Since beginning this blog in 2016, we’ve extensively reviewed over 100 paddleboard accessory products, and the Restube PFD caught our attention.
Far from an ordinary swim buoy, the Restube PFD offers an innovative blend of safety and freedom for watersports enthusiasts.
However, it is important to keep a positive outlook with this accessory.
Let’s dive into our Restube PFD review.
Table of Contents
Data & Facts
| Brand | Restube |
|---|---|
| Weight | 315g |
| Floatation | 75 N (50 N certified) |
| Intended Use | Swimming, Surfing, Paddling |
| Features | Groin strap, waist and neck strap, mouth valve, SUP leash connector |
Pro & Con
Pros
- Safety and freedom in the water: The Restube PFD combines both safety and freedom in the water, making it ideal for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Quick and easy activation: In case of an emergency, the Restube PFD can be quickly activated by pulling the release cord.
- Comfortable to Wear: With its ergonomic design and adjustable waist, crotch, and neck straps, the Restube PFD ensures comfort while wearing it.
- Small and lightweight: At 315 g, the Restube PFD is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Certified & reliable buoyancy: The Restube PFD offers certified 50 N buoyancy (real 75 N) which ensures reliable support in the water.
- Universal use: The Restube PFD is suitable for various water sports, including swimming, surfing, and paddling.
Cons
- Higher cost: The Restube PFD may be more expensive than other similar products in the market.
- Not a complete replacement for a lifejacket: Although the Restube PFD offers significant support and safety features, it should not be considered a complete replacement for a traditional lifejacket.
- Limited additional features: The Restube PFD doesn’t have some of the additional features found in other Restube products, such as a whistle, key compartment, or interchangeable straps.
Features
- Compact and lightweight: Weighing only 315g, the Restube PFD is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a smart choice for any water sports enthusiast.
- Reliable buoyancy: With 75N of buoyancy (50N certified), Restube PFD provides reliable flotation support for increased safety without compromising on user mobility.
- Adjustable straps: Featuring a waist, groin, and neck strap, the Restube PFD ensures a secure and comfortable fit, keeping it in place during any water activity.
- Quick activation: In an emergency, the buoy can be activated rapidly and effortlessly by pulling the release cord, providing instant flotation support.
- Mouth valve: The device also features a mouth valve that can be used as an alternative for inflation or for making quick adjustments to the buoy’s air pressure.
- SUP-Leash Connector: The Restube PFD can be easily connected to a stand-up paddleboard leash, ensuring that your flotation device is always within reach.
- High-quality materials and construction: The Restube PFD is made with top-quality materials and is well-crafted, ensuring a durable and reliable product that will last for many water adventures.
- Certified safety: The Restube PFD is certified according to DIN EN ISO 12402-5 and DIN EN ISO 12402-6 standards and can be used in all water sports where a 50 N personal floating device is required by law.
How to Use the Restube PFD Swim Buoy
- Inspect the Restube: Before using, always check the condition of the Restube, and the bag, and ensure a filled CO²-cartridge is inserted.
- Adjust and Wear the Straps: Set the hip and crotch straps to the appropriate length, wear them around your waist, and fasten the buckle. The straps should fit snugly but remain comfortable.
- Connect to SUP Leash (Optional): If you’re using a SUP board, attach the leash to the connector on the hip strap to keep the board close by in the water.
- Activate the Buoy: In case of emergency or need, firmly pull the trigger to inflate the Restube buoy with the CO²-cartridge instantly.
- Secure the Neck Strap: Once inflated, put on the neck strap to keep the cushion securely in front of your chest.
- Deflate the Restube: After use, deflate the Restube by opening the mouth valve cover and pressing the valve stem down. Squeeze the Restube to release the air.
- Replace CO²-cartridge and Refold: Insert a new CO²-cartridge and follow the folding instructions provided to repack the Restube and secure it with the Velcro closure.
Intended Use
The Restube PFD Swim Buoy is designed to provide an enhanced sense of safety and freedom for all water sports enthusiasts. It combines the comfort of a compact, lightweight design with the reliable buoyancy of a personal floating device.
This makes it an ideal choice for swimmers, surfers, and paddlers seeking an additional layer of security on the water without compromising their mobility. Thanks to its certified 50 N buoyancy and adjustable straps for hip, crotch, and neck, the Restube PFD is suitable for various watersports, including fishing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding, across a wide range of skill levels.
It caters to individuals weighing approximately 40 kilograms and above, providing them with a sense of confidence out on the water. Moreover, the Restube PFD’s high-quality materials, ergonomic design, and superior flotation capabilities make it an excellent investment for watersports enthusiasts seeking the smallest certified PFD in the 50 N class.
They can trust the Restube PFD to deliver reliable performance and safety, whether they’re navigating rough waves or taking a relaxing paddle session in calm waters.
Material & Quality
The Restube PFD Swim Buoy is made from high-quality materials, ensuring reliability and durability during use in water activities. The combination of lightweight and robust components enables the Restube PFD to provide reliable buoyancy without compromising comfort or freedom of movement.
Compared to other similar products on the market, the Restube PFD stands out for its certified 50 N buoyancy, ergonomic design, and practical features.
In terms of use, the materials employed in the Restube PFD allow it to serve its purpose effectively – providing an additional layer of safety in the water without hindering the user’s movement.
Features such as the adjustable waist and crotch straps, neck support, and the easy-to-use CO₂ inflation mechanism indicate the quality of this product. With its sturdy construction and thoughtful design, the Restube PFD proves to be a valuable investment for those seeking protection and peace of mind during water activities.
FAQ
What is the weight and buoyancy of the Restube PFD?
The Restube PFD weighs 315g and offers 75 N (50 N certified) buoyancy.
How do you activate the Restube PFD in an emergency?
To activate the Restube PFD, simply pull the release cord for instant inflation.
Can the Restube PFD replace a traditional life jacket?
While offering significant support and safety, the Restube PFD shouldn’t be considered a complete replacement for a traditional life jacket.
Conclusion
The Restube PFD Swim Buoy offers a unique fusion of safety and freedom for watersports enthusiasts.
Its lightweight design, reliable buoyancy, and adjustable straps make it a smart choice for various water activities.
However, it’s important to remember that it is not a complete replacement for a traditional life jacket.
Despite its higher cost, the Restube PFD’s certified safety, high-quality materials, and versatility are worth the investment for anyone seeking enhanced support and confidence in the water.
