PADDLER 6
Yak Xipe 60N PFD www . yakadventureequipment . com By Sarah Thornely ( supjunkie . uk )
PADDLER 6
REVIEWS
Yak Xipe 60N PFD www . yakadventureequipment . com By Sarah Thornely ( supjunkie . uk )
YAK has been making products for the Paddlesports industry for 30 years , starting in the whitewater kayaking market . A few years later , they moved into SUP and are developing products in Gosport , Hampshire , which is very local to my home .
A Personal Flotation Device ( buoyancy aid ) is a very personal thing , and it ’ s crucially important that you get the correct fit – without that , it will not only be uncomfortable but won ’ t work as it should , and a poorly fitting PFD is a dangerous thing . The best advice is always to try before you buy , so for this review , I am looking at the quality and performance of the Xipe 60N , and how it fits me . To this end , I discovered that tucked inside one of the front pockets with the care instructions is a simple guide to correctly fitting a buoyancy aid .
My first impressions are that it is not at all bulky , with a slimline , low-profile foam shape , front and back . The sides are made from elasticated mesh with an adjustable strap over and low enough to give excellent arm mobility . There is a built-in hydration pouch on the back , which makes this buoyancy aid perfect for touring or longer-distance open water paddling or racing . Inside that pouch , there is an internal top hanging point to fit a 2.5L bladder ( not supplied ).
The lower waistband , sides , and shoulders all have sturdy adjustable straps to ensure correct and comfortable fitting . The waistband also has an internal ‘ grip strip ’ that eliminates the PFD from
riding up , as well as a buckle at the bottom below the substantial front zip .
Apart from the large pouch on the back , which could also be used for extra storage , there are two very roomy pockets on the front , each having its own internal mesh pocket and attachment point . The double zips on all pockets allow for making custom exit points for anything stored within , e . g ., hydration hose , lanyard , or radio aerial . One more attachment point on the front completes a comprehensive range to keep everything you need close to hand .
The Xipe 60N is made from robust fabric and has reflective strips to enable visibility in the dark . Sizes range from Junior to XXL — mine is M / L ( I am a 10 / 12 UK size ) and is available in blue or red .
So , how did this PFD feel while I was wearing it and , more importantly , paddling in it ? It ’ s lightweight and very easy to adjust and fit , with no particularly bulky areas . I definitely liked the low sides , which meant there was absolutely no danger of any impingement around my arms . The front pockets are roomy enough to house a large phone in its waterproof case and plenty of space for other bits and bobs : a knife , whistle , towline , and snacks .
If you are looking at buoyancy aids , then I would encourage you to consider the YAK Xipe 60N because of the many features and slimline feel – it has been designed with SUP in mind , and it feels like YAK has researched what makes a buoyancy aid work for a stand-up paddleboarder . Saying that , it would be perfect for other types of watersports such as canoeing and kayaking and if this one is not suitable for your size or shape , check out the other comprehensive PFD range at www . yakadventureequipment . com Price : Around £ 90.00