NRS Ninja Pro VS. Astral Green Jacket PFD (+ Vector Sneak Peak!)

Why I am so excited to never wear the Astral Green Jacket again after many faithful years! My unboxing video and a female perspective review of the new NRS Ninja Pro PFD featuring a sneak peak of the new NRS Vector PFD in comparison to the Greenjacket. These life jackets are truly a game changer!
From NRS:
"We took the feedback of our top athletes and whitewater professionals around the world and used it to create the NRS Ninja Pro PFD: A compact Type V rescue vest that delivers superior mobility and comfort and dialed-in rescue essentials to better serve whitewater paddlers, guides and SAR professionals.
The Orbit Fit System layers multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam cut to precise specifications to create a unique, flexible, pre-curved shape that effortlessly conforms to your body.
Graded Sizing takes into account the appropriate amount of flotation needed for individual body types resulting in a better-fitting, more comfortable life jacket for all.
Fully-featured rescue vest includes a strategically placed 1.5” quick-release rescue belt with an aluminum attachment ring.
Continuous, interconnected webbing creates an internal harness for maximum security in live bait scenarios and when grabbing users by shoulder straps.
Compartmentalized, zippered, drop-down, clamshell pocket stows and organizes essential on-person gear.
Features five attachment points for knife, lights, or strobe and extensive 3M® reflective accents to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
Hand warmer pocket features 4-way stretch double knit polyester lining that's soft against the skin; pocket doubles as quick storage for webbing or gloves.
Strap garages and a deliberately placed lash tab reduces snag points.
Our innovative Orbit Fit System enhances overall comfort, increases range of motion and eliminates the desire to over-tighten.
Sustainable construction combines a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a recycled nylon inner that protects PVC-free Ethafoam shims.
AirMesh lining on the lower back adds ventilation and helps manage moisture.
Side entry, with adjustments on shoulders, side and waist to secure the life jacket and customize fit.
Silicone-coated inner waistband helps hold the PFD in place when swimming.
Note: Graded Sizing changes the flotation value and foam platform for the NRS Ninja Pro PFD. We encourage you to refer to the sizing chart for this life jacket before placing an order."
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[@brentwade9346]

I love my Indus, but having held these in a store I agree completely - NRS really stepped it up with these. Great review!

[@AlexBarham]

Thanks! We will be on the Ottawa next week if you want to check them out

[@JulieOParkCity]

Thanks for your review. I’m looking at getting a new PFD for kayaking. I have an older NRS Ninja that I’ve been using for SUP but it doesn’t fit me well when sitting in a kayak. The shoulders ride up and aren’t comfortable. I’m about 5’1”. I ordered an Astral Layla which seems to fit better. It’s a women’s specific design. I haven’t taken the labels off yet and decided to order the new Ninja before making a final decision. I do love the front pocket on my Ninja. Hopefully the redesigned Ninja will fit me better than the old one. Thankfully I’m ordering from REI. Unfortunately our local shops don’t stock them and I live in South Lake Tahoe.

[@AlexBarham]

Good luck! The new Ninja is a total redesign that fits both of our very different bodies very well. It has the ability to wrap around and grab you so the fit should be as good as it gets

[@dangerjudy5334]

Great review, thank you!

[@AlexBarham]

Thanks Judy!

[@WhitewaterOutdoors]

Those look way nicer than the old ninjas!

[@AlexBarham]

A ton of thought and effort went into this whole line of PFDs. They are absolutely awesome

[@SantiagoAriasEskapa]

Great review! thxs. Question, can you get rid of the belt when you dont need it or is permanently attached to the pfd?

[@AlexBarham]

@@SantiagoAriasEskapa it is integrated into the pfd. You don't even notice it when not in use

[@MicajahMcCurry]

Owning both, my ninja is ripping at the seams. And that’s even though I always wear my green jacket…

[@AlexBarham]

The new one just landed. I don't know how you could have blown it put, but that would be an automatic warranty replacement just contact NRS

[@MicajahMcCurry]

@@AlexBarham old ninja. Same fabric though. I’ve had my ninja and green vest the same amount time. But I wear my green vest 90% of the time and never take my ninja anywhere but a play hole. Give them a feel. I can tell the astral vest won’t tear in comparison.

[@scottmcdonald1819]

For mostly canoe use and the occasional rafting trip would you recommend the pro or the regular ninja? Also curious if you have any time with the Astral YTV 2.0?? Seems to be the main competitor to the Ninja ?

[@AlexBarham]

Hey Scott! You will probably be fine without the additional rescue capabilities of the Ninja Pro.

[@codychitwood2383]

Do you still have to go over the head with the ninja pro because of the quick release safety harness? I have the OG ninja and really enjoy the side entry. Not a fan of the overhead deal and loosening and tightening straps every time like you find on most rescue vests so the ninja pro seems like a good option to get into a rescue vest since it still has the buckles on the 2 side straps. But I’m thinking the safety harness doesn’t have a buckle and so you’d still have to go overhead because of that. Is that correct?

[@AlexBarham]

You could pull the QR strap out, side enter and reset it each time, use the quick disconnect on the left side of the vest to side enter, or leave the QR strap as loose as possible and just pull that strap over your head.

[@codychitwood2383]

@@AlexBarham interesting. Seems slightly less aggravating than traditional rescue vests. But still more aggravating than the regular ninja. I guess that’s just the nature of having the safety harness. I may try it out

[@AlexBarham]

@codychitwood2383 the 2 seconds of noticing it when putting it on has been the beginning and end of it for me. We have been living in them for a week in Canada and I have to say it is the perfect mix of what I need and what I want. Still pulling out the Vector for the big stuff.

[@matustrencansky6435]

I'm choosing between Vector, Green Jacket, and Palm Nevis PFD. Can you make a walkthrough for Vector, @alexbarham?

[@AlexBarham]

That is the plan for this weekend!

[@ladiaep]

Does the pouch keep your stuff dry….?

[@AlexBarham]

No. No PFD has a dry pouch because the vest's price would more than double.