Crewsaver Crewfit vs Ergofit

[Matt]

At the very high performance end of the scale, I'd always recommend a Hutchwilco race jacket

But for day to day use, it's a bit much. I've got various old crewsaver crewfit jackets, but I could probably do with renewing a couple of them. Does anyone use a crewsaver ergofit? Are they a nice upgrade from the crewfit ones, or is it a waste of money?

[Iron Dials]

We have several versions of Crewsaver.
Ergofit is worth the additional cost if it's your primary jacket, for me anyway. We use the basic 165s for the occasional sailors.
We also have Crewsaver Crewfit Pro 180N which is a nice halfway point and will be our replacement for the 165s over time.

Ergofit is very comfortable.
Much more like a (bulky) waistcoat so tidier overall, more substantial and robust.
More secure 2 crotch straps, clip and zip at front opening, space for plb to be rigged to auto-deploy in the unlikely event...
If you can see them side by side you'll know straight away.

Be warned, it is heavier but because of the way it's made you never feel it as the load is spread over wide webbing.
There is a small pocket on the upper front (LHS I think). There is space for a knife but when I got my plb installed the pocket became useless as plb just inside the same space.

Hope this is useful to you and happy shopping.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

Does anyone use a crewsaver ergofit? Are they a nice upgrade from the crewfit ones, or is it a waste of money?

Yes, I use a 290N Ocean - it's heavy but supremely comfortable - I often forget I'm wearing it, no neck weight or pinch

I suspect the lower capacity jackets must be VERY comfortable indeed!

[Matt]

Thanks both for the replies.

@Willk - Any more buoyancy and you'll be levitating off the surface of the water.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

Thanks both for the replies.

@Willk - Any more buoyancy and you'll be levitating off the surface of the water.

I bow to your greater experience of parting company with your craft...

[Matt]

Fortunately have never. So far.

Although when I used to sail dinghies, it was a somewhat regular thing, most notably on the start line at a Laser 4000 nationals race once when we tacked and I missed the trapeze handle and just launched myself out the side of the boat.

Have seen it first hand enough though - most obviously on that seaside rescue incident we got tied up in that I posted a vid to a while back. A lot of luck played its part in a safe outcome that day.

Although I am told that one of the "stars" had to ensure his wife was out when the footage aired on TV.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

Fortunately have never. So far..

'pologies for that - musta mixed you up with another speedmerchant on here who was ejected at WOT

I'm operating solo, in a remote stretch of water, wearing at a minimum oilies and many layers, sometimes a drysuit, etc. Extra buoyancy with all the lights etc is a must, IMO.

[Matt]

I did a minor stuff on a backdraft once. That broke my nose, just from the water pressure on the visor of my full face crash helmet. That explains the good looks. I've hurt myself enough over the years, no more please.

You are probably thinking of the seaside rescue vid - but fortunately we were the rescuers, not the rescuees.

My comment on your bouyancy aid was solely a quip, no explanation needed.

[Matt]

I was just pondering this. I think I would say I enjoy building things that go fast, but I'm ambivalent about actually going fast - once I've built it, checked it performs as designed, it becomes less interesting.

Another project - am currently re-engining and rebuilding this. I'm more excited about rebuilding it than driving it.

Originally Posted by willk

'pologies for that - musta mixed you up with another speedmerchant on here who was ejected at WOT

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

My comment on your bouyancy aid was solely a quip, no explanation needed.

Oh, no offence taken - you had just recently mentioned that you were quite irritating so I was prepared.

What's that firework you have under the covers?

[Matt]

It's an old Ultima Spyder that I built in 1997. Been off the road for quite a few years now and am enjoying starting the rebuild & re-engining of it.

Based on the last few years progress, it might be ready in time for the twins (who are currently 6) graduation, but we'll see. After I finished it and drove it for a few years, I had no interest in it at all for quite some time - but quite enjoying it at the moment. Chassis modificiations all done. Hoping to get the new engine & gearbox mounts made this weekend.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

Hoping to get the new engine & gearbox mounts made this weekend.

You can't just say "new engine"....

[Matt]

New engine clearly isn't brand new - it's not worth spending the money.
But it's a 4.2 Audi V8 coupled to a 6 speed close ratio box and will look brand new once I'm done.

Old engine was a 2.5 litre V6 Turbo.

Almost double the power going in, but not much difference in size.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Matt

But it's a 4.2 Audi V8 coupled to a 6 speed close ratio box and will look brand new once I'm done.

Originally Posted by Matt

I'm more excited about rebuilding it than driving it.

That's mental plant. D@mn shame you're not going to drive it!

[Matt]

I will drive it, certainly. I’m just saying it’s the building that’s the most enjoyable