Buoyancy Vest

This product caught my eye as I have been looking for a suitable bouyancy aid to add to our team parachuting equipment. As part of the a Parachute Team we very often jump into arenas near water, and as such we have to have some kind of floatation device in the even that we land in the water - either intentionally or not intentionally, We have been struggling to source something suitable that meets our budget. Most bouyancy aids require you to place over the head and inflate, but we would find it quite difficult to do this in the event we ended up in water for a variety of reasons - not least because our extremely heavy parachute equipment is going to become quickly waterlogged and possibly drag us under the water before we have chance to inflate the aides. Most other vests we have tried have been either too bulky to wear under our equipment or far too expensive for a national charity fundraising team such as ourselves. This fits the bill perfectly. I tried on the small with my rig and, whilst it is quite snug it is nowhere near as cumbersome as other models that we have tried. The problem with most of these devices is that, because the chest is so "bulky", once we put our rig on over the top of it, it alters the locations of our "handles" on the rig. It is still a minor problem with this vest, but nowhere near as bulky as others tested. Whilst it is unlikely to keep us afloat for very long (not really required, as all parachutists are competent swimmers and help should arrive very quickly in planned water-landings) it does satisfy the legal requirements set out by our Governing Body, the BPA - short for British Parachute Association or as sometimes known - Ban Parachuting Altogether :-) I received my first order of this product at a discounted rate in return for an honest review. As a team, we have subsequently decided to purchase 4 more in various sizes to have available for all team members on Parachute Demonstrations on or near water hazards.

I used this for 7 days - mostly snorkeling and it worked really well. I am about 38" chest and 66kg. - I bought the Medium. and the fit was perfect. The adjustable strap is strong, and so is the buckle. The zip is also chunky and well made. It easily kept me clear of the water line - i didn't feel as if I was bobbing too high, nor sinking too low. It is not too bulky nor restrictive in movement. Overall, I think the product is well made - it doesnt look or feel cheap. The white colour works well in sunny climes

V good value, quality and fit. Correctly sized (based on buoyancy performance rather than regular clothes size). Full shoulders and back so ideally suited for use in colder weather. Make sure the draw string around bottom of jacket is fully tight, the belt is just a tad high to fully secure under chest,

Life jacket,I put this in when life drags me down. And up I go when I wear it.

Comfortable to were not too bulky like some others on the market Used for easy to adjust the straps

A very basic buoyancy aid. This s is fine but very basic. There is one strap around the middle and some little string ties which are so short that they are fiddly. I use it for kayaking and I find that it rides up and rubs under my chin, which hurts after a while. My daughter has a Joba (I think that's how you spell it) and it is 10 times better: the three straps plus groin strap hold it in place. I really feel that this is either too expensive for what it is, or too basic for the price. It is the sort of thing that you'll find piled up at an out door activity centre and used for the r a couple of hours max. Either way I wouldn't get one again.

Excellent life vest. I bought this for my little cousin for when she goes to visit her grandparents on there river home. I got the smallest size it was still roomy but the cord on the bottom and the belt in the middle soon made it a snug fit. Will be ideal for winter with a coat underneath. The colour is vibrant so easy spotted if she was to go in the water. A little bit more in money than some other vests but you get what you pay for, this is worth the extra.

Very Very Basic Buoyancy Aid, used for Swimming but you can get better ones for the money! Ones with Crouch Straps so it doesn't become uncomfortable in the water. I upgraded it after a few months with a Typhoon. Night and day differences