Kokatat Ronin Pro Rescue PFD Review

Kokatat’s much anticipated Ronin Pro PFD has finally been released to the United States. The Ronin is an extremely well designed vest and is being introduced at a critical time. Our paddling community was in need of diversity and greater selection in rescue live vests and the Ronin is now available to help satisfy the need for another highly capable rescue vest.

Specs:

Pros:

  • High neck and Spinal protection! A must when you’re running the unknown upside-down and backwards. Whether you're paddling class II or V, you’ll never know where that career ending rock may be lurking.
  • Throw bag (i.e. body bag) capable front pocket. Don’t sacrifice the teams safety after you’ve found yourself separated from your all important plastic craft and all your safety gear is down the drink. Carry a Body Bag in your Ronin Pro so you can offer your paddling partners a line to safety when they’re about to swim out off the same feature that had you swimming moments before.
  • Are you new to kayaking and don’t need all the bells and whistles of a rescue vest? Buy the Ronin version and get all the great attributes of the Ronin Pro, minus the rescue harness.

Cons:

  • After my little rant on the Body Bag, the Ronin Pro’s body bag’s pocket could be a bit larger for easier access. So buy an Astral throw rope and prefect your stuffing skills.

First Ever Embudo Fest Update from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo. Check out Evan's Team about half way through the video.They (Evan, Tim Kelton and Rolf Kelly) went on to win the race.

The Verdict:

Our paddling community was in need of diversity in the category of well designed rescue PFD’s and the Ronin Pro satisfies this with its high back protection and a body bag capable front pocket.

If you are interested in learning more about Evan's expedition to Mexico, click here. He's got some killer ski mountaineering trip reports too. Never a dull moment :

http://rhythmsofgravity.blogspot.com/

What do you think? Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

About Us

We're a group of whitewater kayak, raft, and stand up paddleboard enthusiasts committed to stocking the highest-quality gear and deliver it to you as quickly as possible.

Learn more about us

Don't Forget About These

What else are we up to?

View all
First Impressions: Finding Her Flow in the Jackson Kayak Flow Whitewater Kayak

First Impressions: Finding Her Flow in the Jackson Kayak Flow Whitewater Kayak

Jonny Ortiz
A quick run down of the new Swiss Army Knife of Kayaks, the Jackson Kayak Flow from CKS customer Halie Orr! I was just taking off the river the day...
Gear Up for Fall Releases

Gear Up for Fall Releases

Jonny Ortiz
As the crisp air settles in for Fall Paddling season with popular events such as Beaverfest, Gorefest, Gauley Fest and Russell Fork Rendevous, make sure you are prepared with the gear you’ll need to have to stay comfortable and support your team on the river! Here are a few recommendations from CKS Online's Lead Buyer, Jonny Ortiz.
Jackson Kayak Rockstar V - Why We Still Love it in 2023

Jackson Kayak Rockstar V - Why We Still Love it in 2023

Jonny Ortiz
As water levels gradually drop, we find ourselves praying for rain and anticipating fall releases to alleviate the low water blues. My focus has s...