Best high performance life vests?
#35
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 12
From: Charlotte, NC
It's my understanding that a high speed impact w/ the water in any vest (like many of those shown throughout this thread) that doesn't incorporate thru the leg straps (like a Lifeline) is virtually useless b/c most likely upon impact it will be pulled right off over your head dislocating both shoulders leaving you unable to tread water (assuming your actually conscious) & without any flotation.
I too own Lifelines.
While clearly more comfortable & convenient I don't think inflatables are anything more than a way to satisfy USCG or fulfill Poker Run requirements. Upwards of 50mph I'm thinking they'll be torn off your body as well. Certainly NO impact protection. There's always the risk they may not inflate too. No guarantee much like a parachute, all you can do is hope it deploys when you need it. I can see the attraction to the inflatable, less expensive, more comfortable, cooler looking & probably a fan favorite of the "it will never happen to me performance boater"
Just my $.02
I too own Lifelines.
While clearly more comfortable & convenient I don't think inflatables are anything more than a way to satisfy USCG or fulfill Poker Run requirements. Upwards of 50mph I'm thinking they'll be torn off your body as well. Certainly NO impact protection. There's always the risk they may not inflate too. No guarantee much like a parachute, all you can do is hope it deploys when you need it. I can see the attraction to the inflatable, less expensive, more comfortable, cooler looking & probably a fan favorite of the "it will never happen to me performance boater"
Just my $.02
#36
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,825
Likes: 612
From: Clarkston, Michigan
I do use a yellow lifeline jacket that matches my boat. The jacket is not CG approved so I have to carry neoprenes anyway. The jacket does NOT turn me over onto my back when I go limp. The material is already fraying on the collar. The plastic leg strap connectors seem cheap but maybe they are sufficient. The jacket is stiff and not very comfortable. I use it but I'm sure not going to rave about how great it is.
Old thread. I just realized that I posted on it a year ago!
Old thread. I just realized that I posted on it a year ago!
Last edited by thirdchildhood; 02-06-2015 at 07:43 AM.
#37
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 12
From: Charlotte, NC
I do use a yellow lifeline jacket that matches my boat. The jacket is not CG approved so I have to carry neoprenes anyway. The jacket does NOT turn me over onto my back when I go limp. The material is already fraying on the collar. The plastic leg strap connectors seem cheap but maybe they are sufficient. The jacket is stiff and not very comfortable. I use it but I'm sure not going to rave about how great it is.
Old thread. I just realized that I posted on it a year ago!
Old thread. I just realized that I posted on it a year ago!



