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OHUB Review: Striker Shield Float Vest
Being an outdoor writer often gets me in predicaments that I look back on a wonder “what was I thinking?”
Take the time I had to take underwater photos in the river in February. Or the time I swam the entire width of a river trying to film a fish being reeled in by the angler. That was the time that I barely made it back to the boat because I was exhausted from trying to swim while keeping the camera above the water’s surface. When it comes to getting the perfect shot, I do what it takes to get in the right position no matter what the cost.
After doing a little research on PFD’s and floatation devices, I came away less than optimistic that I would find something that would keep me afloat while not getting in my way. That’s until I received something in the mail that sounded promising. It’s called the Shield Floating Vest made by Striker. Now, I’ve heard of Striker and even own a few articles of clothing they make. My waterproof Adrenaline hunting jacket has kept me warm through many a hunt. And my Tournament fishing pants are all I wear when I hit the water. But I’ve never heard of their Floating Vest.
At first glance, the vest looked like something I’d wear on a hunting or fishing trip. Very stylish, and not too thick or bulky. The vest is very lightweight and windproof. Its low profile will allow me to wear it as both an outer layer and insulating mid-layer, making it a practical 3-season option whether on the water or in the woods.
Needless to say, this vest would be something that I would definitely wear while hunting or fishing, but there was one thing left to test – buoyancy!
I made a trip to the marsh in Southeast Louisiana, where my assignment was to photograph two anglers for an upcoming fishing article. After finding a duck pond that was stacked with redfish, I grabbed my camera and prepared to enter the water. I have to admit that I was so excited that I forgot I was wearing the vest, but after jumping into the water, I soon realized that the Shield Float Vest was living up to its name. It quickly brought me back up to the surface and allowed me to float evenly even while taking photos in the water. While submerged the vest fit snug to my chest and didn’t bunch up or get in the way.
After exiting the water, I was able to take it off and wring it out for the ride home.
But there was one more test! The clothes that I wear in the rivers and bayous take a beating. It’s often the case that my wife can’t get the water stains out of certain articles of clothing. So when she came to me with the vest after washing and drying it, she held it up and said, “Here ya go! looks new again!” She washed the vest using cold water on the delicate setting and hung it to dry after. That did the trick!
It’s taken me five years to find something that would allow me to operate in the water while not getting in my way while taking pictures, and I can honestly say that the Striker Shield Float Vest will accompany me on every hunting and fishing trip I make in the future!
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