Lifejackets: Spinlock Deckvest 5D vs Seago Dynamic 190 Harness vs Crewsaver Ergofit

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NFCN

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Dear all,

Conscious that there have been multiple posts on life jackets, I have very specific one. In particular I seek owners' experiences of my shortlist, to inform a purchase in the coming days.

My own experience, informed by the recent YM review, is that I wanted a 'new' deck vest type life jacket which was more comfortable to wear. Don't need more than 190N, must have integrated sprayhood, crotch strap(s) and light, must be auto-inflate and have a robust point to which I can attach a harness / retrieve MOB. Pockets for knives / PLBs etc a plus. Have no particular view on type of auto inflation although don't see the need to pay for extra for Hammar (eg on the Spinlock) - although often offshore, I have found life jackets to inflate accidentally more when the toggle is caught than by being soaked by waves, although others may disagree. My only other preference is for a single rather than double / thigh crotch strap, but the latter seem to be creeping in.

Shortlist of 3 is:

Spinlock Deckvest 5D 170N auto (c £190)

http://www.force4.co.uk/spinlock-deckvest-5d-170n-auto-lifejacket-m.html#.WOoQJdKGOHs

Seago Dynamic 190 Harness (c £160)

http://www.force4.co.uk/seago-dynamic-190-auto-harness.html#.WOoM0dJ96Hs

Crewsaver Ergofit 190 OS Autoharness (c£185)

http://www.force4.co.uk/crewsaver-ergofit-190os-auto-harness-lifejacket-c-w-hood-l.html#.WOoR99KGOHs

I discounted the Ocean Safety Kru Sport Pro on the basis that it seems to have a lot of the sprayhood package at the back and didn't look as comfortable.

Unable to get down to a chandlers for a while, can anyone give me any experience of use of these life jackets, alternatives I may have missed, or alternative (and cheaper) suppliers?

Many thanks in advance

Nick
 
LJs are very personal things. Essentially they all perform the same function (given equivalent features) and you will find advocates of all of your short list. When i faced the same choice, I chose the Seago as I have always had good service from their products, It fitted me well and has proved comfortable, plus it is cheaper than the others.

There really is no substitute for comparing your short list side by side and trying them all on. Then make your decision. However many people do buy blind and suspect you will be happy with any of them unless you are a really odd shape! FWIIW I am the classic elderly largish man - 6'3" and around 100kgs.
 
We have Deckvests and are well pleased with them but if you wear them all day it is a bit like being trussed up like a turkey and you are pleased to get it off.
However the close fit with leg straps and high harness attachment point for recovery should come in to its own if we were ever unfortunate to have to use them.
 
NFCN said:
Was just wondering why? The Kru does appear to have quite a large pack behind the neck...
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I don't find the Ergofit has any "ergo" qualities at all, it seems awkward to put on and take off. But all of this is very personal and subjective; your best route is to go along to a chandlery and try several on.
 
pvb said:
I don't find the Ergofit has any "ergo" qualities at all, it seems awkward to put on and take off. But all of this is very personal and subjective; your best route is to go along to a chandlery and try several on.
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Got a Deck Vest and am very happy with it. RYA offer a healthy discount if you know anyone who is an instructor. And yes, you can remove the instructor logo easily if, like me, you're not keen on setting yourself up for an embarrassing fail.
 
Best to make your own personal choices, much of the fitting will depend on what clothing you intend to wear, thickness of collar and hoods and the layers you wear beneath so if you try some wear foul weather gear or whatever you would normally wear afloat .
Tried spinlock and didn't get on with it and have had an Ergo fit 290 for couple of years now. Have used it for work and pleasure sometimes for long periods of time. Haven't had any issues with it nor does it create any restrictions. It has a useful pocket for a safety knife and I have my handheld and PLB attached but as I said best to try some on and make your own choice.
 
Also note the huge price differences between suppliers. The Kru Sport Pro I bought is £100 at Marine Superstore, but is £171 at Force 4.
 
pvb said:
I don't find the Ergofit has any "ergo" qualities at all, it seems awkward to put on and take off. But all of this is very personal and subjective; your best route is to go along to a chandlery and try several on.
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Agree absolutely about trying them on. I have had a hiatus hernia operation, and any lifejacket with the cylinder on the right side causes me pain where it presses on me. I have one with a left side cylinder and it is the only one I can wear. Quite small changes in design can give some wearers discomfort, or make them bearable.
 
I think the deckvest leg straps are a pain, especially when wearing oilies. An instructor friend has modified his to a single crotch strap. I will do the same soon.
 
Halo said:
I think the deckvest leg straps are a pain, especially when wearing oilies. An instructor friend has modified his to a single crotch strap. I will do the same soon.
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Do agree about the thigh straps - no doubt effective when you are in the water, but when not you are a bit trussed up. Don't blame your instructor friend.
 
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