Lifejackets

[sprocker]

I've decided to buy a couple of new lifejackets for the coming season, the ones we currently have came with the boat and are a bit shabby.

Can anyone offer advice on decent quality, comfortable, and not too expensive?

Are the automatic jackets worth the extra cost?

Hopefully we will never need to use them in anger, but want the reassurance that they would work if we ever did need them.

[betty boop]

I got Adec Marine jackets in the LBS, a few years ago. Manual. 2 reasons for upgrading,

1, I found the seam on the inside of the neck on cheaper jackets was a real pain in the neck - literally. by changing to a seam on the outside it saved a few rashes for the not so tuff guys on board and made wearing them easier.

2, I had 4 auto jackets and had them inflate in wet weather whilst in storage, It was my fault they got so wet but it was a real pain and the cartridges on cheaper jackets were hard to find. Whereas the Adec are 'reasonable' good quality and used heavily by the media industry/commercial etc. (and their HQ was in Croydon which was handy for the guarentee).

Im sure there are others better but on a boat show walk around I found them best in show at the price over sailor brands.

[antlouhay]

Although not cheap we changed all our life jackets to Spinlock Deckvest lites..different colour for each regular crew/ family member and we have all found them to be very comfortable and exceptionally easy to put on and adjust in a hurry.
I would not go back to the traditional uncomfortable styles now.

[Matt13]

The advice I was given was to make sure you do go for the automatic LJ's , due to the fact that the shock from falling into such cold water will mean you are not able to even pull the cord to inflate.

I have Crewsaver but if I would buy again it would be the Spinlock as I prefer the look and I believe the are more comfy to wear.

[sprocker]

Thank you for your replies gents, I do like the look of the Spinlocks. I guess we need to find somewhere that stocks them so we can have a trying on session.

Good point about the automatics too.