Messages

826

Gear Talk / Re: Adjustable werner paddles question...

« on: March 19, 2014, 01:34:27 PM »

A Nitro is around $40 more than the Soul-----are there good reasons NOT to go full carbon and save 40 bucks?

827

Gear Talk / Re: Belt Pack PFDs

« on: March 18, 2014, 06:50:09 PM »

The rearm kits for these are really overpriced!  Hopefully the PFD would never have to be deployed.

828

Gear Talk / Re: Belt Pack PFDs

« on: March 18, 2014, 02:54:59 PM »

The Mustang and the Onyx both require you to use their own rearm kits---is this true for all belt packs?  Kinda rules out a test inflation.

Why?
To my knowledge they all use the same common co2 cartridge. Same as you get for a pellet gun I know, probably the same one as for a bike pump but didn't know about those.

They all also have (to my knowledge) a button or snap or some sort of a colored indicator. When you pull the cord this indicator is between the cord and the CO2 cartrdige. A lever mechanism or something like that of some sort. You pull the cord, which swings the arm at the end of it to puncture the tube. By pulling the cord it breaks or pops off the indicator. The indicator is also needed to keep the lever in place, always at the ready so to say, to puncture the cartridge. Every time you use the co2 cartridge to blow it up you must replace the indicator. One an done to be reliable. You could swing the arm back into place but the indicator would not be there so theoretically you know it is not ready to use. Red or nothing there vs. green, something like that. 

The rearm kit is just a cartridge and that particular brands indicator. You will have to get one if you want to test yours out with the cartridge so no reason you can't try it but I don't know of a brand that doesn't have that indicator thing. Maybe there is but I doubt it. They have to have some way to cover their butt along that line and there should be a way for you to know.  "I thought it was charged and ready."

I tried mine last year just to see if the cartridge was still good after sitting around for 3-4 years. I was amazed at how quick it blew up. Instant.

As other have said, you can also just blow it up on the mouth part to see if it holds air.

There are also recent and many old threads about pfd's here.

All this is making that $9.93 PFD at Wal-Mart look a lot better.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stearns-Adult-Type-II-Vest-Orange/20531134

Everyone should have a gunny sack of those around.

Okay, replacing the indicator makes sense.  I didn't know about that.  Now to decide which one to get!

829

Gear Talk / Re: Belt Pack PFDs

« on: March 18, 2014, 12:25:17 PM »

The Mustang and the Onyx both require you to use their own rearm kits---is this true for all belt packs?  Kinda rules out a test inflation.  None of them use standard CO2 cartridge like for a bike tire?

830

Gear Talk / Re: Belt Pack PFDs

« on: March 17, 2014, 06:58:58 PM »

Any advice on which one to get?

831

Gear Talk / Belt Pack PFDs

« on: March 16, 2014, 02:33:27 PM »

Hi Folks,

  I'm wondering if a belt pack PFD can be tested.  Anyone know?

832

Flatwater and Touring / Re: What do you think about inflatable SUPS for flat water cruising? Any good ones?

« on: March 07, 2014, 06:17:37 PM »

How would a 10' 30"-wide Red compare to the 9'6" 32"-wide in tracking/glide and stability?

833

Flatwater and Touring / Re: What do you think about inflatable SUPS for flat water cruising? Any good ones?

« on: March 07, 2014, 04:39:22 PM »

Spookini, I do at least have a place where I can try the 10'6 and see how it feels.  Once I do that, I'll have a better grasp on things. Thanks for your great input!

834

Gear Talk / Re: Review of Red Paddle Co. 9'2" --

« on: March 07, 2014, 11:29:45 AM »

What kind of dfd is your dog wearing?

835

Flatwater and Touring / Re: What do you think about inflatable SUPS for flat water cruising? Any good ones?

« on: March 07, 2014, 11:09:44 AM »

Any thoughts on the Red Paddle Co 10'6?

836

Gear Talk / Re: Dog PFDs

« on: March 05, 2014, 05:22:10 AM »

There are a variety of dfd's to choose from.  I'm in a situation where I need to be able to try them on without having to pay three or four shipping fees to order/return/reorder, etc.
If my dog is comfortable and floats safely, I'm happy!

837

Gear Talk / Re: Dog PFDs

« on: March 04, 2014, 06:55:57 PM »

I got the Ezydog and the Henry and Clemmies life jackets for my dog.  I haven't been able to compare flotation yet, though I did dunk her in the bathtub with the Ezydog vest on and she was able to swim a bit.  Both seem decently made, though not quite as nice as a Ruffwear, which doesn't fit her.  More on this later!

838

SouthEast / Southeast SUP shop

« on: February 27, 2014, 05:25:12 PM »

Can anyone recommend a good SUP shop in NC, SC, north GA, or east TN?  I'm most interested in Red, Fanatic, Hobie, or...??

839

Gear Talk / Re: Red Paddle Co Review

« on: February 27, 2014, 05:20:13 PM »

Venus is the name they've given to the "fairer sex" versions. They are identical boards, just different deck graphics. That said, pretty much same as 2013 10' board. They claim an ideal weight of 154lbs and max weight of 198lbs no the 10'. I would agree with this. I've ridden the 10' and I'm around 190lbs.

Could the Surfer 10' handle 160 lbs for flat water cruising, or would I have to go to the 10'6?

840

Gear Talk / Re: Red Paddle Co Review

« on: February 27, 2014, 06:43:45 AM »

Chris, did you find that the Venus 10' tracked well enough in flatwater to be a good flatwater/ small wave board?  It would be my only board for a while....
What are the differences between the 2014 Venus Surfer 10" and the 2014 Surfer 10?  Are there structural differences, or just cosmetic ones?

What's the weight limit on the Venus Surfer vs Surfer?