There’s nothing quite like filling up the air tubes, tightening your bindings up tight, and launching off the pass into the deep blue. For this, you really need your best wakeboard jacket so you can have a great session and have the confidence that you’re well protected.
There’s a wide range of wakeboard life jackets available today, so you might have some questions about the differences between them all. For example, is one better than the other? What material is the best one made from? What are the different color options?
We’ll answer all of this and more as you learn more about the best wakeboard life jackets available in most sizes and colors. Check ’em out below!
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Stohlquist Youth Fit Life Jacket | Best Overall |  |
| Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest | Budget Pick |  |
| O'Neill Youth Reactor USCG Life Vest | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Stohlquist Youth Fit Life Jacket
You can use this Stohlquist life jacket while you are wakeboarding and it is designed to fit most youth in their early teens. You will find two front storage pockets and a 12-inch zippered back pocket for safely storing things like keys, candy, and matches. It has reflective tape across the back of the shoulders to make the rider more visible to other boaters. It is certified to U.S. Coast Guard specifications.
2. Airhead Men's CAMO Cool Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket
Pros:
- Closest thing you get to waterproof without having to buy an inflatable air bladder vest. The outer layer is made of Cordura Nylon.
- The straps are adjustable to fit different sizes.
- It is one size fits all.
Cons:
- You cannot wear a PFD over this product.
- You can't jump into the water when using this PFD.
3. Airhead Ramp Life Vest
Pros:
- Stylish
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Padding is soft both above and below the arms to make sure the jacket doesn’t rub against your skin
- Comes with a crotch strap that helps to keep the jacket in place so you don’t have to worry about having to keep adjusting it
- Looks great on guys and girls
4. Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest
Pros:
- Multiple colors available
- Great design
- You can use this vest for a long time
- Breathable vest
The Stearns Classic adult life jacket is a great vest that fits children and adults. It has a buckle chest and waist and can be used as a vest or as a belt.
The jacket is made of a 5 layer laminate PVC which is not only great for non-brittle performance but also for keeping your skin warm while outside. It is also good in case of hypothermia. The jacket is also available in different colors.
The jacket also has a self-adjusting headband, which is elastic and removable. The belt will adjust itself when you use the vest attached to your waist. The jacket comes with a 24″ reflective tape.
5. O'Neill Youth Reactor USCG Life Vest
Pros:
- ASTM/CE certified US Coast Guard vest
- One-year limited warranty
- Vest only
- Designed to be used for watersports, paddling and wakeboarding
- Reinforced shoulders for improved durability
- Features unisex styling
- Uses advanced foam technology
Kid's | (Vest Only).
This vest comes in nine sizes and can adjust to fit youth or adults.
A handle has been added at the top for easy grabbing. Our test crew liked that the vest was lightweight. Many of the vests that we tested were bulky. This one is sleek.
6. STEARNS Women's V1 Series Hydroprene Life Jacket
This life jacket is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable life jacket. The hydrodynamic design helps with safety. The V1 series is designed to be narrow and to give swimmers more freedom of movement and to keep them from getting hung up on obstacles. The fully closed front is comfortable, and a safety leash is attached for for added safety.
The Stearns V1 offers quite a bit of value for a life jacket of its price range. It has removable foam pads that are adjustable to provide the proper flotation. It is easily adjustable to fit different body shapes with its dual side straps. It is a good choice for kayaking, boating, and paddle boarding.
Many users said it was comfortable and that it was really easy to dry. It also looked nice.
7. Onyx Curve MOVEVENT Paddle Sports PFD
The Onyx Curve MOVEVENT Paddle Sports PFD is designed for all kinds of watersports. It can be worn as a vest or a jacket. This product is fully adjustable with straps and an adjustable yoke to fit various body sizes.
The tethers and belt clip are also adjustable. It features molded foam to distribute the force of impact from a sudden movement or hit. The arms and sides are also fitted with extra padding to provide further protection.
The back is somewhat wide and rounded, which allows for greater freedom of movement during sporting activities. The product is made from a lightweight and water-resistant material.
8. Astral V-Eight Life Jacket PFD
Pros:
- Adjustable, comfortable straps
- Pockets for storage
- Knife lanyard
- Adjustable waist belt
- Good for freshwater and small oceans, as well as lakes
We are going to look at the Astral Mountainside V- Eight life jacket. It is the best fitting inflatable boat vests made by this specific company. Why? Vital stats: The self-inflating feature is a feature that has become standard on back support vests. It adds stability to the vest when inflated, which makes it have a better fit. The Vital stats also include the extra added weight of the vest, which in this case is 90-pounds. This type of weight is for people up to 225-pounds to be comfortable with.
When it comes to selecting your life jacket, there are several items that you need to consider before purchasing one. Can it withstand whatever your water activity? Will it fit comfortably? Can you get it in your size?
9. Connelly Team Comp Neoprene Vest
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and flexible warm-n-dry neoprene design
- Stylish with secure and easy to use buckles
- Air-channeled back for awesome breathability
- Available in many great colors
- Perfect for all types of water sports
- Well-made and durable
- Universal sizing
After comparing the Connelly Team Comp vest with other products, we found it to be the best wakeboard life vest for the age group we’re targeting. It comes in two sizes – small/medium and large/x-large. The medium size will fit a person who is 5’0” tall, and has a chest of 30” to 36”. The large/x-large will fit a person who is 5’6” tall and has a chest of 36” to 40”.
In addition, the Team Comp neoprene vest comes in many colors, and you can choose from a red, blue, green, yellow, and black vest. Connelly makes this wakeboard vest from a combination of 65% polyester and 35% neoprene.
10. Ronix Women's Coral Competition Watersports Vest
The Coral is considered to be a great women’s specific life jacket. It comes in small, medium, and large. The construction is made from quality materials, including the neoprene material used on the inside of the jacket.
It also offers great adjustability for your comfort, while also providing a body-secured fit in the inside pouch.
It also makes for a great alternative to a boat type life jacket and offers great support. It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap for those of larger, plus sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best brand of life jackets?
Astral makes incredibly well made and a highly trusted life jacket. Safe and comfortable for your kids to enjoy.
What is the best life vest for swimming?
The life vest is perfect for the water lovers who enjoy wakeboarding or going canoeing. It comes with an inflatable collar that ensures the aquatic sportsperson does not sink, and the vest could be taken out easily. One does not have to worry about choosing a smaller size as they are adjustable and could accommodate people of various heights. The vest is equipped with front grab handle that makes it easy to hold while taking the water sportsperson out of the water. Moreover, it comes with a full body coverage.
The name of the Astral brand is enough proof that this life vest comes with everything the water sportsperson may require. It is capable of offering everything from protection to warmth when the water is cold, comfort and quick-drying abilities. The life vest is perfect for swimming, wakeboarding, and other water sports that involve contact with the water.
Are neoprene life jackets better?
Good for kids, neoprene life vests are flexible and easy to put on. They are typically cheaper than life jackets that are made with other materials. However, neoprene is not very good for active users and is no longer as considered by experts as the best life vest material.
How do I choose a life jacket?
A good life jacket should be designed for the activity you plan to do, whether that’s wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. In addition, it should have an adjustable fit for maximum comfort. When choosing a life jacket, you should also consider:
Conclusion
A few years ago, we were searching for the best wakeboard life jacket for a family outing so that we could take younger children (6 years old and under) out on the water. We really struggled to find one product that looked good, was affordable, and didn’t skimp on safety, so we made our own.
After we had made one for our oldest daughter we realized that one life jacket probably wouldn’t be enough to satisfy all the kids we would be taking out on the water. So we made another one for every other kid then added a grab handle for parents and the rest is history.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Stohlquist Youth Fit Life Jacket | Best Overall | |
| Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest | Budget Pick | |
| O'Neill Youth Reactor USCG Life Vest | Upgrade Pick | |