Lifejackets...

joakimhansson · 18 July 2011, 10:40

In Sweden Baltic have allmost hole market.

Which other brands do you have on lifejackets in Uk?

From self inflatable to racejackets...

Cookee · 18 July 2011, 13:23

We have the Kru Sport Pro lifejackets which we buy from Ocean Safety for the raceboat (we have a canopy and therefore require gas jackets). Ocean safety

C-NUMB · 18 July 2011, 13:32

This might be a good jacket for a high speed craft like Yours:

GRABNER Online Shop - UIM-Weste MOTOR RACING 3820000000

However, not sure is it " CE approved ", but othervise might be a good choise?

Simon B · 18 July 2011, 14:14

Crewsaver
Plastimo (I think)
Seago
Viking
many other chandler branded offerings from the large companies

Cookee · 18 July 2011, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-NUMB

This might be a good jacket for a high speed craft like Yours:

GRABNER Online Shop - UIM-Weste MOTOR RACING 3820000000

However, not sure is it " CE approved ", but othervise might be a good choise?

The built in back protector and general bulk of the Grabners make them the best value but bulkiest available and would never contemplate using one for anything but race wear or very high performance where there is a very real risk of incident - also not very comfortable in anything other than a bucket race seat.

Poly · 18 July 2011, 14:33

joakimhansson,

From what I can see when budget is not the overwhelming priority and people are serious ribbers in the UK then either the Kru Sport Pro as Cookee suggested or Spinlock (Welcome to the Spinlock Website) are popular - both being considered very good both in and out the water.

SeaSkills · 18 July 2011, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

joakimhansson,

From what I can see when budget is not the overwhelming priority and people are serious ribbers in the UK then either the Kru Sport Pro as Cookee suggested or Spinlock (Welcome to the Spinlock Website) are popular - both being considered very good both in and out the water.

Not me. I don't find the Spinlock very comfortable in the water for extended periods, and I'm not a fan of the thigh straps. Really do like the Kru Sport though - in and out of the water

bkils@mac.com · 18 July 2011, 18:16

I use a Spinlock and love it

DGR · 18 July 2011, 20:04

We're Kru Sport Pro converts this year - really good jackets, light and uncumbersome. My only problem was that the zip section at the front is quite high if wearing a waterproof jacket - so you can't really undo it if you get warm, and find yourself overdressed and need ventilation!!

However - it's never actually been a problem - and have always managed to get round it.

D...

Nos4r2 · 19 July 2011, 02:14

Seasafe Systems 'build-a coat'. Fantastic idea-you never forget to put it on.

Bit of a bugger to clean though!

Steve_B · 19 July 2011, 09:08

I am a big fan of the of the Crewsaver Crewfit 190N. Our crews wear them for extended periods and they are very comfortable.

Crewfit 190N Lifejackets

Regards Steve

BogMonster · 19 July 2011, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Seasafe Systems 'build-a coat'. Fantastic idea-you never forget to put it on.

Bit of a bugger to clean though!

SWMBO used to use one of those at work in her days of climbing pilot ladders - great idea. I thought about it but they are quite pricey and when all is said and done, on a rib it's still just a jacket and therefore not as warm as a Fladen suit.

Does anybody really make uncomfortable lifejackets? Mine are nothing special (cheapest Hammar ones I could find at the time) and TBH you don't even really know you are wearing them even after a few hours. A colleague of mine uses his (same sort as mine - from Marine Warehouse) when working as bowman on one of the company launches sometimes for fairly long hours and has no issues with it. I can't see why you would spend hundreds on one ... am I missing something? (other than possibly that the more expensive ones last longer)

Poly · 19 July 2011, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Does anybody really make uncomfortable lifejackets? Mine are nothing special (cheapest Hammar ones I could find at the time) and TBH you don't even really know you are wearing them even after a few hours. A colleague of mine uses his (same sort as mine - from Marine Warehouse) when working as bowman on one of the company launches sometimes for fairly long hours and has no issues with it. I can't see why you would spend hundreds on one ... am I missing something? (other than possibly that the more expensive ones last longer)

If you wear it will thick clothing then you probably wouldn't notice much difference. If you ever get warm/dry enough weather to just wear a shirt then I guess you might start to notice the comfort factor. In the water comfort is a whole different thing again and of course the more expensive ones will often come with crotch straps, spray hoods, lights, harnesses (for yachties) etc as standard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Seasafe Systems 'build-a coat'. Fantastic idea-you never forget to put it on.

Presumably unless it is shorts and t-shirt weather?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

Not me. I don't find the Spinlock very comfortable in the water for extended periods, and I'm not a fan of the thigh straps. Really do like the Kru Sport though - in and out of the water

Ian, that is useful info as I suspect not that many people will have tried both for extended periods. I guess we are all shaped slightly differently too but I'd actually have thought the thigh straps would be more comfortable after a while of the jacket trying to ride up - but certainly the Kru would be more convenient if you were donning and offing all the time.

joakimhansson · 19 July 2011, 14:16

Thanks....

More

?

Nos4r2 · 19 July 2011, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Presumably unless it is shorts and t-shirt weather?

I've got one of these

f

for nice weather, or a mucky Lazilas manual gas for going fishing or anywhere I might get muddy. The Lazilas isn't very nice and the straps twist easily, but I'm not spending a fortune on something that'll smell like a trawler on a good day.

BogMonster · 20 July 2011, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

If you wear it will thick clothing then you probably wouldn't notice much difference. If you ever get warm/dry enough weather to just wear a shirt then I guess you might start to notice the comfort factor. In the water comfort is a whole different thing again and of course the more expensive ones will often come with crotch straps, spray hoods, lights, harnesses (for yachties) etc as standard.

Fair point - I usually have a jacket of some sort on - though I have on occasions worn a LJ with just a T shirt on and can't say I noticed it really.

Likewise, in the water comfort is not really something I'd consider as I don't plan to be there and if I am, the discomfort is likely to only be a small part of why I am in an above averagely grumpy frame of mind

kedzior · 20 July 2011, 21:58

I wont be looking for sth else than Baltic if I had them in the reach of a hand. Just thinking of buying Baltic RIB for myself. Unfortunately I have to order them and delivered on demand, they are not available from shelf in the shops here.