The first Full On Vest prototype has emerged from the Cactus factory! The west coast weather cooperated and allowed for 2 days of on the water testing before returning to the factory for (many) minor changes.
We took it to the Styx River and spent the hour long walk-in talking about hydro schemes and the future, terrorism, the increasing cost of driving a car, etc. Everything but the most exciting thing happening in the whitewater world-the Full On Vest!
On the water, though I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fits me better than the original. The design skills of Andy Milne shone through and the thing fits like a glove! It's comfortable, and felt protective...I have to admit-I couldn't find the courage to test the body armour, but the fact that I did't notice wearing armour scored a positive in my book.
When asked, all other boaters on the water noted its tough appearance and looked decidedly jealous!
The Totara River provided a good location for swim testing.
It's definitely more floaty than the original too! We haven't had the chance to do any scientific testing to calculate the actual uplift force that it generates, but I gave it a good testing and found that I resurfaced quickly, was unhindered in swimming and it didn't ride up at all. Refinements working? Tick!
So, the verdict on proto 1... It works, it's an improvement, but there's still work to be done.
Keep watching. Work is progressing on the next prototype and should be available for testing soon...
