Which Lifejacket?

[Lucky Duck]

Having received lots of advice last season regarding my reluctance to wear a lifejacket, I have been looking a getting a new one.

I noticed that the Marine Superstore are now doing Crewsaver Crewfit ones at just under half price, presumably because these appear to be discontinued.

http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/190-BZPLUS/crewsaver-crewfit-190n-zip-plus-lifejacket

Are these a good choice or should I save my pennies for a Spinlock Deckvest, etc?

 

[[70521]]

I love my Crewfit 190N, choose the one that:

a) best fits your needs; and

b) feels comfy

It is you who is going to wear it.

 

[nigelmercier]

Kru Sprt Pro: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006V0NJ7O/dolcetto-21

Really comfortable, I happily wear it all day, don't even notice it. YM Best Buy, and PBW Best on Test.

I've tried others like the Crewsaver, the back of my neck gets chafed by the bladder.

 

[duncan99210]

Kru Sprt Pro: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006V0NJ7O/dolcetto-21

Really comfortable, I happily wear it all day, don't even notice it. YM Best Buy, and PBW Best on Test.

I've tried others like the Crewsaver, the back of my neck gets chafed by the bladder.

+1

We've had them for 4 years now and they are very comfortable. the only downside is trying to find 38 gram CO2 cartridges to service them. Spanish chandlers all shake their head and tell you that they have 33gm ones and larger ones for offshore jackets. Had to order them from UK in the end.

Just looked at the link in Nigel's post and seen the price! We lucked in with the jackets, bought them at LIBS 4 years back when they were just being brought onto the market and got them at IIRC £90 each provided we bought 2 of them. Ah well, even at that price, I reckon they are really good jackets.

 

[nigelmercier]

+1

We've had them for 4 years now and they are very comfortable. the only downside is trying to find 38 gram CO2 cartridges to service them.

They are often on offer at the Boat Show, as are the re-arm kits. I figure if I wear it more often, they are worth the price.

Ocean Safety have dealers all over the place, so worth contacting for spares: http://www.oceansafety.com/find-service-stations.html

 

[Norman_E]

I think it is very important to try on any lifebelt before buying. I found out the hard way that I cannot wear a lot of brands because the CO2 cylinder presses on a tender spot if it is on the right hand side. Anyone with a hiatus hernia will understand. Marine warehouse supplied me with a Hammar model with the cylinder mounted on the left. http://www.lifejackets.co.uk/

 

[dunedin]

Having received lots of advice last season regarding my reluctance to wear a lifejacket, I have been looking a getting a new one.

I noticed that the Marine Superstore are now doing Crewsaver Crewfit ones at just under half price, presumably because these appear to be discontinued.

http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/190-BZPLUS/crewsaver-crewfit-190n-zip-plus-lifejacket

Are these a good choice or should I save my pennies for a Spinlock Deckvest, etc?

Got one of these and been happy with it - and wear all the time

A bit heavier than the crewfit 150 version without hood etc, but the recommendation seems to be a hood is important

EDIT: In fact, such good price just gone in and bought another one

 

[Daedelus]

Having received lots of advice last season regarding my reluctance to wear a lifejacket, I have been looking a getting a new one.

I noticed that the Marine Superstore are now doing Crewsaver Crewfit ones at just under half price, presumably because these appear to be discontinued.

http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/190-BZPLUS/crewsaver-crewfit-190n-zip-plus-lifejacket

Are these a good choice or should I save my pennies for a Spinlock Deckvest, etc?

I got one of the Spinlock ones and it is the most comfortable I have ever worn which encourages wearing - but I would really go along with everyone who has said try the thin on first.

 

[crewman]

I bought a Crewsaver Crewfit last year. Very comfortable to wear, but the cover is secured by velcro not zips. The small size and comfort come from the bladder being very tightly compressed into the cover. With the velcro fastenings I found it very difficult to get it all back together and secured - you have to open it out when you first get it to ensure the cartridge is screwed in tight (mine was not). Even now I find that the velcro tends to creep undone. Next time I will look at a zip closure.

 

[prv]

I bought a Crewsaver Crewfit last year. Very comfortable to wear, but the cover is secured by velcro not zips.

That's interesting, as Marine Superstore's advert explicitly states that they have zips. Does your jacket look like their pictures?

Pete

 

[dunedin]

That's interesting, as Marine Superstore's advert explicitly states that they have zips. Does your jacket look like their pictures?

Pete

I have both types. Very different life jackets. The black ones shown in the original link have zips