The U.S. Coast Guard-approved Full Throttle Onyx CO2 automatic flotation belt pack provides total range of motion and movement with minimal bulk. The slim device inflates manually by pulling a simple T-cord attachment, and an oral inflation tube ensures sufficient emergency inflation power. Lightweight and comfortable, its universal size is designed to provide optimal safety when a vest is too bulky. A zipper pocket offers convenient storage of small personal items, and reflective piping offers greater visibility. Durable nylon material resists tears and punctures while holding up to the rigors of outdoor use.
About Full Throttle Full Throttle is a premium brand of water recreation products designed for today's active water sports enthusiast and featuring flotation jackets, towable tubes, wakeboards, kneeboards, wetsuits, gloves, and rope. Whether boating, waterskiing, tubing, swimming, wakeboarding, or kneeboarding, these cutting edge, adventurous products provide plenty of action on the water, and are designed for beginning to avid enthusiast levels of all ages.
The Full Throttle brand is marketed under the Absolute Outdoor corporate company located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is affiliated with Kent Sporting Goods of New London, Ohio. Other branded companies under the Kent corporation are Connelly, HO Sports, O'Brien, and Liquid Force all offering high-end recreational water sports products.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
Purchased the Absolute Outdoor Onyx M-24 Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket (PFD) not because I have a boat, but because I have a stand up paddle board and I do not want to be given a ticket/fine from the Coast Guard when paddling in the Marina. The Coast Guard regulates that stand up paddlers must have a "flotation device" on them or the board while paddling "outside the surf zone". (Yes, I know the board itself IS a flotation device, but you try telling that to the Coast Guard as they are writing you up.)
Anyway, for my specific needs, I wanted something compact and unobtrusive and the Onyx Belt Pack (PFD) fits like a oversized fanny pack, so it stays out of the way while you are paddling. For the record, I am not an expert on flotation devices, but the Onyx Belt Pack (PFD) seems well thought out and designed. Nice touch is a small zipper pouch convenient for storing keys, I.D., etc.
Important to note: I never pulled the cord to inflate/test the device nor do I ever intend to do so. Again, I just don't want a $400 ticket.
Also worth mentioning, I had to contact Absolute Outdoor, Inc. to get a small part (green Indicator Tab) replaced, and they gave me prompt, no hassle service and sent out three extra tabs at no charge.
In conclusion, I am not qualified to state how the Onyx Belt Pack (PFD) ranks against all the other flotation vests out there on the market, but it is Coast Guard approved, the price was competitive, and the vest pack is size appropriate for stand up paddle boarding. In short....just what I needed.