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This is going to sound bad, I predict. But personally I think Floating is over rated. Not very much, but just a tiny bit overrated. I mean, no one would argue that it's important to float, but it is also important to have a lifejacket that allows a freedom of mobility. Swimming in whitewater often requires a measured alternation between passive and active states of motion.
Often just a few, well timed and well placed strong swim strokes will both keep you on the surface and attached to the current that is going where you want to go. and sometimes you want to be able to go deep to latch on to some out flow from some bad ass hole.
On the other hand, if you're paddling lots of Big Water, floodstage, huge sh*t good flotation is essential, and you can't count on being able to swim your way out of trouble, or even to shore. So what kind of flotation you choose for your specific activity is an important choice.
Many people seem to like the Astrals because they provide that range of motion, but I'm not sure I like the bulky concentratin at the belly. Seems like it would suck for climbing into rafts, not to mention playboating , but I've never worn one. I think I was checkin out a Stolquist that I liked. It was less bulky and had that flotation spread out over the whole torso more.I've had a few Lotus jackets and have been happy with both the range of motion and the flotation they provide. Then again, I'm a light wieght person.
All the fassion b.s. you cited-- the industry has always been like that. Good gear is usually around, though.
If you really want a high float, I'm confident you'll find one. You could always make you're own, if you wanted to bad enough!
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