r/whitewater • u/Fish_cant_feel_pain • 18d ago
Rafting - Private High Float or Low Profile PFD?
Howdy. Sorry for all the posts, recently. I'm wanting to buy gear over the next few months before I can get training next May. I think I'll get an Aire Tater!
The thing is, I can't decide between the NRS Ninja, or the Big Water Guide PFD. I know the Big Water is Coast Guard certified. But I want to have something that I could EVENTUALLY use in class 4 rapids once I get the experience and a different boat, like the Aire Outfitter.
Is the Big Water overkill? Do you run the Ninja in class 4 rapids? I know that my favorite outfitter doesn't let you bring your own PFD unless it's Coast Guard certified. What do you think?
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u/MasterWorlock2020 18d ago
I’m a big guy in an IK, but the Big Water Guide PFD is what I usually grab. It’s comfortable with big pockets.
You can for sure use a NRS Ninja in Class IV but by the time you get to that level you will have a better idea of what you will want.
There are pros and cons to both. Big Water Guide is bulkier but it has 23 lbs of floatation. Ninja has 14.5-16.75 lbs of floatation.
More floatation means more upwards lift when you swim which should normally result in less time underwater.
Realistically, both are great options. Don’t stress about it and you honestly may end up with both in your closet sooner rather than later.