I was lucky enough to be asked to test the new Ruff Wear Big Eddy PFD and Ruff Wear Hover Craft this past summer and fall with my 75 Black Lab, Huron.
The Big Eddy life jacket was tested in a calm inland lake and in a much rougher Great Lake, Lake Michigan. The canine PFD excelled in both environments. Huron was able to run full stride and still had the buoyancy to play in 2 foot waves on a September day in Lake Michigan. The Big Eddy is built like a tank – the quality I’ve come to expect from Ruff Wear gear. I could lift all 75 lbs of Huron with the handle on top.
The Big Eddy has more of its buoyancy on top, allowing the dog to stay in a natural swimming position. On the inland lake she was able to paddle around just like normal.
At a retail price of $74.95 ($71.99 at Backcountry K-9), the Big Eddy is on the the high side but its quality makes it a no-brainer for any serious water enthusiast. It’s available in Red Currant and Sunrise Yellow in sizes XS – Large.
If your looking for a less expensive recreational model, check out the new Ruff Wear Portage.
The Ruff Wear Hover Craft is hands down Huron’s new Favorite outside toy. It’s molded foam construction gives it rigidness like a plastic frisbee but is still soft enough to not cause any gum or lip sores like a plastic frisbee will.
The Hover Craft is extremely well built. I’m a cheerleader for Ruff Wear gear but the top quality of this one even surprised me. It’s been fetched hundreds of times in the backyard or in the lake during camping trips. It’s sat for 9 months in the rain, sun, and snow. It’s been tugged and chewed. Except for a little dirt, it is no worse for the wear! Another great thing about the Hover Craft is that it also comes in a small size for little dogs that are big at heart.
At $14.95 for the small and $19.95 for the large ($13.99/$17.99 at Backcountry K-9) the Hover Craft is worth every penny.
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