Best Life Jackets for Men Reviews 2019
Life jackets have spared many people over the past several years and have enhanced new developments every year. Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFD), are required to be worn out on the water for your safety. To a fault, many people ignore that little detail and drown when a water tragedy happen because of not following the laws set forth by the US Coast Guard. Don’t be a statistic, wear a life jacket while out on the water and be safe. In this review, you will learn about five great life jackets for men and how the features come into play. At the end of the review will be a buying guide to help you know what each feature function is all about.
Best Seller – O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG Life Vest
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device (Type III); Perfect For Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, And Swimming
- Designed to fit snug for your safety. Minimal bulk design allows full mobility and easy on and off
- Anatomically cut lightweight polyethylene foam flotation with durable coated polyester outer shell makes the vest strong yet soft and...
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The O’Neill Men’s SuperLite life vest has a lightweight polyethylene foam design for added softness and comfortability. The vest can be fastened together in the front with the four safety buckles and belts. All of the belts are pop-riveted on two vertical straps in the front and two in the back to keep the belts secure and have overlock stitching and strong, hardy seams as well. This men’s SuperLite life vest has strategic armhole sizes that fit the strong muscular arms of a man.
It comes with a long-lasting 100 percent polyester shell which provides a well-built exterior. This is a lightweight life vest design that you will barely notice as you have fun on the water. It gives you the freedom to take pleasure in your favorite activity, yet provides you with security and protection.\This has become the best seller on the market with its crazy amount of adjustability and comfort. It comes with a D-ring that you can hang accessories on like a flashlight, keys, a rescue knife, or a whistle.
Features:
- Lightweight polyethylene foam
- Four safety buckles for closure
- Strategic armhole size
- Overlock stitching and durable, hardy seams
- 100 percent polyester covering
- US Coast Guard approved
- D-ring for accessories
Verdict: This is a nice-looking life jacket which is made explicitly for men and is an ideal PFD for all types of water sports. The SuperLite comes in chest sizes of a 33-inch small to a 60-inch 4X extra-large giving more men a variety of choices and a comfortable fit. It is US Coast Guard approved and best suited for men who are 90 pounds or more.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Great for any sports
- Come in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Sizes may run small
- No pockets available for accessories
Top Pick – O’Brien Traditional Neo Men’s Life Vest
- Neoprene Outer for Comfortable Fit
- Zip Closure and 2 Belts for Security
- Vest does not inhibit movement
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The O’Brien Traditional life vest outer layer is made out of neoprene material for a customized fit. A key aspect you should know is that neoprene expands when it gets wet, so be sure that your life jacket fits snugly when dry. The D-ring is accessible to attach the Jet Ski lanyard for the kill switch giving you a more secure ride. If you’re not going skiing, the D-ring can also be used to attach accessories. The O’Brien comes with large armholes, which provide better shoulder movement and comfortability.
This men’s life vest designed with a heavy-duty zipper down the front middle of the jacket for easy access and quick release buckle for easy on and off. The adjustable straps make a more secure and customized fit around the torso, shoulders, and neck area. This traditional design has one-piece foam that goes down the back for a more safe and comfortable life jacket. These life vests are popular with water sports enthusiasts who are searching for active outerwear. This stylish O’Brien life jacket is available in four different colored designs.
Features:
- Two quick-release buckles
- D-ring attachment
- Large armholes for better movement
- Neoprene outer layer material for a custom fit
- US Coast Guard approved
- Heavy-duty zipper and straps for a secure fit
- One traditional foam down the back for more safety and comfort
Verdict: The O’Brien Tradition Neo is designed for men of different shapes and sizes from an extra small up to 3X extra-large. This top pick life jacket is US Coast Guard approved. This lightweight design provides a snug neoprene fit, which makes it easy to wear.
Pros:
- Large armholes
- Comes in plus sizes and extra small
- Designed with maximum comfort
Cons:
- No pockets for accessories
- No innovative vented channels
Best Value – Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest
- US Coast Guard-approved adult life jacket
- Great for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing
- Soft and durable 200D nylon shell and lightweight PE flotation foam
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The Stearns Watersport Classic Series is constructed explicitly for men with its US Coast Guard endorsement you will be kept out of harm’s way and protected from the many water dangers. This lightweight PE flotation foam design is constructed with a soft and durable 200 denier nylon shell and is excellent for water sports enthusiasts. The open-sided design has four adjustable buckles that are connected to four webbed 1-inch straps.
This closure design allows breathability to the sweat rolling down on a hot summer day. The Classic vest has three adjustable straps that encircle the torso for a customized contour fit. It also has an adjustable chest strap that keeps the life vest from riding up on the body and prevents chafing to the skin. Not only is this an exceptional life vest, but it’s also comfortable and lightweight enough to wear all day. The Stearns Classic life jacket comes three beautiful colors blue, red, and yellow.
Features:
- Soft and durable 200 denier nylon shell
- Lightweight PE flotation foam
- Open-sided design
- Four buckles for breathability
- Three adjustable straps and one chest strap
- Designed for adults weighing 90 pounds or more
- US Coast Guard approved
- Four webbed 1-inch straps
Verdict: If you are into water sports, then the Watersports life vest may be the perfect design choice for you. This classic series is designed for men that are of 90 pounds or more and is sure to be durable enough to use season after season. The Stearns classic is the best value for your money you can get on the market today.
Pros:
- Excellent for a day of watersports
- Has a durable nylon shell that will last for many years
- Lightweight design for comfortability
- US Coast Guard approved
Cons:
- No D-ring or pockets for accessories
Runner Up – Stohlquiat Men’s Trekker Life Jacket/ Personal Floatation Device
- 500 Denier Cordura shell and 200 denier oxford liner
- Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up
- Ventilated shoulder and back pad.
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The Stohlquiat Trekker is extremely comfortable with its constructed foam and adjustable padded shoulders that conforms to the natural curves of your body. The cross-chest cinch strap reduces the possibility of annoying ride-ups and keeps you hovering in the water. The WrapTure shaped torso and back mesh design allows easy comfortable for high back seating.
It is has a 200 denier Oxford liner and 500 denier Cordura shell that gives it stylish design. The ventilated shoulder and back pad design allows plenty of cool airflow. Roomy zippered bellows front pockets with drainage ports make a great place to store essential gear. On the back of the vest, it provides a 4-way lash tab that lets you fasten safety equipment. This lightweight design has a front zipper entry with grip tabs to move the zipper up and down.
Features:
- Ventilated shoulder and back pad
- 500 denier Cordura shell
- 200 denier oxford liner
- Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up
- WrapTure shaped Torso
- Lower back mesh design for high back seats
- Front zipper entry with grip tabs
- Roomy zippered front pockets
- Adjustable padded shoulders
- Wide side cinch-straps and a 4-way lash tab
Verdict: The Stohlquiat Men’s Trekker fits a 30-inch to a 54-inch chest sizes comfortably with its unique wide side cinch-straps that secure the proper fit and promote airflow. This Type III classification design is US Coast Guard approved, and it keeps you safe and secure during water sports activities.
Pros:
- Has a roomy front pocket for accessories
- Mesh back sits great in high back seats
- Has a cross-chest harness that prevents ride-ups
- Offers six different style colors
Cons:
- No D-ring for accessories
- Not very many adjustable straps
Also Consider – O’Neill Men’s Slasher Comp Life Vest
- Not Approved By the U.S. Coast Guard, Vest Is For Competition Waterskiing and Wakeboarding
- NytroLite Foam: 3x Lighter, 10% More Buoyant, and Absorbs 15-20% Less Water Than Regular PVC Foam
- Segmented Foam Core And Anatomical Flex Points Enable Unrestricted Movement
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The O’Neill Men’s Slasher Competition life vest is designed with a segmented foam core and anatomical flex points, which enables unrestricted movements during your wakeboarding, waterskiing, or boating activities. It is constructed with NytroLite foam technology and is 3X lighter and 10 percent more buoyant than other life jackets on the market. The Slasher absorbs 15-20 percent less water than regular PVC foam. This lightweight design gives you a snug fit for the watersports performance with its UltraFlex combination.
The Men’s Slasher front-zip design allows an easy way to put on and take off; with its reversible design, you can flip it around and use it that way as well. The O’Neill Men’s Slasher is available in a variety of fabrics neoprene or nylon. The neoprene men’s life jacket has a chest sizing of 33-inch extra small to 50.5-inch 3X extra-large. The nylon vest has a chest sizing of 33-inch small to 56-inch 3X extra large. It also comes in four colors: black, ocean, midnight oil, and glide black.
Features:
- Front-zip design allows easy exit and entry
- Segmented foam core and anatomical flex points
- NytroLite foam, 3X lighter, 10 percent more buoyant
- Absorbs 15-20 percent less water than PVC foam
- Snug fit for the watersports performance
- Made in two different material style vest neoprene or nylon
Verdict: These types of vest are mainly for men competition of wakeboarding or waterskiing and are not approved by the US Coast Guard. Even though this O’Neill Men’s Slasher life vest isn’t USCG approved, it still is a great life jacket that is why it was also considered in this review.
Pros:
- Provides a snug fit
- Offers unrestricted movements
- Absorbs 15-20 percent
- Has a front-zip design for quick exit and entry
Cons:
- Not approved by the US Coast Guard
- Has a low visibility
Best Life Jacket for Men Buying Guide 2019
Features to Consider
Safety and Security
Not being safe and secure out on the water is not a good idea. Why would you want to put your life in danger? Purchase only men life jackets that are US Coast Guard approved, or don’t bother at all. Having a life jacket that the US Coast Guard didn’t approve means there is a safety issue. Don’t be unsafe; be wise and get a PFD that is USCG approved.
Reflective Piping
Men life jackets have reflective piping or reflective tape, which makes wearers highly visible. Others boaters or sports enthusiasts will see the reflective piping or tape from far away making it quicker and possible to rescue someone during a water tragedy. Always look for this feature it may come in handy someday.
Pockets
Men life jackets often have pockets for accessories, but taking valuables would be unwise. Pockets can be used for things like a pocket knife, fishing tackle, a whistle, or a protein bar to keep your strength up. Whatever you decide to take along with you, always place it in a waterproof bag before placing it in the life jackets pocket.
Whistle
Fasten a whistle to your D-ring. Having a whistle with you out on the open water will give you more security. All you will need to do is blow the whistle in an emergency and others around you will know you require assistance. A whistle is a great and convenient way to call for help.
Buckles and zippers
It is not mandatory to have both a quick release buckle and zipper on your life jacket. However, it will give you more security and a better fit. Men life jackets frequently come with a chest strap and two straps with quick-release buckles that go across your torso. This design helps to provide the user with a snug fit that doesn’t ride up and adds comfortability. The central concept of the buckles and zipper is to help keep you safe.
Comfort
When out on your boat, canoeing, or kayaking, you will want to have plenty of maneuverability. If not, you could be very uncomfortable and be tempted to remove your life jacket. This really isn’t a safe thing to do. Men life jackets are built for the muscles and contour structure of the body, and some even have larger armholes to give more comfort and maneuverability. Look for a life jacket that will provide you with the best fit for your body, and if that means larger armholes, then get one that can accommodate your needs.
Adjustability
Adjustability is a big part of your safety. If your life vest is too loose and bulky, it will not be able to protect you the way it was intend. When looking for a men’s life jacket consider the amount of movement and adjustability you will need; each life jacket for men have a maximum and minimum torso and chest size capability so chose the one that fits your body structure.
What to Look for in a Men’s Life Jacket
Buoyancy
Men life jackets need a certain amount of buoyancy to keep your face out of water. A life vest uses your body weight with specific levels of buoyancy, so this is the best way to keep you afloat. For instance, if you weighed 90 pounds or more, you would need at least 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep you afloat. After purchasing a men’s life jacket, it is always good idea to test out the amount of floatation you will have with your body built and weight. Life vests work differently for each individual.
Harness
If you are going nearby some rough water currents, then protect yourself from falling out of your boat, canoe, or kayak by using harness support. Harness support will help you to stay connected to your boat instead of being washed away with the current. In rough water always connect a harness to you and the solid boat structure; it may just save your life.
Padding
If you are taking the boat out for the day, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. Padding is excellent, but too much or not enough can leave you uncomfortable or even get some chafing from the life jacket from rubbing. Some men life jackets fall in this category so be careful when choosing one. Padding in the right areas will help to keep you comfortable while still allowing proper maneuverability.
Color and visibility
The brightness of a life vest is very vital to your safety. Men life jackets that are black or dark blue are more difficult to see, but the brighter colors such as orange or yellow are more easily noticed. If you should get a black life vest or a dark color, be sure that it has plenty of reflective piping or reflective tape on it to bring the visibility level up. The more visibile your men’s life jacket is, the better you can be seen in an emergency situation.
Sizing
Sizing is important when you’re out on the water. The size is what makes it feel either comfortable or uncomfortable. Many water enthusiasts would say comfortability is better. With that said, measure yourself to get the right sizing life jacket. If you’re a tall, well-built man, you will want to look at life jackets that have longer torsos and plenty of adjustable options to get your perfect size.
Type
Type III men life jackets are usually the vest that men wear for boating, surfboarding, canoeing, or kayaking. Type V bears a resemblance to a type III, but in a smaller version. The main difference between Type III and Type V is that Type V has a lower amount of buoyancy. Type I and Type II are great to float around on, but not made for water sports. The Type IV looks like a round, white lifesaver that can be found on beaches near the lifeguard’s station as this is the type that is used by them to bring you to safety.
Breathability
If you’re a water enthusiast and are always active, then you will want your men’s life jacket to be breathable. Obviously, at some point, you will become hot and have sweat rolling down your torso. Having innovative vented channels or a mesh backing will provide you with airflow to keep you fresh.
Frequent Asked Questions
How often does a men’s life jacket need to be updated?
The only time you need to get another life jacket is when it is damaged. To be sure that your life jacket can withstand another season, inspect it before the boating season begins. It is vital to look for tears or punctures on the cover and that the foam inside layer is still in one piece. You should also check the buckle and zipper to see if the latch properly. If you notice any of these issues or mold that doesn’t come off, get a new life jacket for men.
Are men’s life jackets ideal for snorkeling?
Life jackets are to help save your life in the water, which means that the concept is to keep you afloat, so you don’t drown. So, no men’s life jackets would not be an ideal choice for snorkeling. On the other hand, a snorkel vest would be the perfect solution for snorkeling.
Are there places where Men’s life jackets are on hand for rent?
Yes, life jackets are always offered when you rent a boat, canoe, or kayak, and there are plenty of men life vests to go around. Another solution would be: if you have an unexpected guest, try using a loaner program for the extra life jackets you need. Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to purchase another men’s life vest just because a few of your buddies are going along on a fishing trip.
Does a heavier man need more buoyancy to stay afloat than a lighter man?
Crazy as it sounds; it is the other way around. Okay, that was a little harsh, but the reality is muscle doesn’t float as easily as fat. For example, a 275 pound NFL fullback with 8 percent body fat will require additional buoyancy than a 275-pound man with 33 percent body fat who has already developed natural buoyancy.
What kind of men’s life jacket is best for wakeboarding or water skiing?
Many men life jackets are no equipped for water sport activities, look at the features and the reviews to determine which one would work best for water sports. For a hardcore activity like water sports, where you’re hitting and gliding through waves at high speeds, you will want an activewear men’s life jacket. This style contours to the body while giving a protective shield against the waves and has a sufficient amount of comfort and maneuverability.
Where is the best place to store a life jacket for men?
Typically, men usually store all the life jackets in the boat, so it is accessible for the next year. However, if you choose to leave your life jacket on the boat, have it in an area where it has airflow to it; this action will help prevent mold from developing on your life vest. Some hang life jackets near the canoe or kayak stand for easy access.
Does sizing matter when choosing a men’s life jacket?
Yes, sizing does matter for the life jacket to provide the proper protection. If the life jacket is large and bulky and moves around a lot, it could cause chafing and possibly go over your head during a dangerous situation leaving you unprotected. On the opposite note, if it’s too small, it could leave indentation from it digging into your torso and be very uncomfortable. To avoid this problem, take your body measurements and compare it to the best men’s life jacket that will conform to your body type. By doing so, you will experience a more enjoyable and comfortable time out on the water while still being protected.
How important is it to have a men’s life jacket that has pockets?
It is totally up to your own preference. However, if you’re doing a water activity such as fishing, then pockets would be a great way to carry your fishing lures, hooks, bobbers, pocket knife, and extra string. Some men that go out on canoes and kayaks prefer to have pockets to place safety equipment in and a cold beverage.
Is a D-ring a significant feature for a men’s life jacket?
Yes, if you’re a man that enjoys jet skiing as your favorite water sport, you will want a D-ring to connect the Jet Ski lanyard to the kill switch. If jet skiing isn’t your thing, then use the D-ring to connect safety equipment.
If you are a good swimmer, do you need to have your men’s life jacket on at all times?
You may be a good swimmer; however, that doesn’t always protect you from a dangerous situation that lurks in the water. If you should fall out of your boat, kayak, or canoe and hit your head, then you will not be able to swim because there is a good chance you will be unconscious. In these situations, it is best to have a good working men’s life vest on at all times. Protect yourself nobody else can do it for you.
Conclusion
That wraps up our top five life jackets for men 2019. We justified in great detail the significance of having a life vest while you’re out on the water. We also educated you on the essential features to look for when purchasing a men’s life jacket. It is always vital to choose a life jacket that can give you the best secure fit and sizing, which will reward you with its comfortability as well.
Another critical feature to strongly consider before purchase a life jacket is the level of buoyancy; this rating will be written on the inside lining. As a male role model, you will want young children and teenagers to see the safety precaution you have taken; the old saying lead by example is the best way to teach others to be safe on the water. Also, remember to test your life jacket before you go out into deep waters.