Review: MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD

Product: MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD – Unisex

Price: $199.95

Store: MEC

This MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is fantastic for kayaking! It’s comfortable to wear if a paddler’s body fits between XS (extra small) to XXL (extra extra large). A PFD generally takes the shape of a person’s body, which is ideal for continuous use. It’s shorter at the stomach, with adjustable straps at the shoulders. This is compared to a life jacket that is more of a one size fits all rectangular shape. Its design offers more flotation to support flipping on your back and keeping your face out of the water. Reading up on both types is strongly recommended to see what suits your specific needs.

This MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD has a big pocket at the front allowing me to place my underwater camera in it. For someone like me who is constantly taking pictures, I appreciate having my camera accessible at all times, regardless of the weather. It’s even better when I don’t have to tie it to my wrist; causing it to be in the way when kayaking and potentially hitting the side of the kayak.

Movement

The MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD is short at the front and back providing great mobility to move arms with ease and rotate the paddle comfortably! I don’t feel boxed in unable to move as I would feel in a life jacket. With this PFD, it’s comfortable to sit in a kayak as well. When wearing a life jacket, its front and backside tend to be pushed upwards because of the longer length, causing a great amount of discomfort while doing this activity. While kayaking, the life jacket constricts the neck, and the armholes push up in the armpits. This could prevent a kayaker from progressing at a normal speed to their destination.

Size of Pockets

Huge Pocket of the MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD

While kayaking on Lake Isle with Kris, he took this picture showcasing the huge pocket at the front of the PFD. The big pocket at the front can hold a Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera as well as snacks. It also has a clip to hold your keys, so you don’t lose them on your trip or misplace them. You want to make sure you know the whereabouts of your keys. A mesh pocket sits on the front, ideal for used wrappers or a small treat. Two gray pockets are located on each side, allowing easy access to a small granola bar or energy chews. Tissues can also be stored in them, if it’s a nice calm day. Otherwise on a windy day, they could get wet.

Radio

If you’re a guide or like to keep in contact with other family members while taking different day trips, a radio to connect with them is a prudent addition to take with you. This PFD has a pocket to store this item. Easily take it out by unhooking the clip and use your radio to correspond with your family members or your partner.

Happiness with MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD

As a lady who loves her camera and snacks, this is a fantastic personal flotation device. I love the abundance of pockets that a life jacket lacks.

Camera

This Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera allows you to take awesome pictures while out kayaking. It’s pricey at $414.07 but you won’t need to worry about wrecking a good and potentially expensive regular camera while out on your adventures. An awesome place to bring your camera is while kayaking in Desolation Sound. There is so much potential wildlife such as seals, starfish, eagles, and whales to photograph, as well as family members, your partner and your surroundings. The best part of this camera is that it fits in the main pocket of the personal floatation device. It takes decent pictures as well.

Tip

Tip: If you’re kayaking on the ocean, be sure to clean the lenses and the screen regularly with fresh water to take beautiful pictures without salt water spots.

Colours and Sizes: MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD

MEC unfortunately no longer sells this personal floatation device in a beautiful yellow colour but it comes in either a red and black or grey for those interested in this MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD. The sizes run from XS (extra small) to XXL (extra extra large). A coat can fit underneath if one is needed due to high winds or rain. A neoprene suit (worn when kayaking in cold temperatures) can also fit underneath the PFD by adjusting the straps on the shoulders and on both sides of the body.

Waist Band

The waist has an adjustable band depending on how tight you want it around your waist. You’ll want it snug to help you float in case you fall into the water, but not too tight and constrict your breathing, preventing you from paddling or taking pictures.

Technical PFD

It’s meant as a guide PFD or for kayakers who are more technically advanced than myself but I find it useful for my needs. It can be used for people who have moderate kayaking skills. Don’t let the title deter you from buying it. Focus on the features that you’d like in your personal flotation device and go from there.

This personal flotation device offers a radio compartment, strobe attachment, carabiner quick release, and reflective material for kayaking in the dark for kayakers who have more technical skills. Read the details on their site for more information.

Overview for MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD

Pros: It features many pockets; very comfortable to wear while paddling. It has a pocket for radio and clips to attach carabiners. It has a thick zipper to the side (providing comfort) and allows for easy wear and removal.

Cons: It’s bulky to carry if you want to travel with it abroad. It only comes in a few select colours and yellow is no longer available. It can be a pricey PFD for some people.

Best for: Kayakers to carry their snacks and camera. It provides mobility for long journeys. The easily adjustable straps facilitate adding a warmer layer or removing one. The PFD is padded to create some body warmth.