Summer is finally here and that means spending time on the water. Whether you’re fishing, boating, or tubing, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the sun and waves. A life jacket is an essential piece of safety gear for anyone spending time on or around the water.
With their innovative design and premium materials, the Life Jacket Crew makes wearing a life jacket a breeze. These inflatable vests are made with 4 layers of foam which provides optimal buoyancy while also being comfortable and lightweight. They are fully adjustable and fit children from 30 to 120 lbs and adults from 50 to 220 lbs.
There are so many different styles and brands available, which one should you choose? Today we’ll take a look at some of the best life jackets on the market and help you decide which one is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
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How to choose a Lifejacket for you
The lifejacket will be used for activities that involve water. This includes swimming, boating, and fishing. It is recommended to choose a lifejacket that will be comfortable and not constrictive. The different types of lifejackets are:
Inflatable Lifejackets: An inflatable lifejacket must keep the head above water and turn most unconscious wearers face-up. They are designed to be easily inflated by mouth or by an automatic inflation system. Many designs include features to make the wearer more visible in the water. Inflatable lifejackets are generally not suitable for use with small children or for extended periods of time as they may cause discomfort.
Foam Lifejackets: The outer shell of foam lifejackets will float even when they are deflated. This means they are not suitable for use with children. Foam lifejackets should be fitted by an expert and used in conjunction with a manual or automatic inflation device.
Stowed Lifejacket: A stowed or concealed lifejacket is designed to be worn under clothing but must still be visible and accessible without the wearer having to undress.
Clothing with Buoyancy: This type of lifejacket is usually more expensive than other types and has limited benefits. If you choose to purchase one of these it is essential that you read the instructions and only wear them in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.
The Best Life Jackets NZ
1. Menace Triton Lifejacket 
The Menace Triton Life Jacket is an affordable, high-quality inflatable life jacket that is suitable for all kinds of water activities. With an inflatable buoyancy rating of 87 N and a foam buoyancy type, these life vests are perfect for any adults who enjoy water sports. With double stitching and quality zips, this is a life jacket that will last you a while. The chest size of the Menace Triton Life Jacket is 140 cm max.
2. Saltura Navigator Lifejacket
Navigator Life Jacket is a high-performance life jacket with a comfortable design and 100 Newtons buoyancy. It is a perfect choice for water sports. The safety whistle is fitted with an easily accessible whistle that can be used when you need to. The front zipper is easy to open and close with one hand, while the reflective strips and adjustable waist straps add to the safety of the device.
3. Ultra Life Jacket PFD – Smallports Fish
This is a buoyant life jacket that is ideal for sport, sailing, boating and even fishing. The life jacket is made from 210D Nylon and is buoyant. The sleeves are heavy-duty 38mm belts that are reinforced and bar-tacked for longevity. The life jacket is made from PE foam and the design includes a gusseted multi-fit design and a self-draining liner. It has a lanyard attachment point.
4. Adult Gulf III Inshore PFD
Torpedo7 Adult Gulf III Inshore PFD is a highly functional and comfortable life jacket that offers you all the features that you need for an enjoyable experience on the water. It is designed with a small collar for maximum comfort and an adjustable two-buckle strap for ultimate convenience and durability. Made with 100 Newtons of buoyancy, this life jacket is ideal for travelling on offshore waters.
5. Ronix 2022 Coral Ce Impact Vest
The Ronix 2022 Coral Ce Impact Vest is the perfect piece of equipment for your active lifestyle. It’s lightweight, durable and impact-resistant, which provides maximum comfort and protection against the outdoors. The exterior is made with a special material and has a 4-way stretch, which ensures a perfect fit and maximum comfort. The full-length zipper ensures easy access and can be fastened in the front.
FAQ’s
Is it law to wear a lifejacket in New Zealand?
A lifejacket must be worn by “every” person on board a boat or vessel under 6mt., whether it’s the captain or the dinghy sailor that needs the lifejacket. It should be readily accessible and suitable for each member of the crew.
What is the safest type of lifejacket?
There are many different types of life jackets and it is important to bear in mind that not all types of life jackets are created equal. One thing to be aware of is the buoyancy rating which will indicate how much weight a life jacket can safely hold before the risk of drowning becomes too great. For example, a Type III PFD (Personal Floatation Device) with an 80 lb buoyancy rating might be enough for a person who weighs 155 lbs, but not for someone who weighs 220 lbs.
What is the difference between a lifejacket and a life vest?
A lifejacket is a type of buoyant personal flotation device (PFD) that keeps a person’s head above water. Life jackets are worn by people on boats or near bodies of water so they can avoid drowning, and prevent others from drowning.
A life vest is a piece of clothing designed to keep you afloat and comfortable in the event you fall into the water. Life vests are only meant for adults; if you’re under 16, you’ll want to wear a PFD instead.