Buoyancy Tempo 200

I will be very brief. I have owned this life jacket for two years and have regretted it since the first time I paddled in it. Despite the efforts of me, the store, and my paddling friends I cannot get a comfortable fit with it. It is so built up with stiff floatation in the front that it restricts arm movement and body rotation. Last fall in an all-day late season paddle I was in agony when I got back to shore from it rubbing the front of my shoulder. I was shocked when I realized it had rubbed so hard that it damaged my dry suit in that spot. I will not buy another PFD without a chance to wear it for a day first – check with a local paddle shop or outfitter and it is pretty easy to arrange.

I haven't had the opportunity to take my new Tempo 200 out on the water yet, but I am really looking forward to it. After making do with PFDs that compress a woman's chest for too long, I have finally gotten one with a nice profile that is utterly comfortable - I can already tell it will make a big difference in my paddling comfort. While more expensive than the Lotus Lola, this PFD has a unique adjustment system, a place to put a hydration bladder, and plenty of other features that make it well worth the price.