REASONS TO BUY
Improved wrap around fit
Great paddling mobility
Works for short torsos
Compatible with hydration pack
REASONS TO AVOID
Front pocket can be bulky
NRS Ninja Review
Providing out of the way, low profile protection that won't impede mobility
Credit: Sara James
RELATED: Best Life Jackets of 2024
Our Verdict
The updated NRS Ninja is a low-profile life vest with wide-open shoulders that preserve a huge range of mobility, making it ideal for paddling. It sports a wide range of adjustability, making it easy to wear against your skin while you paddle hard up the river or across the lake. It has an organized clam shell pocket, a large handwarmer pocket, and a knife tab. Made out of recycled 420-denier exterior shell and 200-denier interior nylon (also recycled), it is durable enough to see you through all manner of wild adventures. If you're a passionate paddler, we think you'll love this freeing option from NRS. To see how it stacks up versus the competition, check out our review of the bestlife jackets.
Editor's Note: We purchased the updated version of the NRS Ninja for testing and updated this article to reflect our findings on October 7, 2024.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
NRS Ninja | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best PFD for Paddling | Best Overall Life Jacket |  Best Bang for Your (Paddling) Buck | Great Value for a Universal Vest | |
| Price | $149.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $91.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $135.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $70.93 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $45 List $44.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A low profile jacket that's out of your way, keeping you free and mobile | Delivering more floatation while weighing less, this is a comfortable option for those that like to move around on the water | This life jacket rose to the top for its ergonomic design that combines comfort with utility | A comfortable, easy to wear paddle jacket with a high value | Surprisingly comfortable, this super adjustable high mobility jacket is straightforward and functional |
| Rating Categories | NRS Ninja | Astral YTV 2.0 | Astral E-Ronny | NRS Vapor | Stohlquist Fit |
| Fit (30%) | |||||
| Comfort and Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Quality of Construction (20%) | |||||
| Features and Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Flotation (10%) | |||||
| Specs | NRS Ninja | Astral YTV 2.0 | Astral E-Ronny | NRS Vapor | Stohlquist Fit |
| Intended User | Unisex | Unisex | Mens/Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
| Manufacturers Stated Intended Use | Paddling and sailing | Whitewater / Tour / Sailing / SUP | Recreation, touring, fishing | Paddling | Paddling, general boating |
| Entry Style | Pull over; side entry, 2 side clips | Pull over; side entry, 2 side clips | Front zip | Pull over; side entry,1 side clip | Front clip |
| Wear Type | Vest | Vest | Vest | Vest | Vest |
| Sizes Available | XS/M (30-38") M/L (36-46") XL/XXL (44-56") |
S/M (31-37”) M/L (38-44”) L/XL (45-51”) |
S/M (31-37”) M/L (38-44”) L/XL (45-51”) |
XS/M (30-42") L/XL (42-52") XL/XXL (50-56") |
Youth (50-90 lbs) Youth L/Adult XS (75-125 lbs, 27-33" chest) Universal (30-52") Adult XL (48-60") |
| Size We Tested | S/M (33-40") | S/M (31-37”) | M/L (38-44”) | XS/M (30-42") | Universal (30-52") |
| Measured Weight | 28 oz | 21 oz | 24oz | 28 oz | 13 oz |
| Foam Type | PVC-free, PE foam | PVC-free Gaia foam, Polyethylene foam | Gaia + PE foam | Ultra soft foam | PE foam |
| Main Material | Outer fabric 100% recycled 420D ripstop nylon, Inner Lining 100 % recycled 200D nylon; 70 denier knit polyster | 300 x 300 denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop | 300D diamond RPET | 400D nylon shell, 200D nylon liner | 200D nylon shell |
| Claimed Designed Buoyancy | XS/M: 65N / 14.5 lbs M/L: 70N / 15.75 lbs XL/XXL: 70N / 15.75 lbs |
16.5 lb | 16 lb | 16.3 lb | 16 to 18 lb |
| USCG Classification | Performance Level 70 | Type V | Type III / performance level 70 | Type III | Type III |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ninja is a unisex life jacket in three sizes. It is a low-profile side entry vest with a Performance Level 70 buoyancy rating. The updated version employs 100% recycled materials for the 420 denier ripstop nylon outer shell and 200 denier inner lining. The Ninja sports one large clamshell pocket, an attachment point, and a hand warmer pocket. It is compatible with the NRS Swig hydration pack, which must be purchased separately.
Performance Comparison
Paddlers love the mobilty-friendly cut of the NRS Ninja.
Credit: Sara James
Fit
The updated Ninja is advertised as fitting chest sizes from 30 to 56 inches, increasing their size range for paddlers both big and small. NRS is utilizing a new graded sizing approach for some of their PFDs, including the updated Ninja. The sizes and flotation values have changed and are designed to provide suitable flotation for different body types. If you are upgrading, it is worth checking their sizing chart.
The side entry PFD is easy to put on and adjust to fit.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort and Mobility
The comfort of the updated Ninja has improved significantly thanks to its redesigned wrap-around fit. The interior fabric has also changed from previous iterations of this jacket, with the side wings sporting a softer fabric and the back panel using slightly less soft 200 denier nylon materials.
The updates Ninja uses a nylon lining for most the internal panels with soft to touch sides.
Credit: Sara James
Though the back of the vest is fairly thick, it also rides pretty low on the torso. Lowering the straps down to the bottoms of the ribs makes this vest more comfortable to wear when breathing heavily because it's less restrictive around the lungs. Because of its low profile design with concentrated flotation, it's more adjustable to shorter torsos and can be more comfortable for shorter paddlers restricted by the length of some standard life vests.
The straps have slightly thicker padding, making them much more comfortable than previous models of this jacket. Because the Ninja concentrates all the padding into such a small, low area, the shoulder mobility of this PFD is unmatched by any other jacket-style model we tested. Riding low on the torso, this vest expertly stays put while you paddle or when you take a spill in the water. The shoulder straps run a bit narrow, handily staying out of the way of your shoulder rotation. Added padding keeps them comfortable and less abrasive.
Comfort is key to keeping those smiles on the water.
Credit: Sara James
Quality of Construction
NRS has a reputation for making quality products, and the Ninja does not disappoint. Though the new NRS Ninja includes recycled materials in the external shell and internal liner — 420D ripstop nylon exterior, 200D nylon interior, and PVC-free foam — it's clearly been made to withstand some hearty adventures. The seams are reinforced, and the straps are thick and durable (minor scratchiness aside). The plastic clips and buckles are sturdy and had no problem buckling even after we tossed them in the sand while wet. Nothing on this PFD broke or frayed during testing. Even the extra features, loops, and specialty pockets in the front pouch are well-designed and sturdy.
The recycled exterior shell does not feel like a compromise in terms of durability.
Credit: Sara James
Features and Versatility
Designed for paddlers, we can't find any paddle sport that doesn't work well for the Ninja. It fits shorter torsos well and is conveniently out of the way for paddle strokes of pretty much any kind. It even has a nice, cozy hand warmer pocket between the two layers of padding. It features a centered knife tab and a single pocket with two zippers, drain holes in the bottom, and sides that prevent the whole thing from flopping open and spilling your contents. This once singular pocket has been reimagined from previous versions and now includes a host of small pockets with daisy chains inside, plus a smaller interior zippered pocket with a key clip. It's almost like wearing a tiny tackle box on your chest, ready to keep you organized or just hold one large snack without all those extras getting in the way.
An update pocket has a convenient clamshell style, allowing plenty of space to access and store essentials.
Credit: Sara James
The updated Ninja has dropped some weight, coming in at 28 ounces. It's still not the lightest PFD, but it is far from the heaviest, and it doesn't feel unduly weighty. Though the Ninja is a pretty specific paddler's design, we found it comfortable across many activities because of its openness. Yet, due to its concentration of padding into smaller, thicker areas, this isn't the best vest for lounging comfortably on the pontoon bench or leaning back in your favorite fishing chair. It's a more specific vest that's best suited to paddling and paddling hard.
The attachment tab has been repositioned on the updated PFD the bottom centre, offering a good spot to attach a river knife.
Credit: Sara James
Flotation
The updated Ninja has a graded floatation system, meaning that different sizes provide different levels of floatation to better match the body size of the wearer. Check the NRS sizing chart for the correct life jacket to float you.
We committed to the water with the NRS Ninja to put it through full testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
When worn in the water, this secure PFD provides good flotation even if you are not actively treading water. Like all the vests tested, the Ninja will not flip over an unconscious swimmer, but it will help a conscious, active swimmer stay afloat so they can get to rescue.
The Ninja is comfortable to float around and swim in.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the NRS Ninja?
The Ninja is a low-profile PFD built with the avid paddler in mind. Its top-notch performance, mobility, and durability make it a great choice for paddling pretty much any watercraft. It features a high level of comfort and freedom to move that comes in handy during intense paddles. It's a great choice for many hardcore paddle enthusiasts.
What Other Life Jackets Should You Consider?
While we like the Ninja, the Astral YTV 2.0 takes the slimline design to another level. If you don't need or like a pocket on the front of your PFD, the YTV's low profile may be a better choice. People who expect to have to pull themselves back onto their craft from the water (i.e., river rafters or stand-up paddle boarders) may consider this as a more suitable option.
—
Sara James and Maggie Nichols
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