Life Vests

[slonezp]

As far as the standard vests go is there any major differences between a $30 vest and a $80 vest? Any brand more comfortable than another? I'm looking at getting new ones this year to keep on the boat for guests, the old ones are kinda deformed and mildewed . I have inflatables for myself and my son but I've heard and seen on video, some instances where the inflatables did not automatically inflate. I might just get some standard vests for us as well rather than buying the rearming kits because I know the ones now are expired. I just like the fact that I can wear the inflatable all day and not even notice it's on.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

For yourself and your son I'd get these if you're considering a conventional life jacket. They are really comfortable and have a waterproof cell phone pocket and a d-ring for a kill switch. The best part is that the back is not bulky, so you can drive and sit down on seats with backrests.

http://www.basspro.com/XPS-Platinum-Series-Life-Jacket-for-Men/product/10202751/

 

As for the difference between the $30 and $80 vests, I'm pretty sure it's mostly just styling and finish quality. The cheap vests work, but they look dorky and are bulky. The one that I posted is lightweight, comfortable and works (was wearing it when I crashed my boat the year before last.) 

 

Pretty much all type II/III jackets will provide exactly 15.5lbs buoyancy, which is enough to keep most adults heads above water. Some inflatables provide you with up to 25lbs of buoyancy, which is greater than a type I offshore life vest (although they are not held to the same standards as a type I, which are designed to turn an unconscious person face up.) It takes about 7-12lbs (iirc) to keep an average adult afloat, so having that extra 9.5lbs of buoyancy is a pretty big advantage. I know the Cabela's inflatables are 25lb, but I can't speak for others.

 

I always wear the conventional style when it's cold outside, but it becomes too hot to wear in nicer weather. The inflatable is the way to go in any weather over 60°F.

[Crappiebasser]

Neoprene vests are more comfortable to me. I wear an inflatable for fishing but I bought several Body Glove ski vests for others to use and haven't heard any complaints. I believe they were about $30 at Sams or Costco.

[BassnChris]

While I get the concern of possibly not inflating.......for me at least.......I would remove the non-inflatable as soon as I stopped. I would always put a non-inflatable on before we jetted off.......but for me, inflatable is the only way. Ours have a manual pull cord that works in case of auto inflate failure.

If it fails to auto inflate and I'm unconscious........I did my due diligence......they will just have to wait for my body to auto inflate on its own.

[Way2slow]

I keep three, top quality auto inflates in the boat and my rearming kits up to date.  It's too dang hot in summer to have a full vest on when fishing here.  Now that my granddaughter is 19, I'm not quite as fussy about her keeping one on like when she was young, but I still keep my auto inflate on all the time.   When riding, I have three of the ones covered in a nylon type fabric and have several reinforcement straps going around them, rated for 100 mph (since my boat runs over 80, I want strong vest), and two of those lighter weight, fabric cover ones just in case I even had to have more than three people in the boat, which is extremely rare, but I do have three on a regular basis.  My granddaughter doesn't think that boat can be in the water without her, and a lot of times I will take another person.

 

Needless to say, I have a few dollars invested just in life vest in my boat, but that's nothing compared to a life they might save.

[zeth]

If it's a spare jacket for guests I would look at BPS and get something cheap.  If you want the best I would highly recommend you look into Spinlock vests.  They are great. Much better than competitors. I've been wearing one for a while now. They make the most advanced inflatables on the market and are very reliable.  They also have a brightly colored pull cord just tin case.  They are a UK company so not all are Coast Guard approved but that's going away anyways in the next few years.  Spinlock has a couple coast guard approved models but the one you will find most readily available is the Deckvest Lite.  You can buy it online from Spinlock or at West Marine. 

[WIGuide]

The major difference between the standard vests is the fit, finish, and comfort. I would still keep the inflatable vests and keeping them well maintained.