sail sail
Well-Known Member
Looking for a new lifejacket. What do you recommend? I don't mind paying for a high-end one, but are they really worth it?
Recommendation for a lifejacket
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RunAgroundHard
Well-Known Member
I bought a Spinlock Deckvest D6. Before I had a CrewSaver top of the range and an OceanSafety basic,
The Spinlock is by far the comfiest by a country mile. My build is wide shouldered, short arse, dome belly. I am also bald, if you want a laugh.
The Ocean Safety XF (I have the older model) is also comfy.
I would recommend both, and not the Crewsaver as it was heavy on my neck and the zip was always undoing itself.
If you can, get to a chandlers and try them on, or order a few online and return under distance selling rules if uncomfortable.
I like my Spinlock, by far the best lifejacket I have used.
The Spinlock comes with a Lifesaver added to the lifting strop. If you buy a model that doesn’t have a Lifesaver, buy one and fit it to the lifting strop. It makes recovery over a high sided yacht much easier.
MOB Lifesavers | MOB Retrieval for lifejackets
The Spinlock is by far the comfiest by a country mile. My build is wide shouldered, short arse, dome belly. I am also bald, if you want a laugh.
The Ocean Safety XF (I have the older model) is also comfy.
I would recommend both, and not the Crewsaver as it was heavy on my neck and the zip was always undoing itself.
If you can, get to a chandlers and try them on, or order a few online and return under distance selling rules if uncomfortable.
I like my Spinlock, by far the best lifejacket I have used.
The Spinlock comes with a Lifesaver added to the lifting strop. If you buy a model that doesn’t have a Lifesaver, buy one and fit it to the lifting strop. It makes recovery over a high sided yacht much easier.
MOB Lifesavers | MOB Retrieval for lifejackets
Plum
Well-Known Member
I recommend you try them on and buy the one that is the most comfortable and easy to adjust. If you have a plb ensure it will fit inside the cover attached to the inflation tube. Also, I would not buy from a company that refuses to provide instructions on repacking, insisting it must go to one of their service centres. I refused to buy a Kru LJ because of this.
RunAgroundHard
Well-Known Member
That’s a good point. I have an older PLB, larger and bought the Spoinlock pocket that attaches to the belt for the PLB.
Note the Spinlock has a quick release for the safety line, if you are getting dragged under.
KompetentKrew
Well-Known Member
Same here, I have the 5D.
I wouldn't have thought there was anything to choose between lifejackets until I tried the Spinlock, but it really is amazing.
Plum
Well-Known Member
In my experience having a plb on the belt is not a good idea. If you are in the water with an inflated lifejacket being bounced around you will have great difficulty finding that pocket and retrieving the PLB.
Chiara’s slave
Well-Known Member
That does not sound like the kind of experience anyone would want to have.
RunAgroundHard
Well-Known Member
It's not a problem, I have tried accessing it and the pocket is easily accessible as it's on the waste belt and sits right beside where your hands are when by the side, floating on your back. I have a working PLB and don't need to buy another style just to fit the dedicated space on the stole. Sure, an automatically activated PLB is better, attached to the lifejacket stole, I wouldn't argue about that.
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Hermit
Well-Known Member
I bought these because of the backtow system - but also really comfortable.
Home of the BackTow Lifejacket and Deckharness
Home of the BackTow Lifejacket and Deckharness
Chiara’s slave
Well-Known Member
There are some discount codes around for Spinlock, have a look for one if you are thinking of Spinlock. Ours are the best we’ve had.
ylop
Well-Known Member
I would agree with this and make sure it’s comfy for the sort of boating you actually do. Eg some crotch straps can be a bit uncomfortable (if properly adjusted) when sitting; equally I know someone who uses one with thigh straps on a rib jockey seat and found the buckles uncomfortable.
Im surprised by this - I had no problems finding instructions fo reparming/packing a kru after inadvertent use - but you do want one you can both periodically check and rearm easily not send away.
Goldie
Well-Known Member
Yes, I find them VERY comfortable. I’ve used the Spinlock (when regular race crew on another boat) but found that they cramped the back of my neck and the crotch straps always hung loose and snagged when I knelt; and yes, the LJ was adjusted for me. I don’t seem to have this problem with my TeamO LJ and of course, there’s the USP of the BackTow system. Before TeamO, I had Crewsaver Ergofit and found those very comfortable too. I guess a lot depends on personal shape and choice so ‘try before you buy’.
I haven’t tried this though (yet):
Martin_J
Well-Known Member
As others have said.. I would go to a chandlery and try on as many as possible, with your usual waterproofs on (and also without).
Some will fit and some will feel down right odd...
Once you have your purchase home, I would recommend test inflating, by hand pump... and checking that things like lights are correctly attached.
(Only saying that last bit because on one sea survival course, another attended jumped into the pool, their brand new [expensive brand name removed] life jacket inflated and their light started flashing and then sunk to the bottom of the pool, where it continued to flash).. just sayin'
Some will fit and some will feel down right odd...
Once you have your purchase home, I would recommend test inflating, by hand pump... and checking that things like lights are correctly attached.
(Only saying that last bit because on one sea survival course, another attended jumped into the pool, their brand new [expensive brand name removed] life jacket inflated and their light started flashing and then sunk to the bottom of the pool, where it continued to flash).. just sayin'
wonkywinch
Well-Known Member
I'll second that. Had various lifejackets over the years, but the Spinlock Deckvest came recommended by an instructor I went out with who had one.
I also fitted Duncan Well's MOB string and also a Ocean Signal MOB1 as we sail as a couple and worst fear is one of us going over and the other left dealing with it.
rescueME MOB1
They come with comprehensive servicing and repacking instructions, even I could manage it!
Boathook
Well-Known Member
I would go and try them on. Especially if it is for your own use.
If it is for visitors, they will be only wearing it for a short period, so go for the best value.
If it is for visitors, they will be only wearing it for a short period, so go for the best value.
Plum
Well-Known Member
Then maybe they have changed their policy but 5 years ago when i was looking to buy Ocean Safety replied to my email "Thank you for your email. I am afraid that we do not issue packing instructions other than to our trained and approved service stations"
