14 of the best lifejackets
Sam Fortescue explains the key features to look for when shopping for one the best lifejackets on the market…
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Spinlock Deckvest 6D
Spinlock has been through several iterations of its ergonomic Deckvest lifejacket. Its offshore product is called 6D and offers 170N of buoyancy with a built-in harness, integrated pylon light and the smart Lume-On, which turns the whole bladder into a light for easier night spotting.
There is also an option for a harness release system, which allows you to detach yourself from a harness if, for instance, it was towing you along underwater or in another life-threatening situation.
RRP: £265
Shop now via Amazon
Ocean Safety Sport Pro ADV
Combines the comfort of a more ergonomic fit with all the options you need for offshore sailing. Featuring automatic firing and an integrated harness, it also has two loops (intended for a killcord), a sprayhood and an automatic light. So-called Wave Barrier technology turns you quickly on your back, and the lifejacket is ready for an AIS beacon too.
RRP: £214.27
Shop now on tradeinn.com
Baltic Force 190 Harness SLA
The Swedish brand has products pitched at all sailing levels, but if you want all the bells and whistles for offshore sailing, you’ll need the Force 190 SLA. It’s not cheap, but this gives you great design, plus a sprayhood, light and AIS pocket.
Baltic’s other product of note is a female-specific lifejacket called Athena.
RRP: £270
Shop now on trade-inn.com
Crewsaver Crewfit
The Crewfit 165N offers freedom of movement and long-term comfort, while twin waist adjusters ensure a proper fit. The heavy-duty cover has an indicator window for checking the status of the firing mechanism.
Crewsaver’s capable Crewfit 165 Sport is available in pink, with 100 per cent of the sales price going to Cancer Research UK. Available for a donation of your choice (over £100) at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org
RRP: £99
Shop now on Amazon
Crewsaver Ergofit+ 190N auto
Ergofit introduced the idea of a lifejacket really contoured to fit your body, and its Ergofit+ has built on this further. It makes an ideal offshore lifejacket, with the Halo hood that protects your airways while keeping clear of your face. It also has slimline buckles for easy donning.
The inflatable bladder is carefully shaped and includes a chin support to help keep your airway open. It is also offers space to fit an AIS or PLB beacon. And most recently, Crewsaver has developed its Exolok system to warn you if the inflation cylinder could have worked loose.
RRP: £199
Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk
Mustang Atlas 190
Canadian sea survival brand Mustang is trumpeting the revolutionary nature of its new Atlas 190 lifejacket. Designer Nigel Parkes went back to the drawing board to develop a system that is comfortable to wear but provides excellent turning power and airway protection.
It all comes down to the shape of the bladder itself, which provides a robust 190N of buoyancy and features a built-in 3D headrest and a spray barrier. The lifejacket comes in a standard (£210) and a DLX version (£230), which includes a sprayhood and a water-activated light – both vital for offshore sailing.
RRP: £210
Shop now on mustang-survival.co.uk
Seago 3Dynamic
Always good value, Seago’s flagship lifejacket is the ergonomic 3Dynamic. It packs 190N of buoyancy and comes with a cylinder locking device, a flashing LED light, a sprayhood and pocket.
RRP: £145
Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk
Seasafe I-Zip
This British manufacturer takes a slightly different tack by producing a range of jazzy fabric designs for its 170N lifejacket range. From liquorice Allsorts to camo and even a Union flag, you’ll stand out in one of these.
The spec is surprisingly good, too. They may not be that ergonomic, but you can add an AIS beacon, a sprayhood and even and NFC chip for identification. Best of all, you can get you and your boat’s name embroidered on it!
RRP: £110
Shop now on seasafe.co.uk
Spinlock Deckvest Lite
Spinlock’s Deckvest Lite is a lightweight, 3D-design, auto-inflate (manual optional) lifejacket with a single crotch strap and attachment points for safety line and other MOB devices such as the optional RescueMe AIS MOB1 beacon.
RRP: £165
Shop now on Amazon
Helly Hansen Sailsafe Coastal
Helly Hansen’s Sailsafe Coastal is an ergonomic, lightweight design with integral, contoured harness and a wide back panel for comfort. It has a UML automatic gas inflation mechanism and double crotch straps to stop it riding up the chest. .
RRP: £150
Shop now on tradeinn.com
Secumar Ultra
The Ultra 170 is a 170N lifejacket with integral harness and a fleece-lined neck for extra comfort. It is equipped with an easily fastened, click buckle, a bayonet-style gas cylinder, a viewing panel for the firing mechanism indicator and a single crotch strap as standard.
RRP: £150
Shop now on secumar.com
Baltic Legend
The Comfort Legend has additional buoyancy and is further out on the shoulders and neck than many other models. An inspection window is fitted so you can check the two indicators are green and the gas cylinder has a retaining loop to stop it unscrewing over time.
RRP: £165
Shop now on baltic.se
Kru Sport
The Kru Sport has more buoyancy than the Kru XF, is equipped with a front buckle, side adjusters and is better shaped for comfort than others in the Kru range.
RRP: £79
Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com
Crewsaver Ergofit
The Ergofit 190 is a snug, 3D-moulded lifejacket offering numerous high-level features for offshore use, including an optional spray hood and light. Bladders feature chin support, location beacon attachment points and dual lifting beckets.
RRP: £199
Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com
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