Stohlquist's Graded Sizing™ offers the best fit, and lowest footprint possible, for the widest range of body types. We have fine tuned each individual size, and sculpted the foam footprint and foam thicknesses to provide a better fitting, and more comfortable PFD for people of all sizes. This allows us to fit younger, smaller framed paddlers up to larger adults in the same style vest, while offering the same amount of mobility and a low-profile fit across the entire size range.


 GRADED SIZING™ provides the correct chassis (flotation foam) dimensions for every size paddler. A size XXL has more foam, and a larger chassis to provide the ideal buoyancy and fit. Sizes SM/MD and LG/XL are each designed with less foam, and a smaller chassis to better fit paddlers of those sizes.




Other PFD manufacturers today adjust the size of their PFDs by increasing/decreasing the length of shoulder and side straps. The overall chassis (flotation foam) does not change between PFD sizes. This means that paddlers who need a size SM/MD or LG/XL PFD have to accept a larger, more bulky PFD than required.