Spring, 2010
The PFD Manufacturers Association recently recommended changes in standards for rescue vests and new vests are beginning to appear with the new UL standards. We will be reviewing several vests including the new Patriot (26.5 lbs) from MTI; the Stohlquist Descender; Rapid Rescuer from NRS; and the 'Green' vest from Asteral. We have learned from our friend, Justin Padgett, that a new vest for rescuers done by Astral, will be available in May/June, 2010. The MTI Pro Play, a lower profile vest than the Patriot with 16.7 lbs flotation, will be ready soon.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS Conducted in Spring, 2004 on the Mulberry River, AR can be found at this link:
A Review of Seven Rescue PFDs Used by Whitewater Boaters click here
THE SRS-201R SWR RESCUE PFD BY FORCE 6 (Vancouver, Canada) ) (completed in Spring, 2007). A 2010 version of this vest, with modifications and improvements, is now available from Force 6.
This is a rescue vest made for professional rescuers and instructors. The owner of one of these you should be practiced in using a rescue vest and familiar with the capabilities and features of this specific vest. Because it has 26 lbs. flotation it might be a good choice by rafters who boat in big water. The SRS-201R has a rugged, well made feel with some excellent features and designs. We liked a lot of things about it.
Three ACA Instructors, along with whitewater boaters trained in swiftwater rescue, reviewed the vest on the Lower Mulberry River, Arkansas in Spring, 2007. We put it through the similar drills that we have done with rescue vests manufactured for whitewater boaters.
Factors/Characteristics we liked:
1. PFD fabric of ripstop nylon (instead of cordura), which is lighter, dries faster, and seems to be less resistant when aggressively swimming in current.
2. Large pockets in front and back giving plenty of carrying capacity for rescue items. Both can be removed if desired. The vest has lash tabs conveniently located for attaching a rescue knife, strobe light, etc.
3. Wide shoulder straps with flotation provide good clavicle and upper torso protection from 'hits' when working/swimming in the river. Even though the vest has 26 lbs, the flotation is distributed to provide good mobility when river swimming. We were pleasantly surprised at this characteristic.
4. To cushion blows to the back/spine the two rear sections have polymer panels running the length of and between the foam floation panels, a useful addition.
5. The rust/red/orange color is highly visible in daytime when a rescuer is in the river and the reflector tape, which can be removed, is easily seen in dim light or at night. A strip on one shoulder allows others to see a rescuer who may be deep in the water.
6. We all liked the over-the-shoulder extrication leash that can be placed over either shoulder accommodating dominant hand. This manner of storing the tether (extrication leash) reduces snag potential and is a definite improvement over other rescue vests we have worn and reviewed.
7. With the center pocket stuffed full of rescue items, the pocket did not impede progress when self-rescuing over a strainer pole (we use a 10 inch diameter pole). We attributed this to the ripstop fabric which is smoother than cordura, and the flotation in the shoulder straps which rides the swimmer higher in the water.
Things we noticed:
1. Keeper straps (which can be removed) are positioned under the armpits to prevent any possibility of the vest riding up the torso. Even when removed by one larger person, the vest still stayed in place. Also, because of plenty of adjustment straps, and the keeper strap, the vest did not ride up the torso when worn by smaller rescuers.
2. Even though this vest is bulkier than rescue vests recreational whitewater paddlers normally wear, we found that swimming with it and general in-water work gave us a secure feeling.
3. We all appreciated the feature of the extrication leash attaching with velcro over either shoulder, however the snap that fastens the pouch storing the extrication leash is difficult to close and unclose with cold, wet fingers.
4. For larger paddlers (as with most universal sized vests we've reviewed), when the SRS is fitted to fit large sizes, it then lacks side torso protection. As it is cinched down to fit regular size rescuers/paddlers it provides good side torso protection.
5 The D-ring in back (instead of an 'O' ring) tends to rotate around and defeats the configuration of the D shape staying flat against the Quick Release Harness Belt.
Suggestions we have:
1. Side torso inserts that could be placed in pockets when the vest is let out to fit a large rescuer, providing better side torso protection for a larger rescuer, or for that matter, all rescuers wearing it.
2. Provisions for crotch straps to be added if desired.
SRS--201 retails for $244.00 US. JS--8/03/2007
Contact Information for Force 6:
Force 6 Safety Products, Inc.
3340 Ullsmore Ave
Richmond, BC V7C 1S1
604.244.3001
1-800.357.1975
604.244.3026 (Fax)
Webpage--www.Force6.com
Email--info@force6.com
