Is a ski vest good enough?

[olboatman]

My son and I wear GRABNER racing approved vests, little "klumsy" but felt right decicion on last saturday. Drove 75nm on quite ruff weather, if something happen you are atleast on surface facing up and helmets too. Makes driving more relax.

I also feel "exposed" when not wearin a vest.....like driving without a seatbelt.....NOT! Gary

[dwilfong]

Here is a look at the RCD vest. It is very well designed if you ask me. The floatation and impact panels can be removed. You can leave out the panels if you like and the vest is much more comfortable to wear.
The front floatation is large in this jacket. You can always reduce it if you like as the flotation is easy to reproduce thinner.
There are 3 buckles down the front and 2 on each side to adjust the fit to your liking.
It has the rear splash guard for the neck and d rings for helmet straps.
Also has a D ring for the kill switch lanyard.
For any amount of money I don't think you will beat this one.................

[robert jordan]

I am actually going to order one from him. Just got busy and need to get back in touch with him. Im kind of hard to fit.
It sounds like the bass pro and Mustang jackets (with leg straps added) are probably as good as the Poker Run jacket from Life Line. Im surprised to hear stories of them coming apart. At least with the BP and Mustang they also count toward your Coast Guard requirement.

Ever wonder why a 4 or 500 dollar race jacket is not Coast Guard approved but a cheap 10 dollar life jacket is?

[transomstand]

It's expensive and would make the jackets even more costly.

[powerabout]

Ever wonder why a 4 or 500 dollar race jacket is not Coast Guard approved but a cheap 10 dollar life jacket is?

each size has to get USCG approval so it doesnt carry over to custom made

[powerabout]

Here is a look at the RCD vest. It is very well designed if you ask me. The floatation and impact panels can be removed. You can leave out the panels if you like and the vest is much more comfortable to wear.
The front floatation is large in this jacket. You can always reduce it if you like as the flotation is easy to reproduce thinner.
There are 3 buckles down the front and 2 on each side to adjust the fit to your liking.
It has the rear splash guard for the neck and d rings for helmet straps.
Also has a D ring for the kill switch lanyard.
For any amount of money I don't think you will beat this one.................

how are the leg straps attached?

[transomstand]

The straps are over the shoulder.

[powerabout]

Here is a look at the RCD vest. It is very well designed if you ask me. The floatation and impact panels can be removed. You can leave out the panels if you like and the vest is much more comfortable to wear.
The front floatation is large in this jacket. You can always reduce it if you like as the flotation is easy to reproduce thinner.
There are 3 buckles down the front and 2 on each side to adjust the fit to your liking.
It has the rear splash guard for the neck and d rings for helmet straps.
Also has a D ring for the kill switch lanyard.
For any amount of money I don't think you will beat this one.................

how are the leg straps attached?

Personally I would like someone to make something like a capsule suit as you step into that with the padding tapering up, all rip proof nylon.
With 4 straps across the front
Problem is will be a bit hotter

[dwilfong]

how are the leg straps attached?

Personally I would like someone to make something like a capsule suit as you step into that with the padding tapering up, all rip proof nylon.
With 4 straps across the front
Problem is will be a bit hotter

The leg straps are in there own channel. It is that strip you see on the front of the jacket. it goes all the way around the out side and over the shoulders.

[W2F a V-King]

Here is a look at the RCD vest. It is very well designed if you ask me. The floatation and impact panels can be removed. You can leave out the panels if you like and the vest is much more comfortable to wear.
The front floatation is large in this jacket. You can always reduce it if you like as the flotation is easy to reproduce thinner.
There are 3 buckles down the front and 2 on each side to adjust the fit to your liking.
It has the rear splash guard for the neck and d rings for helmet straps.
Also has a D ring for the kill switch lanyard.
For any amount of money I don't think you will beat this one.................

Ballpark on price? I see they sell them on FB....not a FB guy and curious?

[dwilfong]

$310 for the one in the pic.

[transomstand]

I think they start at just over 200, then add options.

[dwilfong]

I think they start at just over 200, then add options.

Not sure on the price but for the one I got with all the bells and whistles.

[dwilfong]

Ever wonder why a 4 or 500 dollar race jacket is not Coast Guard approved but a cheap 10 dollar life jacket is?

Dose not matter...............Just throw a $10 one in the boat and you are covered. Just states you need one in the boat not on you.
Don't think any lake Nazi will know the difference any way. All thy will see is orange and go OK GOOD BOY.....................LOL
Now the throw cushion that is a different story. Better not make more than one move to get to it. That will coast you $175.
Ask me how I know????????????????

[W2F a V-King]

I have regular fishing gear vests, but not one that will do any good at higher than normal speeds. Regardless of cost, I want one that will provide as good as can be expected, with one of the most important features as bringing one face up floating, in case of a knock out.

Thanks..



James H.