Other Impact vests that don't suck?

[Waternut]

Let me start by saying that I've been using a Lotus Designs paddling life vest for 13 years now and it's still in good condition. It's CGA, it's lightweight when wet, and gives me full range of motion in my hips, shoulders, and arms. I can even lay my arms completely at my sides. The chest section and back are thicker than a ski vest but who really cares because you can only bend forwards and backwards so far anyway. Unfortunately, I've cracked my ribs with my paddling vest twice in 4 years while waterskiing so I'm starting to realize that I need some kind of impact vest to protect me but the only vests that would appear to offer any kind of chest protection are not CGA vests.

All the comp vests appear to have good impact protection but they don't float you and I'm not willing to take that risk. All the CGA impact vests are enormous and weigh a ton when they're wet! Plus they restrict movement in both my shoulders and arms and wouldn't really protect my ribs any more than my current vest.

On a side note... My favorite concept is the hidden buckle on the side. Those are positioned perfectly so that you hammer your elbow on it. Just makes me wonder if any of the PFD companies are actually using their vests or whether they design for looks and hope it works out.

There are hundreds of CGA vests out there and I have proof that a vest can be made to offer flexibility/comfort and be CGA. Yet all of the other vests I've worn or looked at seem to just plain suck. Anyone know of something that's decent?

 

[steve-uk]

is this for riding on a ski or wakeboarding?

normally even if the impact vests conform to your local coast guard requirements they are not legal for riding pwc, most coast guard requirements (was the same in the uk and canada) require a 4 buckle vests for use on pwc

 

[FlightPlanDan]

legal....

Sorry John....lol.

 

[snowxr]

USCG has a number of options. Type III is pretty universally used for pwc riding by adults, and is the typical vest shape with buckles in the front. Type V's vary a lot, from side entry to inflatable. I presonally like my neoprene side entry type V. It has great flexibility, and pretty good impact absorbtion. I've broken 2 ribs in two years doing normal daily things, so i've been really happy with the protection my vest has given me while riding.

 

[Waternut]

I'll take a look into type V's and see what I can find. Then again...that orange type II looks pretty awesome Dan!

 

[58vwragtop]

I like the Liquid Force Watson CGA vest. It allows great movement and does not retain much water. It dries out quick also. Also it is a side entry coast guard approved vest, with a zipper and a couple of buckles on the side. I've had mine for a couple years now so I don't know what the newer ones are like.

 

[rrlc]

I like the Liquid Force Watson CGA vest. It allows great movement and does not retain much water. It dries out quick also. Also it is a side entry coast guard approved vest, with a zipper and a couple of buckles on the side. I've had mine for a couple years now so I don't know what the newer ones are like.
View attachment 158959

That's the one I have been wearing for the past 2 years. I love mine and it has held up great.

 

[LeftysRule22]

I dont know if this classifies as an impact vest, but I use an o'neil "Law" vest. It has a good range of movement and mesh on the bottom that drains water.

Quoted from description (for what its worth)

"Combined with roomy arm holes and segmented flotation foam this is hands down the least restrictive vest to get the USCG's stamp of approval. "

 

[JPCharmin]

this is what you need.. lol

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Mens-Helium-Balancetrade-Series-Mechanix-Vest-P1976C34.aspx

 

[Waternut]

this is what you need.. lol

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Mens-Helium-Balancetrade-Series-Mechanix-Vest-P1976C34.aspx

Lol... specifically designed for those who are attracted to their sisters.

 

[Waternut]

Well in case others are interested, I found a vest that I like. Looks like a comp vest but I'm sure it's a little thicker. It is the Radar X-Vest. It's a little pricey at $140 but hey, I've saved at least $50-$75 in gas since I can't go out on the jetski or in the ski boat due to cracked/bruised ribs so that should help me afford it. It's one of the newest designs allowed by the USCGA. Supposedly it's more comfortable than the O'Neill Law vest that has been one of the more popular CGA vests for a while.

Here is a link. http://radarskistore.com/products/productdetail/part_number=1151110*/1399.0.1.1.8684.6032.0.0.0

If people are interested, I'll post up what I think once I get it. If you don't like the style of this one, the Ronix Capella is apparently the same vest design with more graphics and colors. That one is geared more towards the wakeboarding community while this one is more of the slalom skiing community.

 

[Tyler Zane]

i personally love my helium swat. its a side entry, looks similar to an impact vest and its also coast guard approved.

 

[LeftysRule22]

Love to hear a review once you get it. My vest is getting old, and my bars have ripped a couple holes in it. Always looking for a better vest.

Sent from my 3D using Tapatalk

 

[Wilke]

i personally love my helium swat. its a side entry, looks similar to an impact vest and its also coast guard approved.

This. I love my helium swat, By far the best CGA vest I've ever worn.

 

[Fro Diesel]

I have a helium side entry. Cga and it was only 30 bucks shipped. Very thick chest which doesn't hamper movement only provides comfort and I have doubled over the bars a few times. It is mildly heavy when wet but who cares, it will make you tougher.