In this overview, we look at FeelFree Kayaks' model range in 2023. Enjoy!
What PFDs does Astral have to offer this year? Here’s our overview of Astral’s life jacket model line for 2023.
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Comparison table: Astral PFDs in 2023
| Model | Specs | Where To Buy |
 Astral Linda | Weight: 1.02 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Front zip | Amazon |
 Astral Ronny | Weight: 1.02 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Front zip | Amazon |
 Astral Airbelt | Weight: 0.78 lbs (without cartridge) Floatation: 22 lbs. USCG Rating: Type V Entry system: Waist mounted | Amazon |
 Astral V-Eight | Weight: 1.22 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Front zip | Amazon |
 Astral YTV | Weight: 1.76 lbs. Floatation: 16.5 lbs. USCG Rating: Type V Entry system: Pullover | Amazon |
 Astral Otter 2.0 | Weight: 1.3 lbs. Floatation: 11.5 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Front buckle | Amazon |
 Astral Sturgeon | Weight: 1.63 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Side zip | Amazon |
 Astral V-Eight Fisher | Weight: 1.37 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Front zip | Amazon |
 Astral Layla | Weight: 1.76 lbs. Floatation: 16.3 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Side zip | Amazon |
 Astral Ringo | Weight: 2 lbs. Floatation: 16.3 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Side zip | Amazon |
 Astral BlueJacket | Weight: 2 lbs. Floatation: 16.4 lbs. USCG Rating: Type III Entry system: Side release buckles | Amazon |
 Astral GreenJacket | Weight: 2.9 lbs. Floatation: 16 lbs. USCG Rating: Type V Entry system: Pullover | Amazon |
 Astral BirdDog | Amazon |
WHY TRUST US: Here at Paddlingspace.com, we spend more time on the water than we do in the office. We paddle, kayak fish, and camp as often as we can, so we know exactly what kayakers and kayak anglers need. Each year, we independently research, review, and rate the best kayaks, canoes, and paddling gear. Our experts analyze hundreds of products to find out key differences, pros, and cons of each product. We only make money from ads or if you purchase through our links. No sponsored posts or biased reviews here, period.
Astral Linda
Weight: 1.02 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Front zip
As you get warmer, the temptation is always there to take off your PFD and cool down, remove the bulk and the discomfort. The Astral Linda is so lightweight and ventilated that you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing it. A ventilated strip in the centre of the back panel and the breathable mesh panelling throughout the whole vest allows loads of airflow to keep you cool.
Astral Ronny
Weight: 1.02 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Front zip
When you’re paddling hard, you want a PFD which lets your body breathe. The Ronny uses Astral’s Thin Vent back system, which keeps air flowing freely down your back and wicks away sweat as you paddle. The thin back also means you don’t get shunted off your seat if you’re using the high backed seats which are increasingly popular with recreational and fishing kayaks. You can enjoy maximum comfort thanks to minimal design while staying cool on the water.
Astral Airbelt
Weight: 0.78 lbs (without cartridge)
Floatation: 22 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type V
Entry system: Waist mounted
There are times where vest style PFDs are either too warm or cumbersome, or perhaps you just want to wear something smaller. The Air Belt is designed for use in warm weather, on calm water, usually by paddleboarders or kayak anglers who like to stand in their boats.
Astral V-Eight
Weight: 1.22 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Front zip
Recreational, fishing and touring trips can quickly become uncomfortable with the wrong PFD. If you’re paddling in a hot area, or working really hard on the water, you need equipment which can keep you cool and allow you to keep cruising all day long.
Astral YTV
Weight: 1.76 lbs.
Floatation: 16.5 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type V
Entry system: Pullover
The YTV is Astral’s freestyle inspired PFD. This minimal, simplistic vest gives you true freedom of movement and maximum rotation. With Astral’s Torso Lock system and the low cut of the YTV, you keep the bulk as low as possible, keeping your shoulders free.
Astral Otter 2.0
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Floatation: 11.5 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Front buckle
Your young paddler needs a life vest that they feel comfortable and stylish in, and more importantly, one they will want to wear all day. The Otter 2.0 is a youth kayaking life jacket designed to fit paddlers weighing between 50 and 90 pounds.
Astral Sturgeon
Weight: 1.63 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Side zip
Ever been fishing and forgotten which pocket you’ve put your pliers in? Or where your phone is this time? With the Sturgeon, Astral have solved your problems by consolidating five pockets into one enormous clamshell style pocket. This might sound confusing, but when the pocket itself can be used as a shelf, and with the level of internal organisation that Astral have included, it’s easy to find anything you need.
Astral V-Eight Fisher
Weight: 1.37 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Front zip
Based on the enormously popular Astral V-Eight, the V-Eight Fisher PFD might just be the most breathable kayak fishing life vest on the market. With a high back, mesh design on the rear and Astral’s Airescape on the front, overheating is a thing of the past.
Astral Layla
Weight: 1.76 lbs.
Floatation: 16.3 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Side zip
Based on a style introduced by the Astral founder back in the 90s and refined over the years, the Layla is arguably the world’s best fitting female-specific whitewater PFD on the market.
Astral Ringo
Weight: 2 lbs.
Floatation: 16.3 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Side zip
The Ringo is one of Astral’s many high quality do-it-all PFDs. Unlike some other brands, when Astral say they do-it-all, they do everything to a really, really high standard.
Astral BlueJacket
Weight: 2 lbs.
Floatation: 16.4 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type III
Entry system: Side release buckles
The Blue Jacket is inspired by sea kayaking but is equally at home on any type of water. Any PFD which started life in sea kayaking is going to prioritise paddling form and comfort, and the Blue Jacket is no exception.
Astral Green Jacket
Weight: 2.9 lbs.
Floatation: 16 lbs.
USCG Rating: Type V
Entry system: Pullover
Is the Green Jacket the best whitewater kayaking PFD on the market? There are whole rivers of paddlers who would agree that it is. With how secure, comfortable and bombproof it feels, it’s hard to argue with them.
Astral BirdDog
Keep your furry friend safe on the water with the comfortable, adjustable Astral BirdDog PFD. Whether your pet pal is new to water and you want something to make them feel more secure, or they’re an experienced swimmer who is looking to take on white water, you want to know they’re safe on the water.
