22 November 2022
Lifejackets and PFDs
If you're heading out on the water, choose the right type of lifejacket and make sure you wear it.
Open waters lifejackets (Type 401)
None of these models enclose the user’s torso with foam or neoprene, so they don’t help to retain a user’s body heat.
Inflatables require new gas cylinders or sometimes entire rearming kits (which include a cylinder and other parts) each time they’re inflated. The rearming kit for the Spinlock Deckvest Vito costs about $100. Inflatables also need their bladders repacking correctly so they stay in good order and will inflate properly next time they’re used.
Spinlock Deckvest Vito - $625
Inflatable (hydrostatic/automatic) with open back.
The Spinlock Deckvest Vito automatic inflatable lifejacket is ideal for offshore yacht racing. It's an excellent open waters lifejacket, but other models have easier to use fastenings. This model also requires a new entire rearming kit after every inflation, costing about $100.Hutchwilco Open Waters Coastal - $119
Semi-rigid foam with open back.
Lifejackets should be worn at all times rather than just stowed on board. But the Hutchwilco Open Waters Coastal lifejacket is too bulky - it would be inconvenient to wear full-time. It's also fiddly to cross the straps at the back and secure due to the large bulk. So it would be difficult to put on quickly if ocean conditions suddenly changed for the worse. For these reasons, we put this in the 'don't buy' category.
Hutchwilco Super Comfort - $195
Inflatable (manual) with open back.
The Hutchwilco Super Comfort manual inflatable lifejacket is an excellent open waters lifejacket. Replacement gas cylinders cost $60.Watersnake Inflatable Lifejacket - $100
Inflatable (manual) with open back.
The Watersnake manual inflatable lifejacket is an excellent open waters lifejacket that's very good value. We particularly like the simplicity and ease of putting it on and securing. Its only drawback is the lack of attachment points for PLB or other safety equipment. Replacement gas cylinders cost $27.Inshore waters lifejackets (Type 402)
Hutchwilco Mariner Classic - $120
Semi-rigid foam with enclosed torso.
RFD Mistral - $99
Semi-rigid foam with enclosed torso.
BurnsCo Starguard - $40
Semi-rigid foam with open back.
Type 402 (inshore waters) lifejackets are intended to be comfortable and convenient to wear at all times. But the BurnsCo Starguard lifejacket is not - it's too bulky. It also has an open back, when most Type 402 lifejackets have an enclosed torso to help retain body heat. For these reasons, we put this in the 'don't buy' category.
Line 7 Beacon Classic - $100
Semi-rigid foam with enclosed torso.
The Line 7 Beacon Classic is a very good all round lifejacket. We recommend people add a crotch or thigh strap for extra support.Specialist PFDs (suitable for a range of near-shore water activities)
Vaikobi V3 - $239
Semi-rigid foam/ neoprene front and back.
Hutchwilco Neo Sport Vest - $220
Neoprene vest with enclosed torso.
RFD Chinook Neoprene - $456
Neoprene vest with enclosed torso.
Ultra Session - $170
Neoprene vest with enclosed torso.
RFD Briza - $120
Semi-rigid foam and neoprene front and back.
Palm Nevis - $550
Semi-rigid foam front and back.
Hutchwilco LifeBelt - $190
Inflatable (manual) waist pack.
Spinlock ALTO Manual Inflatable Waistbelt - $121
Inflatable (manual) waist pack.
Inflatables require new gas cylinders or sometimes entire rearming kits (which include a cylinder and other parts) each time they’re inflated. Their inflation bladders also need repacking correctly so they stay in good order and will inflate properly next time they’re used.
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