I have a really nice raft, plenty of personal paddling gear, and stuff for my wife.  We are trying to get set up with the "rest of the gear" for outfitting our non-paddling friends for easy class 3-4 trips.  I definitely want to get nice quality gear that will provide the best safety for these friends - I would feel aweful if something ever happened and I knew in my gut that I "could've sprung for better gear."

Just curious what you guys recommend for private trips.  Our raft is a 14' SOTAR, so for a basic day trip without much gear we could shove 6-7 paddlers in there plus me guiding.  In reality, it will most likely be 4-5 plus me.  That means I need enough gear to outfit 6 people other than me.  I already have paddles.  I'm hoping I can find some helmet which are safe, cheap, and fit a range of head sizes.  I expect I won't be able to find "one size fits all" PFD's, but maybe I could buy 6-7 PFD's (1-2 small, 1-2 XL, and 3-4 in thd middle). 

I also think I should get some beefier type 5 vests like we used to use for customers on commercial trips when I was guiding.  More floatation will help non-paddlers not freak out in the even of a swim, and more rigid construction will help if they need to get yanked back into the raft.  I personally use an Astral or Lotus low-profile vest, but the shoulder straps are pretty much worthless for tugging on.

Anyone got suggestions?  How about a line on a discount or cheap source for these?  Particular brands to steer away from or to? 

THANKS.