I found a really good condition used Lifeline vest but its certification date is 1993. Do these ever loose their effectiveness as life vest? can the flotation material go bad?

If you are going to use it for racing, it must be recertified. Check the straps, zippers and stitching. You can send it back for the recert I think it's about $100. They clean it and do a real nice job.

I was wondering about age also. We have a pair that have never been wet "maybe a little rain" . We bought in the early 90's and have been stored inside in the off season. they are the pleasure jackets. They should still be good to go shoudn't they ?

I'd like to run across a BIG used one You would have to consider the $100.00 recertification added to the cost to evaluate weither it is a good deal or not but worth considering.

The one I found was on e-bay and ending up going for $43.00 butI was out of town on business and missed the end fo the auction.