Life Vests

Life vests are kind of important - they keep you afloat, which is important if you end up "lights out" after catching a backside edge. Wearing a life jacket is a necessity, but it doesn't have to feel like a crusty old sponge. Whether you are getting a thin and stretchy competition life vest with lots of mobility or playing it safe with a comfy Coast Guard model, we definitely have the style, color and fit you are looking for. Front zip, side zip, zipperless pullover and every other style you can think of from the best brands on the market are here at your fingertips. Unlike most other online retail sites, nearly every life jacket we carry comes with Free Shipping and Lifetime Returns, along with a 30 day performance guarantee just in case it doesn't meet your expectations when on the water. So grab yourself a fresh new life jacket and even if you aren't the best rider, at least you'll look good doing it.

Though all life vests approved by the Coast Guard will keep you safe, not all of them will meet your needs equally. In this guide we will cover what to look for in a vest and how to get the best one for you. You can use the filtering options on the side of the life vests page to narrow down your options. If you need any additional help or have questions, feel free to chat online or call in to one of our all-knowing customer service reps, and they will make sure you get exactly what you need. The following is a full breakdown of what to look for:

Gender
As you hopefully know, men and women are built differently. Because of this, life vests for men and women are designed and cut differently as well. A man can wear a women's vest and vice-versa; however if you get the proper vest for your body type, it will be more comfortable and fit better. Vests for men are typically longer in the torso area, have wider shoulders and a flatter chest region than those for women. Vests for women are shorter and often have open side segments toward the bottom for better fit around the hips.

Vests for children are cut to fit a child's body composition, and there is no distinction between those for boys and girls. Child and infant vests include crotch straps to prevent them from coming off. Infant vests also have an additional flotation segment behind the head to keep the infant's head above water. All kids' sizes are Coast Guard approved and have nearly all the flotation in the front of the vest, ensuring the child will be face up in the water.

Vest Type
CGA (Coast Guard Approved) life vests are true life jackets and are designed to keep the wearer afloat for a long time if needed. All CGA life vests must contain a specific amount of flotation as well as 2 belts with buckles. These qualify as Type III flotation devices and allow you to ride on the water or in any boat on any body of water in the US legally. These are also the required level by most cable wakeboard parks in the U.S. These come in a large variety of cuts, designs, looks, fits and colors.

Competition vests are not life preservers and do not come with any type of certification. These vests are designed to be worn at the user's discretion. Competition vests are much thinner and more comfortable than their approved counterparts and provide greater mobility. Competition vests typically have enough flotation to keep the wearer afloat if he/she is knocked unconscious. However, since comp vests will not keep the wearer's head above water, they should only be used in controlled environments by skilled persons, worn at their own risk.

Vest Fit
Some vests have zippers, some have only straps, and some have zippers on the side or back instead of the front. Front zippers make vests easier to get on and off; however, they take up space that can be used for flotation and reduce flexibility. Side and back zippers are designed to provide a larger opening for entry and exit in comparison to a pullover style. Pullovers are harder to get on and off, however they are typically the most flexible and comfortable since they don't have any hard materials.

Size
The sizing from each manufacturer will differ slightly; however, most CGA life vests are based on the following size chart, and chest sizing is the same for men and women:

X-Small = 28-32 in. chest size
Small = 32-36 in. chest size
Medium = 36-40 in. chest size
Large = 40-44 in. chest size
X-Large = 44-48 in. chest size
XX-Large = 48-52 in. chest size
XXX-Large = 52-56 in. chest size

Because of their increased stretchability, competition vests are more flexible when it comes to sizing. It is important to note that vests will stretch considerably once they get wet, so you want them to fit tightly. The ideal fit is snug enough that it feels slightly uncomfortable without restricting your breathing. Trust us, it will break in and be perfect. A good rule of thumb for vests with a zipper is if you can zip it up, then it isn't too small.

We hope this information helps. If you have any questions, let us know and we will do whatever we can to make sure you get exactly what you need. Thanks for your support.