Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Flotation PFD
Best hybrid life vest for active paddlers needing mobility and security.
Get ready for the water with the Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Flotation PFD! This is a fantastic choice for race crafts like paddles, surfski, and outrigger canoes, offering a great blend of security, comfort, and mobility thanks to its lightweight, low-profile design. It features a unique dual flotation system that combines the reliable security of inherently buoyant foam with the slim profile of an inflatable cell. This means you get excellent comfort and mobility while on the water, and it even eases re-entry into your boat or onto your board. It uses an overhead entry design for a secure fit and has adjustable shoulder and waist straps to ensure a snug, close-to-body fit. For convenience, it includes a front storage pocket perfect for quick energy snacks or your phone, plus a slot to hold an extra CO2 cylinder (cylinder not included). You'll also find front shoulder attachment points ideal for securing gear like a knife or strobe, and reflective shoulder patches enhance your visibility in low light. This PFD provides 20.5 LBS of total buoyancy when fully utilized (7.5 LBS from foam and an additional 13 LBS when the CO2 cell is inflated via the inflation handle). If you need extra floatation, you can also use the oral tube. Re-arming is simple: just squeeze the air out of the inflation cell and insert a new CO2 cylinder. It's built with high-quality materials for durability, even with heavy use. It meets the Harmonized Level 70 standard for USA and Canada, which satisfies the minimum buoyancy requirement of 15.7 LBS. Compatible with Re-arm Kit G (Model # MA7116).
$199.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
9
/ 555
#9 in Life Jackets
Price vs Category Average
+41%
Above average
Color
Admiral Gray, Azure, Red
/ Admiral Gray, Azure, Red
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious paddlers wanting backup buoyancy security
- Active watersports enthusiasts needing unrestricted upper-body movement
- Recreational boaters requiring legal, compliant safety gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused shoppers seeking affordable, basic flotation
- Users wanting a low-maintenance, one-time purchase
- Paddlers prioritizing maximum breathability and minimal bulk
Performance breakdown
Mobility and Range
Low-profile design allows for unrestricted paddling and active water movement.
Buoyancy Versatility
Dual-stage system offers reliable baseline foam with extra inflatable lift.
Re-entry Ease
Slim profile significantly simplifies climbing back onto boards or canoes.
Gear Integration
Thoughtful attachment points and storage keep essentials accessible during long sessions.
Fit Customization
Adjustable straps ensure a secure, close-to-body fit for various paddler shapes.
Maintenance Simplicity
Straightforward re-arming process makes upkeep manageable for regular users.
Key Specs
Color
Admiral Gray, Azure, Red
Brand
Mustang Survival
Recommended Use
Boating, Kayaking, Outrigger, Paddleboarding, Surfski
Know before you buy
The Khimera uses a hybrid design that combines 7.5 lbs of inherently buoyant foam with an inflatable cell that adds another 13 lbs of buoyancy when triggered. This gives you a slim, low-profile fit while paddling, but provides full, high-buoyancy support when you need it most.
Yes, it is approved to the Harmonized Level 70 standard for both the USA and Canada. With a total of 20.5 lbs of buoyancy when fully inflated, it meets the necessary safety requirements for most paddle sports, including surfski and outrigger canoeing.
Re-arming is straightforward. You simply squeeze the air out of the inflation cell, replace the spent CO2 cylinder with a new one, and you are ready to go. You will need to purchase the Re-arm Kit G (Model # MA7116) for replacements.
Yes, it features a front storage pocket that is perfect for small essentials like energy snacks or a phone. Additionally, there are dedicated shoulder attachment points designed to secure gear like a safety knife or a strobe light.
Not at all. The overhead entry is designed for a secure, close-to-body fit, and the adjustable shoulder and waist straps allow you to customize the tension so it feels snug and comfortable without restricting your movement while paddling.
If the CO2 inflation fails, you can manually inflate the cell using the integrated oral tube. This ensures you still have access to the full buoyancy capacity even if the mechanical system is not used.
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$200