gotten snagged on lines before so I adjusted the straps where i wanted and put a bit of tape to hold the tensioners down and smooth them over...problem solved.
I wish there was a little more than just the piece of cordura that the zipper flap is made out of so its more rigid...then it would be easier to thread the zipper with one hand. Nothing wrong with it perfect strong, solid, and easy to use...just not like my old one. The mesh pocket seems pretty durable but is pretty tight so it wont hold more than a knife and a powerbar...
Overall very satisfied with product quality and price. This is a paddling pfd that works well for dinghy sailing...just those little things that annoyed me but Im over it now.
Depending on how large you are, even a skinny male in their 20s needs at least a large. This particular life jacket runs a bit smaller than other brands. Medium is suggested for those with a chest size of around 36-38". However, there is quite a bit of padding on these which makes it a little tighter. Go a size larger if you are unsure. A medium is good for someone around 130 - 150 pounds.
Not a bad jacket for the price, but I don't see the point of having an adjustable shoulder strap sewn to Neoprene thereby eliminating the ability to adjust it. I cut the neoprene and it is now adjustable and quite comfortable.
Simple, easy to use PFD that is comfortable for the long days on the river. It has a great range of motion and is super easy to get on, even with the helmet already on. Love it!
I actually ordered the Wedge-E and the aSEA to compare them. Both were great. I loved the fit-like-a-glove feel of the aSEA, but decided to go with the Wedge-E because of the high back; which means that it doesn't touch (or rub, or ride up) my kayak seat or deck. With the wide armpit openings and sleek design, I can barely feel that I am wearing a PDF.
I got this jacket at a good price on backcountry and decided to give it a try. I have a sit-on-top kayak and now frequent the rivers in Tennessee. I've been in the drink at least 6 times and this jacket easily kept me where I should be. Its very comfortable and doesn't bind at all when paddling. The only complaint I have would be that the storage pocket with zipper (left side bottom), the zipper zips upward and I would rather it zip downward. Thats it.
After talking with whitewater rafting and kayaking guides, chose Stohlquist WEDGE-E for comfort, ease-of-use, simple design, and safety. I like the fit and feel of the thing, especially when working out in some haystacks or just stroking downstream. A quality item at a great price.
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