Lifejacket brand

[cruiser1985]

Hello! I am a novice and am going on my first sailing trip soon. I was wondering what are the good life jacket brands out there and reasons for choosing one over the other? Also, where to buy them? Online / instore etc? Any tips much appreciated!

[boatman61]

Hi... Welcome to CF.
I would suggest a visit to West Marine.. try on a few and see whats most comfortable and allows freedom and flexibility of movement.. the skinny gas ones look the best with the minimum of bulky.
Remember to try them on over a jacket.. realism..
I don't use them personally but recognise that others feel differently... they also have the right to choose..

[denverd0n]

I've owned and used a variety of brands. I honestly don't see one brand as being significantly better than any other. Look more at the features that you want.

I wanted an inflatable with a built-in harness and crotch strap. Found an inflatable with a built-in harness on sale dirt cheap, so I bought it and added my own crotch strap.

Like boatman said, go to a marine store and look at some different ones. If there aren't any boating stores nearby then online would be the obvious choice. Once you know what you are looking for, online is usually cheaper, but then you have to wait, and you have to pay shipping. Buying local you get it quicker (immediately!), but you usually have to pay sales tax. So you take your choice.

Good luck.