Thinking of getting a bouyancy vest to help make water starting a tad easier, as well as keep out the winter chill. Don't want to spend a fortune, just want a half decent one that won't fall to bits in one season. Any recommendations? Even a used one if someone is keen to sell. Gotta be able to fit my huge 75 kg frame.
Cheers
Just a tip that might help. I tie mine to the spreader bar to stop it riding up when I'm taking an unscheduled swim.
Just spotted this on Fleebay. Anyone used one? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kiteboarding-Wakeboarding-Boating-Neoprene-Ripcurl-Buoyancy-Vest-Medium-/270937915486?pt=AU_Boating_Water_Sports_Equipment&hash=item3f1528805e
Bewarned, it does have some text on the back some may find offensive...
pryde vest here as well - always use it on big slalom sails even in summer- helps waterstarting the 7,8 a lot. those sails get really heavy when fill up with water.
The prydes are very high cut so dont interfere with harness on the front. the kite/ wake styles ones can be good but make sure they dont overlap the harness.
Vest also useful when you crash at 30+ knots and just need to lay in the water a min or 2 to recover:P
Are the NP's PFD2 compatible. Can they be used in the WWA sanctioned offshore events ie. Safety Bay Marathon, LOC?
I use a Gill, the type made for dinghy sailors, it high cut so it doesnt get in the way of a seat harness although i havent tried it with a waist harness. Very compact so you forget you have it on.
Finding a PFD for use with a waist harness is a hard task the only thing i have found is a PDF1 Yoke.
I use the ION vector impact, floats well, doesn't come up and makes me look so good !!
Pryde make a PFD that fits over your waist harness, I brought one a couple of weeks ago to help me water start too. Brand new $100
I found mine on ebay. You need a type that is short and stays around your chest , like the ones for kayakers.
Buy a kayakers type of vest - same as the Neil Pryde but better quality, more pockets and cheaper - I found one at Anaconda for $70 after i paid $150 for a Neil Pryde one.
Ok, it seems like Neil Pride is the front runner
. So, besides their appearance and $10, what's the main difference between with these two models? More pockets, one more bouyant??
Come on Phil !! these are just plain ugly !!
Get neoprene ones, those seem to be 20 years old in design...
Have alook at the Jet Pilot Ski Vests. Nice snug fit that dosent ride up and keeps you warm when not wearing a wettie. Also heaps of color options if your into that sort of thing.
This one will trap less water.
bear in mine the way to put it on(and take it off).... In my case I went for the front zipper as I'm as flexible as an ironing board.....
Oi Phil, Ive got a pretty late model ripcurl PDF x impact vest here if you want to check it out
. So, besides their appearance and $10, what's the main difference between with these two models? More pockets, one more bouyant??
Beware if buying a PDF the "rules" have changed in regard to what is required officially. Lancelin Ocean Classic this year required a PDF 2 so the Pryde vests don't offically comply as they are equivalent to PDF 3. The only difference is that PDF 2 is fluro colours so easy to see.
Was not a problem this year but if you are out buying one new it might be worth putting in a bit of research.
Yachting Australia tried to change to PDF 2 but there was and out cry so the rules have been relaxed. For now.
. So, besides their appearance and $10, what's the main difference between with these two models? More pockets, one more bouyant??
