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Best Life Jackets for Boating Reviews 2021
Few things are more fun than getting out on the open water and cruising across its surface in your boat. Of course, it’s all fun and games until someone falls overboard– then it’s an emergency. Or is it? If you brought along the right personal flotation devices, it’s nothing to worry about at all.
That is why this list breaks down the 5 best life jackets for boating reviews, figuring out what each one does best. We examine the entries and identify who should use which life vest and what their rating allows. By the end, you’ll know the next time you go out on the open waters that you’re protected.
Last update on 2021-09-27 at 17:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Seller: ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Durable fabric resists tears and punctures
- Inflates with manual movement of T-cord or automatically upon immersion in water
- Lightweight, comfortable, slender design keeps you cool in warm weather
Last update on 2021-09-27 at 17:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Onyx A/M-24, part of Onyx’s ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR series, is definitely one of a kind on this list both from a glance as well as from a functional point of view. On the surface, it doesn’t actually appear as if there is all that much to the Onyx A/M-24 boating life jacket considering that it sports anywhere from 50% or less of the material most products on this list do. That being the case, it might also come as something of a surprise that this life vest boasts the most advanced flotation system.
Given its simplistic design and general knowledge about life jackets you might wonder what makes the Onyx A/M-24 boating vest so special. In this regard, there are actually two different features related to the floatation of this boating jacket that makes it remarkable. The first quality is that it’s inflatable, the only jacket on the list to be so, which provides some distinct advantages over floats. That said, the main benefit of an inflatable life jacket is the additional mobility you gain when not in the water.
So long as you remain dry and either on land or boat, this is the only life jacket examined that goes around the entire torso without also severely restricting movement. Keep in mind, there are all kinds of boating, and while the term generally refers to piloting motorized boats, you might want a life jacket that works regardless of the personal watercraft you use. As such, it certainly doesn’t hurt that this is one of the few jackets that both wears well in even a high-backed kayak as well as provide river-needed buoyancy.
Though it’s a Type V PFD, it comes with the buoyancy ratings of a Type 3 PFD, which is exactly where it needs to be for most boating activities. The rating means that you can expect a minimum if 15.5 lbs of buoyancy– though, you would want at least 22 lbs to take it on whitewater rafting. Still, this leads to the next aspect of the Onyx A/M-24 inflatable life jacket that makes it stand out compared to even many other inflatable PFDs: it’s inflation method. Keep in mind, this life jacket isn’t the only one on the market, but they are far from the norm either.
Instead of using polyethylene floats, this vest inflates its bladder with CO2, which does mean you’ll need to replace the canister after every use. However, it is the fact that you can convert the jacket from an automatic to a manual inflatable pfd that stands out. This feature is especially noteworthy for a couple of different reasons, one all-around good and one that covers up for one of the Onyx A/M-24 inflatable vest. Depending on the situation, there’s a good chance that, even if you fell in the water, you wouldn’t necessarily want to deploy the life jacket’s single use.
This way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally triggering the automatic inflation mechanism when it’s not really necessary… This brings us to the second reason it’s good to have a manual option when wearing the Onyx A/M-24inflatable jacket. Though most of these jackets come with good automatic submersion sensing mechanisms, sometimes they can still fail. By setting this inflatable personal flotation device on manual, you also don’t have to worry about the rain causing it to inflate.
Features:
- Inflates automatically if submerged
- Can be inflated automatically or manually
- Made of durable materials
- The thin profile provides more maneuverability
- Has neoprene neck and is lightweight
Pros:
- Has different triggers
- Is extremely comfortable
- Offers excellent mobility
Cons:
- Occasionally inflates accidentally
Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-end life jacket that comes with all of the bells and whistles, even if you’re just going out on the boat, then the ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx A/M-24 is a great option. With unparalleled mobility and optional automatic inflation, this inflatable life jacket is about as minimalistic as you can get without sacrificing performance.
Top Pick: Stohlquist Fit Adult PFD 4 Pack Coast Guard Approved Universal,, Red
- FEEL THE MOVEMENT - High mobility, non-restrictive cut. Higher placement of upper buckle helps reduce ride up. Thinner back panel to reduce...
- INNOVATION MEANS BETTER - All foam corners are rounded and sculpted compared to many 3-buckle PFDs. Box-stitched webbing is also more...
- COAST GUARD APPROVED - Safety is our number one concern for open water explorers. Safe is exactly as you'll feel as this PFD is approved for...
Last update on 2021-10-02 at 19:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Stohlquist Fit 4 Pack Lifejacket is the first of many entries selected because they provide an excellent value as well as provide more than adequate support for boating. Keep in mind, this assumes that you’re not looking for a “serious” water sports life jacket. If that’s the case, then this set of personal flotation devices is the perfect choice for those looking to cover the whole crew of whoever might be riding along this time taking the boat out. For a basic boating pfd, this model more than covers the basics– even adding a little icing on top.
One way that Stohlquist improved on a classic design was incorporating new techniques into the overall construction of the life vest. In doing so, this life pfd fits better and feels more comfortable against the skin– though, unfortunately, this boating vest doesn’t use neoprene on the areas most likely to come in contact with skin. That said, this personal flotation device does still use 200-Denier nylon, so you know the shell is durable enough.
However, the additional comfort comes from the seemingly minor design elements both inside and out. For instance, this jacket employs thin-profile floats and, while not suitable for high-backed kayaks, is more than comfortable enough for most purposes. To further reinforce the comfort, the Stohlquist Fit Lifejacket uses sculpted foam pads, so they fit more snuggly against your body– even if circumstances force the pfd to rise up or shift.
Finally, this life jacket even puts care into making the finishing touches as comfortable as the rest of the product. To accomplish this, Stohlquist substituted the standard foam pad with one that comes with rounded edges. Rounded edge pfd floats means you don’t have to worry about the life vest biting under your arms anymore. Though, you very well may not have to worry about that all anyway thanks to the inclusion of high-profile, cutaway arms.
After that, the banality of the Stohlquist Fit vest starts to show through, though even for a classic design, this PFD fits better than most without shifting. A lot of this fit comes down to the 3-point strap system which allows this swim vest to function as a one-size-fits-all– so long as all of the people are adults. This suspension system begins with three adjustable straps that employ a webbed design for increased durability.
The Stohlquist Fit life vest even has something of a grab strap for you to thread a tie line through if you expect to hit some choppy seas. And while whitewater rapids might be out of the picture, this jacket can certainly handle choppy seas with a Type III US Coast Guard certification at 16 lbs of buoyancy. Even better, you might feel some of the weight buoyed off of your shoulders with this life vest coming in at just 0.7 lbs. And it probably goes without saying that buying a 4-pack offers solid value.
Features:
- Comes in a classic, universal style
- Is lightweight with thin-profile floats
- Comes in a 4-pack for a great value
- Secure with a 3-point strap system
- Type III US Coast Guard certification
Pros:
- Is a good value
- Is surprisingly comfortable
- Has a universal fit
Cons:
- Not for every water activity
Verdict: The Stohlquist Fit Lifejacket is the perfect life jacket for those who want a no-frills boating vest that provides excellent value. When you consider that this life vest comes in a 4-pack for the same price that other companies charge for one, it’s pretty clear Stohlquist nailed that last one. Also, even though it’s mostly “no-frills,” there are plenty of new design touches.
Best Value: Seachoice Life Vest, Type II Personal Flotation Device – USCG Approved – Multiple Sizes and Colors
- Includes four U.S. Coast Guard Type II PFD
- Fits adults 90 pounds and up, with 30 to 52 inch chest
- Clear nylon carry bag
Last update on 2021-10-02 at 19:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Seachoice sits at the “best value” position of the list and more than earns that title, but comes with a few caveats. The top-rated entries focus on providing the best flotation for a single person and doesn’t really consider what the person might be doing while on the boat. As such, those entries cover a wide variety of different situations that each require their own type of personal safety device.
The Seachoice Life Vest, on the other hand, gives up a lot in versatility to provide you the best deal that you’re liable to find. One of the main things to note is that this life jacket is something of a hybrid in that it dons the Type I PFD design but is rated by the US Coast Guard for Type II buoyancy. This means that you get the benefits of the Type I’s slightly slimmer design but can still feel protected in water that requires Type II buoyancy.
In this instance, the Seachoice Life Vest is rated for near-shore conditions with good weather, which means it’s not suitable to wear in a river with anything resembling a swift current. Thankfully, near-shore can mean a lot of things, especially when near an ocean or sea, so this flotation device can still handle waters with a little bite to them. In fact, this jacket is one of the few that’s rated for an unconscious wearer and has shown to upright the person due to the combination of its buoyancy and design.
Of course, the Seachoice Life Vest didn’t earn its “best value” title strictly by providing more buoyancy and protection than you might expect– though that certainly is part of it. Aside from being a relatively cheap life jacket, this life vest is another model that comes in a 4-pack. As if that weren’t enough, this jacket is one of the few models reviewed that also comes in sizes suitable for a youth life jacket. Granted, you likely need to plan for multiple kids, as you don’t have the option of mixing and matching the sizes as needed.
To make the deal a little sweeter, Seachoice even through in a carrying “bag” though a more accurate term might be “chest.” Regardless, the bag holds all of the life jackets, making storage that much easier, and is made out of durable polyester. Speaking of which, these life jackets feature a 210-Denier nylon shell and polyethylene floats, so they can handle your average wear and tear.
Features:
- Is lightweight and easy to donNo arm holes means maximum mobility
- Is a great value as a 4-packComes with its own bag for easy storage
- Type II US Coast Guard certification
Pros:
- Offers excellent mobility
- Is a great value
- Is a Type II PFD
Cons:
- Not for every water activity
Verdict: While there are plenty of excellent life jacket values to be had if you know where to look, the Seachoice Keyhole Life Vest is one of the best out there and perfectly suited for most boating expeditions. While not ideal for all water sporting events, this boating jacket is a lightweight, maneuverable option.
Runner Up: Kent Type II Adult Life Jackets with Clear Storage Bag, 4 Each (Orange)
- Type II lifejacket
- Size: adult
- Foam Filled
Last update on 2021-09-27 at 12:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Absolute Outdoor Kent Type II Life Jackets have the unfortunate luck of coming up just short in a category that’s already crowned the winner: the best value. In many different ways these options resemble one another, which is otherwise good when considering this life jacket’s overall effectiveness. For instance, this is another life vest that employs a bit of a hybrid design with the Type I’s profile but the Type II’s buoyancy.
On the other hand, that means that this life jacket isn’t appropriate for all water sports and must be relegated to near-shore locations in otherwise calm water. It’s also worth noting that Kent doesn’t disclose the shell materials making it somewhat difficult to gauge its long term durability. Kent does make it a point to mention that the carrying bag is made out of mesh to allow wet life vests to drain and dry. This design also helps ensure that the bag won’t mildew– assuming you dry it out right after the vests are done.
Along with the moderate restrictions, the Type I design is one of the, generally, most comfortable as you don’t even need to bother with arm holes. However, this comes to bite the Kent in the end as its head hole runs a bit small and can feel a bit uncomfortable for larger people. That said, it still sits light on the shoulders and can be worn for extended periods without significant fatigue and is perfect for paddle boarding a lazy river.
Features:
- Excellent mobility with no arm holes
- Stores easily with the included bag
- Easy to don and wear for extended periods
- The 4-pack bulk buy is a great value
- Type II US Coast Guard certification
Pros:
- Is a Type II PFD
- Offers excellent mobility
- Is a great value
Cons:
- Size runs small
Verdict: While similar to some other Type II boating life vests encountered, the Kent Type II Life Jackets are your standard boating vest in the mold. They provide an excellent value with their 4-pack bulk buy option and the included storage bag, but they don’t fit quite as well as some of the other Type II vests available.
Also Consider: Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest
- US Coast Guard-approved adult life jacket
- Great for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing
- Soft and durable nylon shell and lightweight PE flotation foam
Last update on 2021-09-27 at 16:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest is true to its name as your basic, everyday life jacket, but that’s as much an advantage as it is unexciting. This way, Stearns can put all of its efforts into improving the basic functions of a personal flotation device. A good example of this are the floats which in many ways are similar to those used by other manufacturers. However, Stearns uses a double Crosstech process to improve on the general buoyancy of this life jacket.
It’s also worth noting that Stearns clearly has the family in mind as this is one of the few models that offers a kids life jacket. That said, each type of jacket is a one-size-fits-all, though this is one of the few entries to swing the other direction when missing the mark. Specifically, this jacket tends to run large, even when all of the fitting adjustments have been made. Aside from being uncomfortable, this can be potentially unsafe if you are a bit too petite to properly fit.
That said, the adjustable straps are otherwise sturdy and stable. For one, this is another traditional life jacket that uses a three-strap system to keep the life vest securely in place. On top of that, the Stearns Classic Series also comes with a grab strap, though it’s more likely to find use connecting you to a safety to prevent you from going overboard in the first place. Finally, the straps use a webbed design to increase its overall durability.
Features:
- Is a one-size-fits-all jacket
- Uses double Crosstech PE floats
- Durable thanks to a nylon shell
- Secure with three webbed straps
- Type III US Coast Guard certification
Pros:
- Provides great buoyancy
- Easy to useSecure and durable
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable
Verdict: Though it might not blow you away with all of the added design features found on competitors’ products, the Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest. It would be nice if it offered a bit more of a better value, but for a Type III boating life vest, this does the trick without asking too much from the wearer.
Conclusion
In the end, your average boating venture doesn’t usually demand the kind of personal floatation device that you’d want to bring along for whitewater rafting. That said, there’s a wide berth of different boating activities that take place in just as many different situations. Thankfully, this list should help guide your decision.
If you want an inflatable life jacket, the Onyx A/M-24 is the best game in town that combines a Type V profile with Type III buoyancy for a comfortable fit. If you want a little more value and don’t mind a traditional profile, the Stohlquist Fit has some of the best buoyancy reviewed with plenty of modern design features.
The Seachoice Life Vest and Kent Type II 4-Pack pretty much fill the same role as a Type I design with Type II buoyancy that provides a great value from top to bottom. Finally, the Stearns Classic Series is about as standard as you can get, though it does come with excellent floats.