Rating of the best life jackets for 2022

A life jacket is an important attribute that keeps a person afloat. This device also protects against sudden changes in weather and cushions spontaneous falls. Vests are of different types. The choice depends on the age of the user, body weight and type of rest.

What are life jackets

Before getting into the water, you need to take care of your own safety, because rivers and lakes hold many unforeseen surprises. That is why it is better to play it safe and take a vest with you. These devices should be comfortable and reliable. It is best to purchase a vest that is simpler in design. It is very difficult to find a universal vest, so when choosing it is better to proceed from your own preferences and tasks.

The first category of life-saving equipment is intended for the seas and oceans. The second type is used on rivers and lakes. All devices have different equipment and certificates. For example, a vest designed for a small body of water cannot be taken with you to the sea, and with a model that is designed for use in the ocean, you can swim in the lake.

Some life jackets are equipped with warning lights. Such models can inflate automatically after falling into the water. These devices are made of materials of bright color. Other models that do not have these features may be painted in different tones. For hunting, manufacturers produce camouflage products, and for going out into the open sea, PPE is not very diverse, while for rivers and lakes the choice is very large.

PPE - personal protective equipment.

Children's life jackets differ in their specifics, so it is better to buy them with your child. The fact is that they need to be tried on, because with a weight of 30-35 kg, a child can be either thin or full-bodied.There have been many cases where a child who weighs 40 kg had to buy a device one size larger. When choosing a swimming facility, you must also consider how a person will use it. Comfort and type of activity must be taken into account. The vest also needs to be selected exactly according to the length and width of the torso. For the production of such life-saving equipment, neoprene and nylon are most often used.

Criterias of choice

Each person is individual, therefore, when buying a product, it is necessary to take into account the volume of the chest, height, weight and gender. Devices that are used for water sports differ significantly from products intended for fishing from an inflatable boat. Athletes need lightness and freedom of movement, while fishermen need good buoyancy, bright colors and light reflectors. Taking into account all the indicators of protective swimming equipment, our rating of the best vests was created. Materials of manufacture, water resistance, fit and certification were taken into account.

Neoprene

PPE for extreme sports is made from this material. The products are suitable for water skiing, kiting (riding a kite on the sea), windsurfing (driving a small boat with a sail) and wakeboarding (a dangerous hobby associated with jumping). The life jacket softens the blow during a rollover and protects the spine from injury. The design of the product is made in such a way that it does not hinder movement and can be chosen for any figure. Neoprene is highly durable and also protects the body from cold and wind during a sudden change in weather.

Nylon vests

This material is highly durable, so products made from it are very popular.They are suitable for riding jet skis, skiing and downhill mountain streams. When learning to swim, you will need a vest with additional stability. The product must be selected according to the size of the body. Many devices are equipped with adjustable straps, with which you can tighten the vest under you. The more adjustment straps, the better the product sits on the torso. Thanks to these clamps, the thing fits the body perfectly, and therefore a person will need less effort to move in the water.

No need to think about the fact that the device will stretch. It is also not recommended to take the model "for growth", as it must fit securely to the torso. It will be uncomfortable to swim in a vest that is not chosen according to volume. If you buy a thing a size smaller, then it will impede movement.

Rescue products for teenagers and children

This category of goods has its own specifics. Children's rescue products have high buoyancy criteria. It is better when the device has a special collar that supports the baby's head above the water column. The life-saving appliance must also be equipped with fixing straps and support straps that must pass between the child's legs. The sling will prevent the vest from slipping. The size is selected depending on body weight.

Rescue products for women

These devices also have their own specific parameters associated with the anatomy of the female body. Such products should be equipped with additional protective functions. To this end, manufacturers supplement their devices with special softening blocks located in the chest, sides and back.

Buoyancy

Life jackets are also classified according to the degree of buoyancy.Impact or Comp protect the body from various cataclysms, but have very little buoyancy. These vests are not considered life jackets. They protect a person in case of a sharp rollover. Comp is suitable only for people who engage in complex and dangerous varieties of water hobbies. They are made exactly to size and perfectly fit to the body.

The remaining products are designated ISO 50N or 100N. These devices are made in America. The specified marking indicates the presence of a certificate and that the product is approved for use by the US or European maritime service. The inside surface must have the USA or EU marking, and next to it the maximum allowable user weight for a particular vest size.

In Russia, most of the presented products do not meet the mentioned standards. Based on this, they cannot be used as a rescue tool.

Mounts

Different devices are equipped with a different number of fasteners and belts. On sale there are products with 2, 3 and 4 locks. The developers also presented vests with and without zippers. In stores you can buy products without fasteners and belts. These PPE fit well to the body.

The most reliable products are those with adjustment straps and zippers, since they make it possible to choose a rescue attribute exactly according to the torso. Straps keep the vest from slipping and turning over. This gives maximum comfort while swimming.

Rescue products equipped with zippers are as good and reliable as competitors with fixing straps, but they do not have the ability to adjust the fit for different body types.

Simple PPE (without fasteners and zippers) is suitable for outdoor activities and sports. They can be used for wakeboarding and windsurf. The product is light and comfortable (it can be worn under a T-shirt), but during use, the product may slip because it does not have adjustments in the abdomen.

The best life jackets for men

Comfort Captain

Classic models are available for sale in a two-tone version. On the front side, it is a protective khaki coloring, and the inner lining is made in a juicy orange hue. Thanks to camouflage camouflage, the fisherman does not have to worry about being noticed. The signal orange color is indispensable for boat trips - it will attract attention and make it easy to find a person in case of a boat breakdown. The model has many additional features.

The belt in the groin area provides a secure fit, a whistle is included to attract attention, and a voluminous collar not only protects from the wind, but also prevents choking with water, holding the head even if the wearer has lost consciousness.

The vest has reflective elements that can be seen in the dark, even if they get wet. The State Inspectorate for Small Boats under the Russian Emergencies Ministry (GIMS) issued an approval certificate for this product, which means that it meets all safety requirements. The manufacturer does not recommend using the model for people weighing over 80 kg, but reviews on the Internet indicate that it fits only teenagers.

• reliable protection thanks to the inguinal belt;
• reflective elements;
• having a certificate.

• not detected.

Ark Model #1 XL-2XL

Firm "Kovcheg" is located in Ufa and has been specializing in the manufacture of PVC boats for a long time. The company keeps abreast of the latest changes in specifications, so its products can be safely trusted. The Ark knows everything about how to ensure a safe stay on the water, and therefore developed structures using unusual materials. Model #1 is made from multi-layered, lightweight and buoyant isolon that doesn't absorb moisture. For the exterior design, Osford fabric was taken, the weaving of which provides water-repellent properties.

The belay is certified and suitable for both men and women. Adjustable armhole height, inguinal and horizontal straps allow you to adjust the product to any figure. PPE can be used by people of various body types weighing from 70 to 100 kg.

• the presence of a certificate;
• suitable for both men and women;
• Straps allow you to adjust the product to any figure.

• not detected.

Vostok PR bilateral ZhS-002 M

An experienced angler always chooses clothing that meets all safety requirements. If fishing takes place on a boat in rough water, and spinning or trolling is carried out on a large body of water - a river, lake or reservoir - a life jacket is a must. A manufacturer from Russia has developed PPE specifically for fishermen and hunters, which can be used not only in summer, but also in winter, wearing it on outerwear. The product has inguinal and side straps, with the help of which it is pulled up to the figure.

Inside there is a special NPE filler, thanks to which a person can stay afloat for a long time. If the owner falls asleep or loses consciousness, then the high collar will not allow the head to fall and prevent a possible fatal outcome. Comes with a signal whistle, with which you can attract the attention of rescuers. There are also reflective stripes that are clearly visible in the dark. A large patch pocket can be used to store additional funds that will come in handy in an unforeseen situation.

• stand-up collar that perfectly supports the head above the water;
• voluminous pocket with a tight fastener;
• a whistle to call rescuers, indispensable in the dark or in conditions of poor visibility.

• not detected.

O'Brien 4b Pro Red

The main material from which this rescue clothing is made is nylon, so we can safely talk about the durability, strength and water resistance of O'Brien PPE. Initially, this product was developed for those involved in water sports, but gradually it gained popularity among fishermen and hunters. This is due to three product benefits:

1. Wide armholes.
2. Large size range.
3. Perfect fit.

Models are available in different sizes (from XS to 5XL). They have 4 buckles for fixing, and thanks to the wide armholes, you can swim freely in them.

Another distinctive feature of the model is the presence of a PWC mounting ring connected to the pin of a jet ski or outboard motor on a boat. This element provides additional security to the owner.If suddenly he loses his balance and falls out of the watercraft, the motor will immediately stop.

The buoyancy of this model is approved by the US Coast Guard.

• wide armholes;
• large size range;
• perfect fit.

• not detected.

Jetpilot Strike Nylon Vest W. Super Grip Yellow

The Australian company is very demanding on its products, so it constantly checks it for compliance not only with local standards, but also with the international quality system. It is for this reason that everyone can use it - from simple fishermen on a boat or boat to extreme sports lovers on a wakeboard or water skiing. This PPE is also ideal for those who prefer jet skiing. It has a standard fastening system consisting of 4 buckles and D Clip straps. Among other things, the sides of the product are equipped with Supergrip handles. Thanks to this system, the vest is firmly attached to the wearer, and the passenger can hold on to the driver both on the watercraft and in the water.

This lightweight sports model has minimal lift when submerged in water. For the same reason, the product is often used as part of sports competitions or just while riding on the water.

• the product is equipped with Supergrip handles on the sides;
• universal model.

• minimum lifting force when immersed in water.

Taiga Breeze-1

Taezhnik is a Russian company that has been producing equipment for tourism, hunting and fishing for over 20 years. Manufacturing processes are built in such a way that products last as long as possible.For example, cutting fabric is accompanied by simultaneous melting of the cut, which eliminates rapid wear. It is also attractive that the colors in the models can be chosen from several options: forest, city, maple, reed or even NATO.

The PPE has 2 spacious pockets and the same number of flat compartments made of mesh material with a zipper, thanks to which the wearer can comfortably fish and have quick access to everything they need. To make the water drain faster, special eyelets are provided on the bottom of the vest. The lining is made of polyester silk (Taffeta) - a soft and elastic material with high strength fibers.

• durability;
• several colors;
• additional pockets and compartments.

• not detected.

Zhik P2 Slim Pfd

Zyk is based in Australia. The manufacturer has relied on sailing and youth, so he paid a lot of attention to the style of the product, and coupled with innovative fabrics that keep the skin warm, despite strong winds, storms or cold weather, vests have become ideal protection. Young people were convinced of the reliability of modern equipment at the World Championships and the Olympic Games, so they are suitable for athletes of any level of training.

The slim and ergonomic look of the outfit allows a person to move freely, and to enhance the protective properties, there are pockets on the front and back that can be used to place branded Kollition inserts. The lining is made of soft, tactile perforated fabric and fastens with a zipper, which allows you not to waste precious time searching for latches and straps.

• thin;
• ergonomic;
• innovative fabric;
• stylish design.

• not detected.

Marinepool Aero Pro 220N

The uniqueness of this protective equipment lies in the fact that it inflates when immersed in water, but it also has a manual mode. The hydrostat quickly enters into operation due to the cartridges with carbon dioxide located in it. These features provide a lifting force of 220 N, which means that the vest can be used even in extreme conditions. The life-saving equipment of this brand is very light - the weight is only 400 grams. The model range is represented by one universal size, in which a person weighing at least 40 kg and a chest volume of not more than 140 cm is placed.

The company also produces low profile models for speedboat and sailing enthusiasts, as it is here that it is important to quickly respond to what is happening around. The SS40 waist belt is easy to put on, and its crotch straps keep things from slipping when dropped into the water. Anti-slip buckles are also provided, which contribute to a perfect fit on the wearer.

• the presence of a headrest;
• reflective elements;
• signal whistle;
• belt;
• additional fixing straps;
• the filler is divided into compartments for greater ease of use.

• not detected.

O'Neill Slasher Kite Vest

This sporty model is made of Ultraflex DS neoprene. The vest is perfect for those who are engaged in windsurfing and kiting. The fabric with increased elasticity and strength is resistant to external factors, and its stretch coefficient reaches 150%. The model has a thin belt, thanks to which the trapezoid (belt with a hook) is in close contact with the body of the athlete.The contours of the design follow the curves and relief of the muscles of the male body, and the sectioned body contributes to a perfect fit and does not hinder movement.

NytroLite foam is another advantage of this model. It provides buoyancy and protects the wearer from impacts. It absorbs 1/5 less water and is 3 times lighter than conventional material. For this reason, the model is popular among beginners and experienced athletes. It is great for both training and competition.

• fabric of increased elasticity and strength;
• the body of the vest is divided into sectors.

• not detected.

The best life jackets for women

Reactor

The O´Neill WMS Reactor 50N is finished with a closure closure and a belt system pair with strong clips. An important detail is the lumbar grip of the waist, which does not deform the figure. In this position, the vest closely touches the torso.

The model complies with USCG/ULC and 50N ISO CE standards.

This life jacket is used in wakeboarding, cable skiing, water skiing and windsurfing.

• approved by the US Coast Guard (USCG);
• Lightweight neoprene frame
• free tailoring;
• excellent seam processing;
• several strong convenient latches and safety belts;
• sliding lightning;
• drainage with holes;
• outer durable layer.

• not detected.

Traditional Pink

O´Brien Women's Traditional is the perfect PPE for active swimmers. The model differs in convenience, flexibility and safety.The breathable construction makes it lightweight and environmentally friendly, which, unlike traditional neoprene, provides incredible comfort. With a front zip fastening, the vest is quick and easy to put on, while a pair of adjustable straps ensures a secure fit.

The high reliability of the model is confirmed by the approval of the US Coast Guard.

• when put on causes a feeling of softness and lightness;
• made from environmentally friendly materials;
• front zip fastening and adjustable seat belts;
• approved by the US Coast Guard.

• not detected.

WMS Traditional Aqua

Enjoy your time on the water with this sleek, comfortable and eco-friendly neoprene life jacket. BioLite fabric is breathable and also minimizes the drying time after being in the water, making the vest weightless, which provides exceptional comfort and distinguishes it from neoprene products.

Segmented panels and a wide armhole allow for free arm movement without discomfort. Straps and a zipper provide a snug fit and security.

• advanced QDT material with fast drying technology;
• dries faster than neoprene
• light weight;
• safe and environmentally friendly production;
• high elasticity for a good fit;
• the presence of seat belts and a zipper;
• approved by the US Coast Guard.

• not detected.

Luck Impact Black

This women's neoprene model is suitable for water sports.It is made of high-strength neoprene with the ability to stretch, and also has an ideal distribution over the body without restricting movement.

• Made from high strength neoprene
• sits perfectly on the body.

• not detected.

The best life jackets for kids

Jobe Nylon Vest Youth 2022

The manufacturer from Holland did not neglect responsibility during the development of this model. The product has obtained ISO 50N certification. Foamed panels with polyethylene (EPE) protect the body of a young athlete from bruises and abrasions. Holes (drainage) remove excess fluid, thereby facilitating the severity of the equipment. The item does not rot, does not emit toxins, is not afraid of bacteria and fungus.

Fastex semi-automatic fasteners quickly fasten and unfasten, and are also firmly fixed to the body with three textile straps. The outer light layer made of nylon differs from competitors in wear resistance, so even frequent use will not interfere with the use of products for several seasons. Children are drawn to the bright and colorful design, embellished with the company logo on one side and contrasting reflective stripes on the other. Depending on your preferences, you can choose different shades:

• red;
• blue;
• citric.

• comfortable fasteners;
• different colors;
• made from wear resistant materials.

• not detected.

Stohlquist

This model, designed for the little ones, has earned positive reviews for its convenience, safety and pleasant design. The product received USCG Type 2 approval, providing 7 pounds and 6 ounces of buoyancy in salt water.The child will always be in the water face up thanks to the winding for a smooth turn. Increased flexibility provides added comfort, while the double support collar helps support your head while acting as a pillow to sleep on board.

It is convenient and easy for children to put on PPE thanks to the front zipper. There is an addition with a clasp to prevent sudden self-unfastening. The crotch strap needs to be adjusted for a secure fit. There is a built-in handle for removing the baby from the water or stabilizing while boating.

• comfortable;
• original design;
• safety.

• not detected.

Body Glove Vision Type III

This is the most compact version of most Type II PFDs approved by the USCG for use by small consumers. Suitable for toddlers up to 30 pounds, the vest features a strong nylon outer shell and 100% polyurethane flotation foam.

2 adjustable straps are attached around the torso for a good fit, while double straps guarantee maximum security. The straps are equipped with quick-release buckles, and the jacket has a large floating collar to keep water out of your face. In case of diving, the vest will dry quickly due to the advanced drainage holes.

• safe;
• made of quality materials;
• dries quickly.

• not detected.

When choosing PPE, care must be taken to ensure that the product fits well on the torso. It must not be allowed to slip or unfasten. To do this, you need to choose the product exactly in size.