Centre Cordura Universal PFD

The Up and Under Centre Cordura Universal PFD is one of our top selling items in outdoor and waterproof clothing range and also our watersports range for use by outdoor education centres, schools and many other organisations. 

Our Up and Under Centre Cordura Universal PFD, whether it be the adults version or the junior version, it has a slightly different story from items such as our Outdoor Centre Waterproofs. Having identified, the need for a premium quality centre style buoyanay aid, we set out on a mission! We had a set of very specific requirements and needs that it had to achieve. The key points in this were quality, simplicty, durability, performance, value for money and also verstility.

While many products are the brainchild of Up and Under founder Norman Carter, our contracts manager James Trigg also had major input on this. Having explored and looked into many options, we were not that keen on any of the options we had seen. At this point, we had a change of heart and plan. We got in touch with Palm Equipment, after all we are one of the biggest Palm Stockists in the UK!  With nearly as much hertiage and knowledge we felt that the best way was to work on a collaboration project where we had the exclusive rights to it. 

Palm Equipment have designed and developed many PFDs and have lead this market for 40+ years. One of the key requests from many of our customers over the years, was for a PFD in a very limted size range that covered the biggest range of clients. Easy Hey! Having looked at the models we felt that the Palm Universal PFD was a really good starting point. It comes in a single size for Adults - Tick! Two sizes for kids - Tick! It had the quality that we have all become used to from Palm - Tick! We felt that for many commercial users this would offer a great solution. However the outer shell material was graded at 420D fabric, which was to similar to other garments that customers had complained about. So, we opted to go for a improved and upgraded 500D cordura outer shell. 

So, we know felt we had it all correct. 

Quality - We make it, in this case Palm Equipment do, but to the requested changes. We do not want to be associated with inferior quality, so we opted to work with Palm Equipment. But we have stuck to our proven formula. We ask centre staff what they feel is important and try to incorporate it into a design that works. Please note, that as these are produced overseas, we have minimum production runs. Therefore we have to evaluate every bit of feedback very carefully, as what works at centre A may not work at centre B.

Simplicity - Having been shown many Outdoor Centre style Buoyancy aids and PFDs over the years, which have been supplied by the competition we often find the conversation runs along the lines "it was great until the .... failed". Here at Up and Under, we have designed our centre pfd without using components that will naturally fail earlier than you'd like. Certain fabrics will often be of a lower standard from manufacturers that are trying to hit a key price point. We are not prepared to compromise, so we have chosen 500D Cordura. The zip front opening was required, but we opted to go with a YKK branded zip, as opposed to a cheaper unbranded option. 

Durability - In today’s market we do get to see a great range of very light weight and exceptionally advanced fabrics. However, to give the best level of durability we have opted to produce our centre PFD range from a 500 Denier Cordura.  Where all of the adjustment straps join the PFD, they are all reinforced with bar tacks for the best strength.  It's worth noting that in comparison even the most rugged of whitewater PFDs use the same 500 Denier Cordura. 

Performance - Whilst many brands are making things lighter and cheaper, we opted to work with Cordura as it offers the best durability. 

Value for Money - These are the best outdoor centre buoyancy aids available, in addition they also hit a keen price point. As they are tough and durable, they will not be failing any time soon. This means that they won’t be taking any trips to landfill. 

Versatility - The Centre Cordura PFD works well for a variety of watersports including, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Coasteering, Raft Building and Gorge Walking. 

What size Up and Under Centre Cordura Universal PFD do I need?

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