Life-jackets advice?

[Rob_Webb]

I want to upgrade my life-jackets to automatic/self-inflating, with integral harnesses and ideally, a crotch strap. As always prices vary hugely and it's difficult to know whether the higher prices (e.g. Crewsaver) really do give you a better product or just a fancy name.

I'm tempted to regard this as the one piece of kit NOT to bargain hunt on - but would welcome thoughts/experience from people to justify this?

Thanks
Rob

 

[lyc]

Have recently purchased 2 new 150n auto lifejackets model 020814 with Hammar hydrostatic release system from EBay http://listings.ebay.co.uk/aw/plistings/list/category1293/index.html
I paid £65 each as I didn't want to go through the bidding system instead of the rrp of £89.99. Very light and comfortable to wear.

Lifejackets shown on
http://www.marinepool.de/

 

[zvidoron]

Using several Crewsaver products, have nothing but praise, you get what you pay for in this case I think.

 

[tr7v8]

I have a test from I think MBY from a year or so ago. One to come out of this quite well was the XM range. So that's what I brought.
You should be able to get a copy of this test a backcopy, I'll have a look tonight to find out which mag (MBY or MBM) and which month.

Jim
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[neale]

See MBM Mar 02.

Baltic 1570, Challenger Worksafe 150, Crewsaver Crewfit Plus and XM Quickfit (providing you add crotch straps) came out best.

 

[andy_wilson]

Viking at Hamble

Safety gear for the professionals, at a price I found popular.

They will sel to you direct, but you will never find the gear in chandlers (except liferafts perhaps).