Totally agree, the Chinook is awesome. If however the RAKU existed when I bought my Chinook I would of got it because of the flat back. Just as Daren said, when leaning on a chair while peddling it's more comfortable.
I just purchased this NRS RAKU in bright orange based upon your very thorough and well explained review. THANK YOU! I'll be fly fishing from a pedal kayak in S.W. Florida and fast moving streams and shallow sections of rivers in the Northeast. I might consider getting the knife and pliers, as well!
Great review. The difference between the xl and 2 xl is usually the length of the straps. I can see where it's better for pedal kayaks, makes perfect sense. I'm still paddling, so my Onyx serves me well. Might get a manual/ auto inflator since I have to get my ☀️. I know the knife locks in but if the clip is wrong wayed, it does slip off. Believe me, lost one with a simple twist sideways. Thanks.
I own both the Chinook and the Raku. Both are fantastic. The Raku is better for pedal kayaks but one could not go far wrong with either really. BTW love that co-pilot knife.
I'm thinking that is an option for me to step up into. I have a PFD that I like, but in the summer months, a touch on the warm side. Still keeping it for cold weather since I can use it like a layer. Thank you for the info bud.
Just curious on your opinion about why someone would choose a black, grey or any dark color over a bright colored vest. I wouldn't feel uncomfortable if my options were a dark color vest over a bright colored vest. I want to be seen at all cost. Especially if I get in an accident and I can't get on my water craft and stuck in the water. In a bigger boat I can somewhat understand but riding in a kayak, paddleboard, or any small water craft, I'm going bright as can be when it comes to a life vest. I want bigger boats to see me in the water for sure and not take the risk of being run over.
I think it would depend on what you fish the most.. if you are fishing electric only lakes or floating creeks.. there would be little need for a bright color.. also.. some people already have very bright neon kayaks they fish out of.
@@mistersnoid Looks similar minus the vents.. but to be honest... they dont vent a whole lot considering you are sitting against a seat. Likely a good bet
Have an NRS Chinook and absolutely love that thing.
yeah... they are expensive but worth it
Totally agree, the Chinook is awesome. If however the RAKU existed when I bought my Chinook I would of got it because of the flat back. Just as Daren said, when leaning on a chair while peddling it's more comfortable.
I just purchased this NRS RAKU in bright orange based upon your very thorough and well explained review. THANK YOU! I'll be fly fishing from a pedal kayak in S.W. Florida and fast moving streams and shallow sections of rivers in the Northeast. I might consider getting the knife and pliers, as well!
Awesome! You'll love it!
Great review. The difference between the xl and 2 xl is usually the length of the straps. I can see where it's better for pedal kayaks, makes perfect sense. I'm still paddling, so my Onyx serves me well. Might get a manual/ auto inflator since I have to get my ☀️. I know the knife locks in but if the clip is wrong wayed, it does slip off. Believe me, lost one with a simple twist sideways. Thanks.
Ugh.. sorry.. as those suckers are expensive to lose. I definitely have an auto inflator as well. Can get a bit warm in the summer for sure.
The Chinook is usually the only one you see. I’ll have to look for this. I like the looks of it.
Yeah.. I never see it outside of online where I got mine
I own both the Chinook and the Raku. Both are fantastic. The Raku is better for pedal kayaks but one could not go far wrong with either really.
BTW love that co-pilot knife.
Right on brother.. the co-pilot is perfect size as they don't extend past the pocket.
I'm thinking that is an option for me to step up into. I have a PFD that I like, but in the summer months, a touch on the warm side. Still keeping it for cold weather since I can use it like a layer. Thank you for the info bud.
Hey Digs.. happy to help!
These are basically fishing vests made like PFDs. They are excellent.
I use the rod holder with my telescoping rod.
Right on LIT.... it would make a lot of sense for me to use it when I'm wading through the river
I never knew that was a rod holder, neat.
Great review Wendell! What kind of radio are you using please?
I use these now: th-cam.com/video/FA5iTrYxuWA/w-d-xo.html
Great review! Question: the Chinook has that irritating buckle at the belly button area. Does the Raku also have that “feature”?
Yeah, they have the buckle as well. I would imagine you can just cut it off right? I feel like it's there to make it easier to connect the zippers.
What radio do you have?
Hey Aaron.. I have a BAOFENG BF-F8HP. Here's the specs: geni.us/TwoWayRadio
Just curious on your opinion about why someone would choose a black, grey or any dark color over a bright colored vest. I wouldn't feel uncomfortable if my options were a dark color vest over a bright colored vest. I want to be seen at all cost. Especially if I get in an accident and I can't get on my water craft and stuck in the water. In a bigger boat I can somewhat understand but riding in a kayak, paddleboard, or any small water craft, I'm going bright as can be when it comes to a life vest. I want bigger boats to see me in the water for sure and not take the risk of being run over.
I think it would depend on what you fish the most.. if you are fishing electric only lakes or floating creeks.. there would be little need for a bright color.. also.. some people already have very bright neon kayaks they fish out of.
I sure hope they didn't discontinue this model: most websites are out of my size, and offering the remaining ones at "closeout" prices.
Unfortunately they did... I believe they are replacing it with the Zander: geni.us/NRSZander
@@wendellfishing I might have waited too long. Zander has that high-cut back, no vents. what's your take?
@@mistersnoid Looks similar minus the vents.. but to be honest... they dont vent a whole lot considering you are sitting against a seat. Likely a good bet
@@wendellfishing agree. apparently, the fit is unusually good.
All these reviews and we don't see it floating. How it floats a person
Good feedback...appreciate it
2025…. The NRS Zander replaces the Raku! Snatched a Raku for my son for $75 new!!!!
That's a sick deal!
Top back foam not much helpfull when you in the water. Raku is better.