Recommend a flotation vest?

[ZeroR2]

I actually forgot about this PFD (too small for my chest). This just got approved by the US coast guard (70 Newton) and designed for competition sailing. The company is Zhik.

https://www.zhik.com/shop/equipment/pfd ... black.html

[arg]

I wear a floatation vest (Prolimit) all the time, because to me, you can't predict the unexpected oops. It does not hinder my movement at all. It also helps significantly lift the sail out of the water after a crash, especially in fresh waters and in the swell (gorge).

I have a brand new Promotion floatation vest if you are interested. I bought it as a spare but haven''t used it.

[grantmac]

What size and model Promotion?

[arg]

I am a regular size M. But with a winter windsurf wetsuit (5/4 mm) on, I selected the size Large, model Rampage (which is discontinued). The floatation of the vest is well within the range that would make it acceptable for certification by the Coast Guard, but it is not a certified life preserver.

[grantmac]

Can you post a picture? That's about my size.

[ZeroR2]

I am a regular size M. But with a winter windsurf wetsuit (5/4 mm) on, I selected the size Large, model Rampage (which is discontinued). The floatation of the vest is well within the range that would make it acceptable for certification by the Coast Guard, but it is not a certified life preserver.

I hope you are not serious with the statement regarding "well within the range that would make it acceptable for certification by the Coast Guard".

Did you actually read anything on this post? There is no acceptable range, except have 70 Newton and getting certified. The Rampage if lucky has 50 Newton range. There is a reason that Promotion didn't get it certified. It will never pass and never acceptable for certification. Further, if at 70 Newton that would be a Personal Flotation device and not Life Preserver. A life vest carries a rating of 100 Newton.

[ZeroR2]

Can you post a picture? That's about my size.

http://stores.wetsuit.com/rampage-flota ... black-t17/

[arg]

Thanks so much zeror2 for posting the link to the old website for the vest.

This is just one of many possible links indicating a list of criteria used in a certification process. Lots of criteria taken into account. https://www.nrs.com/tech_talk/testing_pfds.asp

[grantmac]

Now I see, I'm trying to avoid anything with buckles or straps.
I just returned one which wouldn't stay down and the mesh front then rubbed my chin raw. So I need soft material on the front plus a lot of grip under the harness to lock it down. The guys a know with the side entry Promotion seem to like them.

[arg]

The buckle loop at the bottom of the vest is designed to go around the spreader bar for the purpose of holding the vest down.