Short version:
I've wanted one of these for years. There are other, much flashier floats out there. Floats that can be used as boogie boards, floats that carry 3-4 guns, floats with pockets and thousands of clasps. But, all I ever wanted was a solid, simple float - one that pulls easy and puts a flag high in the air.
So, here are my findings re: the Riffe Float.
It is tough. It pulls very easily. It inflates relatively easily, and does not require a pump. The inflation mechanism is top notch, and the bladder stays tight - no small leaks or loss of air pressure. It is buoyant as heck, and keeps the flag strait up in the air (with the help of a 3 lb sack of shot encased in the belly). The bladder system ensures that all the force is torquing on the nylon cover.
That said, this thing is still over priced in my opinion. I feel that it should cost in the $100-120 range - not nearly $200. The flag that comes with collapses without a wind, and consequently can not be seen as well. I replaced the stock flag with a supported one from my local dive shop ($7).
Final thoughts: My stringer clips to the back handle, and it pulls easier than any other float I've used. If it lasts 10 years, I'll revise my critique of the price
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photos (seen with the flag I swapped out - not the original).
Dive it like you stole it.
