Guys, I'd like to participate in a Poker Run or two this summer and need some solid, high performance life vests. From my research, it seems like Lifelines are the best. However, I'd like to buy five and would like to avoid dropping $2,500 on these, if possible. Exactly why are lifelines so much better than standard jackets, and are they worth it? Are there any other alternatives?

Funny that you should post this as I've been researching this for the past week or so myself and for the exact same reasons, particularly the cost of the Lifelines. I was looking at inflatables, neoprene water sport vests and the Life Lines or similar products. I finally decided on the Lifelines and here's why. They offer the impact protection and that IMO is the biggest risk, not necessarily being ejected, but getting thrown around in the boat from a rogue wave or other miscalculation. An inflatable will keep you afloat, but it won't protect your body if you bang into something in the boat or get tossed out. Personally, I don't think I will ever need this protection but you don't want to need it and not have it. My poker run first mate is my oldest son; there's no pricetag I could put on his safety. I just bit the bullet and bought them today. I bought them from Teague for $350 each.

You can't go wrong with the inflatable ones from west marine at $85 a pop. They leave you with good range of movement while wearing them too

http://www.machovec.com/catalog/mv5600.htm I got this for poker runs, and just running hard in the ocean, I like it

Jet pilot makes a nice setup if you don't feel like spending $350 on life lines. 100ph rating I have 2 of these on my boat. They are a bit bulky compared to just ski vest.

https://store.jetpilot.com/jetpilot/...=47&prodID=563

I have lifelines for the wife and myself and I also recently got a few of these jetpilots for passengers since the lifelines are usually made based upon specific individual measurements and the jetpilots are a bit more adjustable. I did reach out to them about their jackets and this was the official response from Sport Dimension who makes them.


"The two vest that we currently carry inline that have a 100mph rating are the #JP3212 Apex S/E Approved Nylon PFD and the #JP3214 Strike Nylon Approved PFD. Please know that even though these vests do carry a 100mph rating, they will not prevent injury or death at high speeds. "

I love my Lifeline Poker Run jacket. Wouldn't do a run without it on.

Did you see this one? http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recre...601?country=25

lifeline...light comfortable...and the safest vest out there. they will do there best to match your boat too.

LifeLine. There's a reason its the only vest allowed in Offshore Racing. Can be a tad bulky, but very safe.