Lifejacket, which is best?

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Quandary

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Our macho racing days are over and we now wear lifejackets all the time when sailing, we have decided to replace our personal XM lifejackets bought at a boat jumble about ten years ago and have decided to go for a higher spec. type with hood, light, integrated crotch strap etc. At present our shortlist based on armchair research is the Kru Sport Pro with integrated harness which seems to be available at around £130 and the Spinlock Deckvest at about£170. These discounted prices are more expensive than some others but both claim to be comfortable and durable which is important if worn all the time. The Deckvest seems to be the best harness if used for recovery, there are three adult sizes with adjustment and the thigh straps seem better than a single crotch strap?
Anyone using either of these or an equivalent Crewsaver who can comment on comfort, durability and ease of getting on and off when worn continuously. So far I have only ever been in the water with a close fitting dinghy buoyancy aid but can imagine that a loose fitting lifejacket could affect movement quite a bit if trying to get back on board.
Any user feedback would be appreciated.
 
Spinlock Deckvest at about£170

The Spinlock Deckvest at about£170 gets my vote. I have used one extensively and found it very comfortable (compared to my crewsaver).. The thigh straps are much better than crotch straps (trust me on this), more scope for snags though.

The one little "Niggle" I do have with it is the webbing attatchment point on the harness, it's a bit too wide so it allways seem to catch whan unclipping.

Apart from that I would highly recomend it.

Dave
 
Quandary said:
Our macho racing days are over and we now wear lifejackets all the time when sailing, we have decided to replace our personal XM lifejackets bought at a boat jumble about ten years ago and have decided to go for a higher spec. type with hood, light, integrated crotch strap etc. At present our shortlist based on armchair research is the Kru Sport Pro with integrated harness which seems to be available at around £130 and the Spinlock Deckvest at about£170. These discounted prices are more expensive than some others but both claim to be comfortable and durable which is important if worn all the time. The Deckvest seems to be the best harness if used for recovery, there are three adult sizes with adjustment and the thigh straps seem better than a single crotch strap?
Anyone using either of these or an equivalent Crewsaver who can comment on comfort, durability and ease of getting on and off when worn continuously. So far I have only ever been in the water with a close fitting dinghy buoyancy aid but can imagine that a loose fitting lifejacket could affect movement quite a bit if trying to get back on board.
Any user feedback would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I have a crewsaver, that I've had since before the Kru and the Spinlock came out. I have no complains about it, but have worn both of the others and like them a lot. I'd probably choose the spinlock over the Kru, but them I'm easily swayed by slick marketing and style!

For what it's worth, a good friend of mine works for "a well known marine safety company" and could have her pick of any lifejacket, and certainly has the knowledge to make a very informed choice. She wears the Kru.
 
Where can you find

a Spinlock Deckvest for £170? They were on special at that price in several online chandleries a few months ago, but best price I've seen lately is about £190. Everywhere else seems to have them for £199
 
Spinlock Deckvest

Just Google it, You will find two with all three sizes and one who has only got the small one at £170 or less. If you don't want to save money use Yahoo.
 
Thanks. Have googled a lot recently. Always come up with £199. But thanks for the help in pointing me in the right direction. Any particular reason you refuse to disclose your £170 source?
 
I bought a new Spinlock last september and half way between Majorca and mainland Spain the jacket auto inflated when I was at the helm. I was not impressed. Sent several emails to Spinlock but not even the courtessy of a reply. Gave up in the end.

They look good and are comfortable, but I am a little nervous now that they may not be as safe and reliable as I first thought. I have 2 out of 6 on board and probably would not buy another :cool:
 
At my wife's suggestion we bought new Kru Sports this spring and we certainly tend to wear them more often than the old Crewsaver type. They are easy to adjust as you add or remove oilies or sweaters, and being simple to put on, you do put them back on every time.
Seems good, but I hope not to put them to the test.
 
Googling

Sorry, I did not intend to be obstructive, I assumed you might want to do your own search as there are so many results and some are carriage free but only U.K. Thanks to Geoid 96 for doing it for you.
 
Just had a flyer from Gaelforce and they do the Fastnet XT Pro for £99.95 - with Pro auto inflation, crotch strap, light and sprayhood. Don't know anything about them but they seem good value at that price.
 
Kru Sport Pro

Extremely comfortable if you intend to wear long term. Zip fastening makes loads of sense when you try it.

Compared to the Spinlock they are very flexible which add to long term comfort IMHO.

I would go and try both on and read the YM test July 2009 for additional info.
 
life jackets

Nobody has mentioned the choice of automatic inflation available.
I am currently debating the replacement of my Beaufort kit.
I have had the blessed things inflating by accident so I have come to the conclusion the Hamar unit is the one to go for.

what does anyone else think
 
Black_jack said:
Extremely comfortable if you intend to wear long term. Zip fastening makes loads of sense when you try it.

Compared to the Spinlock they are very flexible which add to long term comfort IMHO.

I would go and try both on and read the YM test July 2009 for additional info.
Click to expand...

The Kru Sport Pro advertising is very confusing. Most places show a picture of it with a hood but the spec list doesn't mention it.

Can anyone point me at a supplier that does this with hood, light and harness? And how foolproof is the inflation method on the Kru?

- W
 
Kru Sport Pro specification

Now I am getting really confused, the early responses pointed to the Spinlock but as the debate proceeded I was favouring the Kru but only if it has a similar spec. The light is definitely an extra as one of the suppliers is including it but for July only. I would also expect the hood to be integrated with the vest not something you have to keep in your pocket.
Anyone know?
 
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