NRS Ninja PFD
- The Ninja's athletic design won't interfere with paddling, rowing or swimming.
- Four side adjustments and two shoulder adjustments provide a custom fit.
- Great for boaters with short torsos, who may have a difficult time wearing more conventional life vests.
- Soft PVC-Free foam flotation panels are shaped for comfort.
- A floating front panel adjusts to your body's shape and gives you a warm place to put your hands when it's chilly.
- The side entry is secured by quick release buckles, making it easy to put on and take off.
- A front mesh pocket secured with a quick release buckle holds the essentials.
- The 500-denier Cordura® shell wears like iron.
- Soft, stretchy fabric on the inside lets the Ninja PFD flex, and enhances breathability.
- One well placed lash tab holds your rescue knife.
- Design flotation: 16.5 lbs.
- US Coast Guard Type: III
- Profile: Low
- Design Flotation: 16.5 lbs.
- Outer Fabric: 500-denier Cordura®
- Entry System: Side buckle
-
Pockets:
- 1 - Front
-
Lash Tabs:
- 1 - Front
-
Adjustment System:
- 4 - Side
- 2 - Shoulder
| NRS Life Jacket Sizing* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| *Some sizes may not apply to this product... please see the drop down menu for available sizes. |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 38 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable (35)
- Adjustable (34)
- Lightweight (32)
- Good ventilation (27)
- Durable (20)
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling (31)
- Kayak / canoe / rafting (16)
- Boating / sailing (11)
- Personal watercraft (6)
- Waterskiing (3)
- Chest Size:
Feels too small
Feels true to size
100%
(34 reviews)
Feels too big
- Reviewer Profile:
- Intermediate (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (35)
Most Liked Positive Review
Outstanding rolling PFD!
Purchased after watching the short video, and it is absolutely perfect for what I wanted - a low profile, non-bulky PFD for rolling. As I am tall, the short torso of the PFD ...Read complete review
Purchased after watching the short video, and it is absolutely perfect for what I wanted - a low profile, non-bulky PFD for rolling. As I am tall, the short torso of the PFD stays completely clear of the kayak's deck and gives me complete freedom of movement.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Ok PFD
I purchased this PFD for when I paddle my surfski. I thought it was small enough not to restrict movement but would still aid in flotation if needed. I rolled of my ski a ...Read complete review
I purchased this PFD for when I paddle my surfski. I thought it was small enough not to restrict movement but would still aid in flotation if needed. I rolled of my ski a few times to see how it would perform for flotation and if it would interfere with swimming, remounts, etc.. The double front panel, does help bring your front torso face up, which can be good, but does interfere with swimming, unless on your back like all other Class III PFD's I have tried. The double pannel also interferes with trying to remount a surfski, because of the thickness. If the vest had one panel that was 3/4 of the total thickness of both panels, I think it would work out much better for me and others.
It is a the same great quality, that you would expect from NRS, as far as the materials are concerned, but I just wish the double panel was a single or could have been made thinner, without loosing buoyancy.
Reviewed by 38 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
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Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Good Ventilation
- Lightweight
- Ninja-esque
- Stylish
Cons
Best Uses
- Canoeing
- Paddling
- Personal Watercraft
Comments about NRS Ninja PFD:
I've worn other PFDs but borrowed one of these some time ago and had to buy one for myself. The PFD is comfortable with great mobility, and you feel like a superhero while wearing it.
The only negative is that the floation on your chest is bulky but that's the natural result of having such a narrow profile - and means you have tons of freedom of movement with your arms. I love the hand warming "pockets" and it's comfortable with or without a shirt on. Also, the zip pocket is small, but again, makes sense given the small size of the pfd. I stick extra nonvaluables (ie hat) in the handwarmer pockets if need be. I bought the green ninja, and it blends into the background where I kayak, making me the ultimate stealth paddling ninja.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling
Comments about NRS Ninja PFD:
I chose this vest because I have a shorter torso and the adjustable shoulder straps and minimalist style allows for full rotation and movement. Adjusts to be very comfortable and does not ride up when using a dry suit or wet suit. Shoulder adjustments allow for perfect adjustment for back band style outfitting, it probably would ride a little low for a boat with a seat back style outfitting.
The only shortcoming of this vest are the single small pocket, suitable for only a whistle, tough to use for a gps size item.
I have not used in warmer weather so I am unsure about if it allows much ventilation but I am guessing the snug flush fit may have limited air flow, but I will trade that for a pfd that seems to resist riding up.
The performance of this pfd is much higher than its entry level price.
Service and delivery comments:
As usual with NRS, quick delivery, and should a return be needed, all documentation is suppled for easy return.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling
Comments about NRS Ninja PFD:
This is the best fitting paddling PFD I could find for my daughter who is thin and weighs 95. Also like that it has only buckles and no zippers.
Service and delivery comments:
Fast delivery
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good Ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling
Comments about NRS Ninja PFD:
Haven't gotten on the water yet but looking forward to using comfortable PFD finally!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Easy on and off
- Good Ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Canoeing
- Paddling
Comments about NRS Ninja PFD:
This is the most comfortable PFD I've ever worn! I specifically bought it for paddling my remix XP 10 and you forget you have it on. Never rides up into your chin and doesn't come close to the seat. Easy to put on and adjust. Worth every cent!
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Do you have questions about this product?
get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
what is the weight limit for safe useAsked on 5/13/2013 by dan from oroville ca1 answer
A:
Dan, the US Coast Guard has determined that: "Most adults only need an extra seven to twelve pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water." So, they've set 15.5 pounds of foam flotation as the minimum for a Type III life jacket. The Ninja has 16.5 pounds of flotation. Body composition affects how readily we float. Muscle is less buoyant, fatty tissue more so.
That's the long story. The short one is that there's no set weight limit for safe use. Give us a call, 800.635.5202, and we will work with you to select the best jacket for you and the activities you plan to use it in.Answered on 5/14/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
I would like to purchase an NRS Ninja but do not know what size to get. I am a 5'9" male with a 39-40" chest. Seems like it will be something between S/M and L/XL. Any advice?Asked on 4/18/2013 by Keith5 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Keith, I recently purchased a Ninja. I'm 5'5", 140 lbs, 36.5" chest, and the S/M fits me well with quite a bit of leftover strap for adjustability. I'd go by the recommended measurements on the NRS website; they didn't steer me wrong. Hope this helps.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
I’m slender 5’6” male, 36” chest, obviously I got the S/M. My best guess (emphasis on “guess”) for
you would be L/XL. I had the advantage of being able to try on the vest at a retail store first.
Maybe try calling NRS customer service? In my experience, they’re usually pretty knowledgeable about
their products.A:
Keith, the main difference in the sizing is the length of the adjustment straps. If you boat in conditions where you need to add insulating layers, go with the L/XL.Answered on 4/19/2013 by Clyde from NRSVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I got the L/XL ninja for husband, who is about 6'1 with a 43 in chest, but he's also got a lot if play in the straps.. I would probably say either on would work, but the S/M because my husband fit in both sizes, just preferred the looser straps on the L/XL
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 4/19/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I'm pretty much the exact same dimensions and I went with a S/M. I always tend to size down with PFDs though. The ninja is form fitting and if you are getting it for paddling or rafting I think a S/M is the way to go.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 4/18/2013 by Anonymous
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
When attaching a rescue knife, such as the NRS Pilot Knife, to the lash tab is there a preferred direction to orient the handle? The two options seem to be either the handle pointing downward or towards the dominant hand. I'm leaning toward the "pointing to the dominant hand" option given how low the lash tab is but am very curious as to others opinions.Asked on 3/21/2013 by Ken from Long Beach, CA3 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
It might depend where your lash tab is on your pfd. You should test both ways to see which way is more intuitive so you can release the knife without looking at it. I have a short pfd (no front zipper), my lash tab is below my one pocket, the handle is oriented towards the dominant hand sideways, it is easier for me to release the knife in this position. I position the sharp blade side away from my face.Answered on 3/22/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
On this life jacket, the lash tab is located where the handle pointing down invites having it jab you in your abdomen, or your leg, and where attaching it sideways, handle toward the right, is the only reasonable option (in which case, it will help if you are either right-handed, or ambidextrous. Lefty's need to move the lash tab somewhere else on the jacket, or jury-rig an attachment point on the shoulder strap, or choose another life jacket.Answered on 3/22/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
This is a great question. I found the position and angle of the lash tab to be one of the very few
things I don’t like about this PFD. I tried various positions and always found that the knife
handle, even if I used the shorty pilot, would create a situation in which the knife got caught up.
I’m a guide, so I’m getting in and out of my boat a lot from the water, and the knife almost always
got caught on the chicken strap or hit a D-ring and made it a pain to get in. It also got in the
way when loading the rafts onto busses. Turning the lash tab 45 degrees I think would have been
better.
If you’re a hard boater, these issues may not have any impact on you.
My solution: I (OK, my wife) stitched a something akin to a small nylon D-ring (it’s not a D-ring,
I can’t think of what to call it) on the left edge of the PFD. I rigged up a piece of thin
adjustable nylon webbing that allows me to tuck the knife, and its sheath of course, inside the PFD.
I can hook it to the sheath and adjust the strap length so the knife handle is easily accessible
with my right hand but will never catch on anything. Hard to describe, but really very simple. Works
with the shorty or the longer version.
Hope this long explanation helps.
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
Do any of these PFD's come in a size XS/Small or is sm/ med the smallest size? My son is 13, but only weighs about 85 lbs and is really, really thin. His Lotus Half Pint is finally small on him, but the adult PFD's are all pretty large on him and ride up. The Ninja and Kokatat Orbit both look like pretty low profile PFD's but since we can't just try them on, it is hard to know how they will fit. Any help w/ this is appreciated. He has tried on the Astral and they have too much padding around his rib area and it is too cumbersome for him.
thanks,
TerrellAsked on 12/12/2012 by Terrell from Paducah, KY5 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
This is just my opinion, but I’d get something smaller and less expensive until your son is nearly
full grown. I don’t think the Ninja comes in XS size, but I’m not 100% certain. I assume you will
be wanting this for whitewater, not flatwater. I really like mine for big water. But if you get one
that’s even a little too small for whitewater, that’s a serious safety hazard because he could
easily slip out of it unintentionally if dragged under by a big hole, or what have you.A:
Hi Terrell, the smallest Ninja is the S/M, which fits a 33"-40" chest. I think it would be too large for him. Take a look at the NRS Vista Youth - http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=21471+Y&pdeptid=954 - it fits a 24"-29" chest. We have an excellent returns policy, so if it doesn't work it doesn't cost you to send it back. Thanks for working hard to keep him safe!Answered on 12/12/2012 by Clyde from NRSVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I puchased sm/med for my 150# skinny brother. It will probably be about right. I strongly suspect the sm/med will be too big for your situation. I like the product and NRS has been great if you need to return anything.Answered on 12/12/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Had a young Scout (13 years old and weighs about the same) on a float trip
who used the Ninja jacket (in size S/M) and it fit great. The nice part
about the Ninja is that it has so many adjustable points. You may want to
look at the Youth Vista as well.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Hi Terrell, I have the lg/xlg and it feels good, haven't actually used on the water, SD is kind of cold right now, it you get the smallest size I think you will get by just fine, and if not NRS is very good with returns, I would buy and try it on. Good luck! nancy
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
I have aa daughter who is 90lbs 5 ft tall. And chest about 28 to 29... What is your choice for the best PFD? She's into paddle boarding and kayaking as we'll as family whitewater rafting. Would prefer to buy her a good one that will last a couple years, as she is on the top end of youth sizing. Adult xs or s? She likes the look of the Ninja...Asked on 11/30/2012 by Mom from Montana5 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
I both paddleboard and kayak. I highly recommend the Ninja because it's open and doesn't restrict movement.Answered on 12/9/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
This is a tough call and I think it’s a matter of personal preference. You don’t say how old she is.
If she’s going to outgrow a PFD in a year or two, which is what you kind of imply, you might want to
consider a less expensive one until then. A 90-lb person is going to float very high with just about
any decent PFD.
If your daughter is full grown, just small, I can only say that I really like the Ninja, and I
expect to be using it for much longer than a couple years. I’m a river guide, so I use it constantly
during the spring/summer. I’ll probably still be using it 8-9 years from now.
Hope this helps a little.
SteveA:
Lots of ladies love the Ninja. And it's a low profile jacket, really good for folks with short torsos, which probably includes your daughter. One thing I'll recommend against is getting a jacket she can "grow into." For safety it's important that it fit snugly to prevent ride up. The S/M fits 33"-40" chests. If that doesn't work, please give us a call, 800.635.5202, and we'll help you choose a good alternative.Answered on 11/30/2012 by Clyde from NRSVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I love the Ninja. I feel like it fits a feminine figure well. It has a
higher profile and has lots of room and movement for my arms. I just do
rafting but I'm sure it would be great or better for kayaking. I would
recommend the XS for your daughter. I am 5'4" 120 lb and a 37 chest. I
have the adult small/medium and the chest size on that says 33-40".
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
Is this good for class 4 white water?Asked on 11/17/2012 by marcus6 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes the ninja is good foe class 4, its not a rescue vest, but it is a solid
whitewater pfdAnswered on 11/17/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Good jacket for the price. A little bulky in the front. Limited space for
carrying items. Good freedom of motionAnswered on 11/22/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes, this pdf is good for Class 4 water. It has no restrictions on movement or the roll. With the profile design, you almost forget you are wearing. The pocket is also great. I forgot to clasp the buckle on one session and the elastic rim on the pocket held everything tight. Great buy.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes but runs big so check the sizeAnswered on 11/18/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yup. This jackets good for class 4 and 5. I'm 180 pounds and it works wonders. Hope that helps
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 11/20/2012 by Anonymous
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
I am not a big fan of swimming large rapids and would like a low or medium profile jacket that I can kayak in but wont ride up and still gives me a good amount of floatation. Would this jacket work. or can someone suggest one that would?Asked on 10/29/2012 by Henry3 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Hi there,
I’m a river guide and don’t kayak much anymore, so I can’t speak to how the vest feels while
kayaking. Based on my use of it in the raft, I think it would be very comfortable. I have a lot of
freedom of movement when I use it.
In the water, it’s been very secure and doesn’t ride up. Haven’t swum any big rapids in it, just
jumped into some boogie water for fun.
I couldn’t comment on other PFDs. Thhis one replaced my Lotus, but there is no Lotus anymore.
Hope this helps.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
I am a dragon boater and this PFD provides more freedom of movement than anything I have tried.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 10/29/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I have paddled many hours on flat water with this PFD without restriction. It stays where I fasten it (sinched snug around my waist) and doesn't rub my neck or arms. I haven't taken it for a swim at all, so float-tested it I have not.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 10/29/2012 by Anonymous
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
Does the front pocket on the NRS Ninja PFD contain anything more than a plastic buckle to keep it closed? I.e., does is have Velcro or a zipper in addition to the buckle?Asked on 10/6/2012 by LG from Minnesota9 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
No just bucket - working fine
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 10/7/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Just the plastic buckle keeps it closed. I usually hook my keys to the plastic latch hook inside the pocket.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 10/7/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Just a buckle and a ring for keysAnswered on 10/7/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
It has only a plastic buckle.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 10/7/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
No, it does not have anything other than a buckle to keep it closed, but the design of the pocket keeps it closed. The pocket lip is elastic and stays tight to the vest. By accident, I forgot to latch the buckle on a heavy run and my items stayed in place...key, earplugs, etc. The pocket is well-designed and I am confident in it.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
No, it is just the plastic buckle, but it does have an elastic strap (2-2
1/2 in) with a plastic ring attached that is on the inside of the pocket so
you can hook a carabiner to this ring and the item in your pocket for extra
security. The pocket is also made of a stretch material so that it fits a
little more tightly around the item in the pocket.
- NRS Ninja PFD
Q:
Is this jacket Coast Guard approved?Asked on 9/5/2012 by Sabrina from Castine6 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
yes!Answered on 9/5/2012 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes, it is coast guard approved. It is a type 3 PFD. My husband purchased
it this season for me and love it. Lots of mobility for your arms so you
can paddle, handle children, and move much easier. I also like how it
seems it fits a female really well compared to others. We have had others
(both male and female) who have tried it out and also liked it.VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Coast guard approval. Number 160. 064/4719/0
USCG approved wearable device for I inspected commercial vessels less than 40 ft. In length not carrying passengers for hire, and for recreational boats, not approved for use on personal water craft for water skiing, or similar towed usesA:
Yes, all the life jackets we carry are Coast Guard approved.Answered on 9/6/2012 by Clyde from NRS
