What life jackets are people running at high speeds?

[rgsauger]

I'm putting this in the Tech section and if it's wrong, then we can move it. BUT...as much emphasis is placed on getting our rides to haul balls, I sure would like to know who's wearing what in the way of life jackets. Hopefully, I will be in the 70's very soon and low 80's by the end of this year. I want to be around to brag about it and want to do things the right way - not just bubble gum and bailing wire.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Rob

[flabum1017]

Lifeline 'nuff said


http://lifelineracegear.com/main/index.php

[F14]

agree, Lifeline!

[BeefKid]

[rhickox]

Lifeline as always..... But they aren't cheap either. Pay for good safety items or just go ahead and pay for a coffin.

[rgsauger]

So all the time, every time? Or just when you are really letting it eat? I always wore a pretty decent life jacket when runing bass boats and such but don't have much seat time in small boats at high speeds. 80mph in a tunnel is a helluva lot different than 80mph in a Baja or Cigarette.

[rgsauger]

Are you guys running the sport 160 or comp 170 series vests? Also, with some people in tripple digits, at what speeds do most people put on helmets?

[F14]

Its got to be your call and I am sure its different for each of us. It can get ugly very quickly in a small tunnel but no other boat is a exciting to run. Always would have to be the best practice but I have to admit, I dont always, but I should. The Lifeline is very expensive but worth every penny. Be safe!

I run a 170 and I like a helmet over 90 mph

[2.5_stoker]

lifeline and SRP seem to be the choices of the guys that race!

[rgsauger]

So which lifeline? The 170 series? And I agree that the smaller ones are a huge rush that the big ones just don't have!

[F14]

the 170 offers a high level of protection but is not very comfortable for me. A different series might be better.

[rgsauger]

the 170 offers a high level of protection but is not very comfortable for me. A different series might be better.

thanks. I see them come up for sale used from time to time. Any problems with getting a used one, that fits, that you see? What kind of top end #'s are you running?

[F14]

That is what I did, good luck

[Dave Strong]

Just go to a race event and see what guys use. Choice is simple.

Dave

[rev.ronnie]

I wear a Lifeline 170, a Pyrotect full face racing helmet and Simpson single layer, fireproof racing gloves when I'm running over 85-90 as well.
You never want to get too "comfortable" running really fast speeds without gear. That's when you let your guard down and accidents happen. I even wear a helmet on extended river runs just because I have some hearing loss/tinnitus and my equilibrium gets thrown off without one.

I really advise people to wear racing gloves. If you are thrown from the vessel at speed, you can sustain serious tissue damage from shredding fiberglass and water impact. The "webs" between your fingers can get torn to hell in a hurry. I am so used to wearing them from my drag car that they are second nature for me in the boat.

I will be getting ballistic shorts this year as well. And ones that fit over "Depends" for my passengers.