Onyx MoveVent Torsion Kayak/Paddle Life Jacket

Very happy with this PFD. I had to trade it in for the XS/S size because I didn't factor in that these are men's vests. Fits as well or better than the ladies PFD's that I tried. Cinches down at my waist and still allows room at the top. Arms move freely without chafing against the jacket. As others have said, you forget that you are wearing it. Plenty of mesh in back (and in front) allow it to breath. Back padding stays above my high seat-back for comfort. Used it the first time on a full-day paddling trip and was grateful for the ventilation. Pockets do not have as much gusseting as other brands, but they are adequate for iPhone if you want, and ID, sunscreen stick, key, etc.-- but I prefer to stow my phone, camera, etc. in a dry bag at my feet or in the deck bag. Yes comes with attached whistle.

Love this jacket. There is plenty of room for movement and adjustment. The XS/S easily fits a 36" chest. The M/L was too large for a 36" chest. The articulated sections in the front of the jacket and the mesh lower back make the jacket very comfortable and cool. The additional buckle at the bottom of the jacket makes for a secure fit below the ribs. The pockets are very small -- if I purchased this again, I would save money by purchasing the version that has 1 pocket or no pockets. Some have noted that this jacket is bulky, but the wearer should keep in mind that it is bulkier than a longer jacket because it a paddling jacket which has a short waist and a high back.

I bought this vest to replace an older "skier" style life vest. This one wins out over my old one in several aspects. The fit is very good. I am 6'2", 255lbs, and I was able to adjust this vest to fit me snugly and comfortably. The back padding sits high on the back, letting me lean all the way back in my kayak. This vest is much more comfortable and cooler to wear than my old traditional style one. I keep it on, sometimes forgetting I'm wearing it. Unless I was in deep or rough water, my old one was usually strapped to the front of my kayak, so this is much safer. The two pockets on the front are a nice, although they could be just a tad bigger. I can alllllllmost fit my Samsung Galaxy S6 Active in the pocket and zip it closed. It's handy to have it close, but I fell like it might still fall out since I can't zip it all the way. One pocket has a built-in emergency whistle, which was a nice surprise, though it can be cut out easily enough if one does not desire it.

Nice jacket, no problems while wearing this with movement. It fits the same or better than some higher-priced jackets in the same shape. I purchased three others for work. I am happy with the price paid and the quality of the product when comparing it to higher-priced models. I was hesitant to purchase this as I wasn't sure it would fit the bill for our needs. Thankfully I took the chance and went with it.I will repurchase this should the need arise.The items were shipped super quick, and I cannot complain about my experience at all.Edit: 12/26/2017Works really well, allowing for superb movement. Worth every penny of my purchase.

It is a great value at $50 and is very comfy. The pockets are a joke, they are way too small to fit anything practical in there other than ID, credit card, fishing license( this isn't the best vest for fishing), and maybe a thin cased phone. The bottom adjustable strap/buckle and the improved 400D nylon over the 200D nylon on the lower models make this one worth getting. Even my NRS PDF is made from 200D. The only thing that my NRS has over the ONYX is that the foam is better laid out with concentration higher on my back and the mesh area being far stronger. I did see an earlier review advising against this PDF for whitewater because it isn't a level V. This style of PDF is what you are most likely to see on any rapids and is perfectly suitable for it. Class V specific PDF that have additional floatation for BIG WATER usually reserved for some serious NAR, guides who may need to facilitate rescue, or self supported long floats where rescue may not be avail for long periods of time I wouldn't sweat it.

I've been kayaking with this a couple of times. Very comfortable to wear, and does not restrict paddling at all. Plus, nice to be able to zip open when it gets warm (I just leave the bottom buckle snapped in place). The mesh back works just like I wanted, lines up with the seat back and doesn't push me away from the seat. Though, my kayak has only a small seat back. I see some kayaks with full height seat backs and the mesh bottom wouldn't help there. The thickness of the flotation cushions are fairly wide, 2", so if you have a kayak with a full height seat back you may be better off looking for a vest with thinner flotation cushions. This version has two pockets in front. While better than none, they have very limited space to hold something. Whatever you put in the pocket better be unaffected by water.

I bought this vest for kayaking and I am very happy with it. The fit is right on the money and the design is such that you can easily move around and wear this without the back hitting the seat. It comes with a plastic emergency whistle that is attached with a lanyard to one of the front pockets, which is a nice touch. The front pockets are a little small, but I don't plan on carrying much in my life vest anyhow. Overall, I am glad I chose this vest.