Techno
01-09-2002, 02:56 PM
Since we push the need for jackets but there is no west marine to go to for a look at I thought it would be a good idea for a list of the different models for a rough comparision. If you've never seen one of these jackets then there is nothing out there to compare to them. If , like me, you only have one and would like a second then an idea of the differences might help to make a choice too.
Security- $425
PRO OUTBOARD w/impact and tail
*weight 5 lbs.
* right foam 1.3" thick
*left foam 2.25 Thick
* impact plastic~.1" apparently in sides, back and coller.
* back.39" thick
* Front closure is a vertical centered zipper(large tooth) and small helmet like straps (D-rings)above and below zipper Body strap with ski-vest like plastic snap. easy to use.
*Leg straps have friction slider adjustments with small T-shaped connectors - connectors have velcroed cover straps, T-buckles very difficult. Leg strapping goes up front and down back travels through fabric channels
*tail projects about 5.5" down from body of jacket.
*coller 5" tall and .3" thick
from top to bottom while folded is about 20" high. not counting coller measured at front.
Small seperate D-ring for safety switch lanyard on right side near leg strap.
Overall I would rate it as comfortable since I am sitting in a bucket seat and can't move anyway. Tail can be very slight inconvenience while sitting but not a big deal.
Security helmet restraint $70?
webbing worn under jacket and located under arms 3" wide velcro attaching and adjusting.
5 straps (3/4")with metal spring snaps attach to helmet. straps have slider adjustment.
I find it easier to don helmet and harness as one unit before the jacket. I don't bother undoing the straps to helmet.
Shoei full face helmet $200?
with supposedly air vents, forehead and chin. The helmet seems fine except it fogs at times unless moving at a planing speed. lifting shield up partway helps if it does fog.
opening 8.5" wide 4" high
3 D-rings for helmet restraint attachments located on sides and back. Bought this way but can retrofit an existing helmet.
I leave leg straps attached and can put the jacket on while sitting. Before putting arms in I put the helmet and harness on. Practice is needed as you can't look down once the helmet is on.
Taking helmet and harness off is easy.
With only the jacket on and fastened I can put the helmet and harness on easier than from scratch. Still have to unfasten top and front and remove arms from jacket.
Helmet can get hot if you take too long putting everything on.
With leg straps already on everything can be put on while idling down channel. - Or off. while sitting.
Security- $425
PRO OUTBOARD w/impact and tail
*weight 5 lbs.
* right foam 1.3" thick
*left foam 2.25 Thick
* impact plastic~.1" apparently in sides, back and coller.
* back.39" thick
* Front closure is a vertical centered zipper(large tooth) and small helmet like straps (D-rings)above and below zipper Body strap with ski-vest like plastic snap. easy to use.
*Leg straps have friction slider adjustments with small T-shaped connectors - connectors have velcroed cover straps, T-buckles very difficult. Leg strapping goes up front and down back travels through fabric channels
*tail projects about 5.5" down from body of jacket.
*coller 5" tall and .3" thick
from top to bottom while folded is about 20" high. not counting coller measured at front.
Small seperate D-ring for safety switch lanyard on right side near leg strap.
Overall I would rate it as comfortable since I am sitting in a bucket seat and can't move anyway. Tail can be very slight inconvenience while sitting but not a big deal.
Security helmet restraint $70?
webbing worn under jacket and located under arms 3" wide velcro attaching and adjusting.
5 straps (3/4")with metal spring snaps attach to helmet. straps have slider adjustment.
I find it easier to don helmet and harness as one unit before the jacket. I don't bother undoing the straps to helmet.
Shoei full face helmet $200?
with supposedly air vents, forehead and chin. The helmet seems fine except it fogs at times unless moving at a planing speed. lifting shield up partway helps if it does fog.
opening 8.5" wide 4" high
3 D-rings for helmet restraint attachments located on sides and back. Bought this way but can retrofit an existing helmet.
I leave leg straps attached and can put the jacket on while sitting. Before putting arms in I put the helmet and harness on. Practice is needed as you can't look down once the helmet is on.
Taking helmet and harness off is easy.
With only the jacket on and fastened I can put the helmet and harness on easier than from scratch. Still have to unfasten top and front and remove arms from jacket.
Helmet can get hot if you take too long putting everything on.
With leg straps already on everything can be put on while idling down channel. - Or off. while sitting.