Comfortable, non-restrictive, attractive PFD -- fits women well.
Having just returned from a three day kayaking experience on the Eastern Shore in Maryland, can equivocally say that the PFD is comfortable, cool, and versatile. As a couple of others reviewers have noted, it does have the tendency to sit a little high in the back; however, did not find it restrictive in any way. All in all, can highly recommend and would purchase again.

As advertized
Kept me relatively cool on a hot day. Probably as comfortable as you can get in a PFD. Seems to fit a little high in back making me look more round shouldered than I am.At 75, can't really complain.

Light-Weight / Maneuverable / Cool / Comfortable
Bought this PFD for my spouse as she is a non-swimmer. V-Eight is compact, light-weight, open/wide arm area allows full maneuverability with great range of motion, and the breath-thru mesh material makes this cool to wear in hot climates. I did notice it does ride up on her a little in the water but it does not tilt wearer forward or cause wearer to slide out. Just tubed down the Salt River in Arizona for 4 hours at 107 degrees and she enjoyed it immensely. After an hour she didn't realize she was wearing it and was confident of its protection and how it didn't hinder her getting back into the tube (after getting in and out of water). Yes a little costly, but my friends who bought cheap ones complained of discomfort and the how hot it made them. Most removed them during the river ride and what was the reason they bought them again for? Not to drown! The green color is subtle and stylish. I highly recommend this versatile PFD.

I highly recommend this pfd
This life vest, as promised, is very comfortable, cool and well cut for kayaking. it also fits a female body well. I highly recommend it.

Affordable versatility
O.K. I will admit it. I first looked at the V-Eight because it was an Astral and it was close to $100. But now I like the comforatability of the V-Eight. I live in Columbia, SC the hottest place in the south. It is very cool. I sometimes forget that I am even wearing a PFD. I have never felt that . Usually I cannot wait to get that thing off of me. Now I will be at the truck before I even think of removing it. It is compact and small fitting which allows great manueverability and great range of motion. And it is an Astral so Kudos on the style points. besides, Chicks dig it. I highly recomend this affordable yet comfortable, cool and versatile PFD to anyone at any level.