Looking to buy a good quality, paddling PFD. I have my eye on the NRS Ninja. But this post isn't really about my choice. I cannot find a PFD available from any leading manufacturer in the med-large size (I gather this is the most common size).

Is this just a seasonal thing?
Is it a Covid-19 supply chain thing?
Or both?
Will this sort itself out by paddling season?

I phoned MEC and their Fulcrum PFD won't be available until June.

When I went to REI this past week, the staff there told me they were down to their last few life vests and did not know when they would be getting more. According to her, the “run” started earlier than expected and was larger than expected. She did not attribute it to any one reason.

I know this only affirms what you already know, but wanted you to know it’s likely a widespread thing.

I have not seen any selection of PFD's or canoe paddles in over a year. I just sold two children's life vests and there were MANY people who wanted them. I think there is still a surge of new people purchasing outdoor gear.

I don't think you will find med-large size,
"Sizing
Size Chest
S/M 33"-40"
L/XL 38"-46"
XXL 42"-50"

Is the sizing listed in the NRS website. Have you tried ordering straight from NRS?
Very similar to the Ninja is Astyral YTV
which does come in med-large size.
my YTV the red first aid kit is secured to the back.

I would figure the shortage is covid/wuflu related.

butthead

I received a Ninja from REI two weeks ago. Checked today and they are still in stock

As BH stated NRS doesn't come in a m/l. Im that size and the Chinook I have in l/XL fits fine with plenty of adjustment. That's the size you want. Did a quick check for the Ninja and still plenty for sale.

Lots of things are no longer on store shelves or online. Basically everything that comes from China is affected. My wife went to the local craft store in town and found notes on empty shelves saying the venders are not supplying goods. Then I went to Cabellas wanting to but a musky rod. There were 4 rods in that category left. The store guy said they have not received any shipments from China to fill empty shelves. Last week I wanted to buy some water shoes. I searched for two weeks on the internet before I found a pair. Good grief I hope this is over soon.

Banksiana: "I received a Ninja from REI two weeks ago. Checked today and they are still in stock"

You folks are the greatest!!!

Just ordered through REI. REI doesn't have a presence in Canada so it never occurred to me to check. Cabelas/Bass Pro is the only American big-box outdoor store operating here and their selection is lame. They only really pay minor lip-service to paddling.

With shipping and the exchange rate, this will cost about the same as what this retails for in Canada with tax.

And indeed, it's the L/XL for NRS. Just got them confused with another manufacturer.

Butthead - the Astral looks nice too.

Thanks everyone.

I was in Piragis In Ely this weekend and they have lots of paddles and some PFD’s

Paddles are made in the USA thankfully!

Tom

I just purchased an Astral Ronny XL PFD from outdoorplay.com

There are global supply chain issues for foam/insulation. It's affecting the automakers, too. I managed to find a new Edge on Amazon but they have limited sizes on most variety of vests.