I have been interested in fishing for as long as I can remember. When I was young, my dad would stock rainbow trout in our dugout at the farm and I was always eager to get up early to attempt to catch one.
Eventually I grew tired of the challenges associated with shore fishing and upgraded to a fishing kayak. I now have about 10 years of kayak fishing under my belt and have been able to give many different kayak fishing products some great real world tests; especially my PFD’s.
One of the most important purchases with my fishing kayak was a comfortable PFD. After testing out a few different PFDs over the years, I can finally say I have found the right one for me. The NRS Raku has met all of my needs and exceeded my expectations.
NRS Raku PFD in Action
NRS Raku Kayak Angling PFD Review
NRS Raku First Impressions
Early last season I decided it was time to upgrade and try out the newest kayak fishing PFD - the NRS Raku. I had heard good reviews from a few buddies and liked the thin back design. When the PFD arrived at Aquabatics I was excited to go pick it up and take it on its maiden voyage. A few things I was impressed with on my first trip were:
- Well thought-out storage compartments on the front with plenty of attachment points inside to lash gear to (like nippers or my phone)
- Many adjustable straps to ensure the PFD fits snug while still being comfortable
- Back of PFD did not get in the way of my high back lawn chair seat on my Wilderness Systems Radar 135
NRS Raku Pros/Cons
After a year of use I was able to develop a pros and cons list based on my experiences with other PFDs.
Pros
- Very comfortable and adjustable - can fit many body types.
- Padding is more evenly distributed than other PFDs (like the NRS Chinook) so it feels less bulky.
- Colour choices are nice - grey is subtle and orange helps you stick out on the water.
- Lash points/ pockets are numerous and well thought out.
- Rod holder strap is a nice touch and comes in handy when tying on a new lure.
Cons
- Less breathable than mesh back PFDs - back can get sweaty on a hot day.
- Pliers slot could have better velcro - I recommend leashing pliers to the PFD just in case.
- Rather expensive
NRS Raku Specifications
NRS Raku Fishing PFD
$164.96
$219.95
NRS Raku vs NRS Chinook Angling PFDs If you're looking for a feature rich, comfortable and thin full back angling PFD, then the NRS Raku is the one for you. Dual certified in both Canada and the USA, it's the… Read More
NRS Raku Summary
If you are in the market for a new kayak fishing PFD, I strongly suggest you check out the NRS Raku. I have been very happy with mine so far and expect it to last for many more years.
Overall, the NRS Raku has met all my needs and more! It was designed with the kayak angler in mind, but would make a great PFD for any paddler wanting extra storage. Go check it out at Aquabatics in Calgary or Edmonton. The staff there will help you get the right size and you can try it out on a few different kayak seats to make sure it suits your needs.
If you are on the fence between the NRS Raku and The NRS Chinook, check out:
Tight Lines!
Terran Bernhard
Aquabatics Ambassador
Instagram @Saskkayakangler
Facebook @Terranbernhard
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
