I have no idea what to look for in a life jacket. Is it important to be coast guard approved? Why aren't there any companies out there that are putting out some more stylish vests? Any and all info would help.

You want style?, check out Helium, NCGA and CGA.

get the non coast guard approved

Stylish how? I think there are several companies that are putting out really nice vests. Coast guard approved is only important if you don't want to drown when you get knocked out. <BR> <BR>I would go into a shop and try on several different models. I have a Jetpilot Full Metal Jacket CGA and I think it's very flexible and stylish plus it floats me.

you do have a point about the drowning thing

what's the point of having a non CGA life jacket. You might as well save your money and go shirtless....am I right?

I agree with HH99... Helium makes a pretty sharp vest.... Picked up a Helium S.W.A.T. CGA at the boat show a few months back at a discounted price... Side entry, form-fitting and CGA. The Oneill "Law" vest is pretty nice too, but pricy....

My Helium SWAT NonCGA is like sex for your upper body.

i'm a big fan of my oneill outlaw...i have a swat jacket that i'm tryna get rid of...size xl <BR> <BR>(Message edited by romes on October 01, 2007)

Nick - There isn't much point. Maybe to soften the impact on falls but other than that you might as well ride without a vest if you're going to use a non-CGA one.

How can they be as popular as they are then? Do the non CGA vests float at all?

Popular because they look good on the pros and in the magazine ads and because many of them seem to float you because they do when you are conscious and still in your bindings. Knocked out and lungs full of water is a totally different story. CGA only is the best advice.

M to the Sheezy- How do you like the SWAT CGA vest, my comp vest is too small and i want to go back to CGA and that was one of the vests i am considering, what do you think?

I got the SWAT CGA and love it. Sweet fit and looks awesome.

check out the body glove vests, I have a CGA that feels like it is not, it is the flite.

I just got the jet pilot baller CGA vest. I like it a lot. It is a little more restrictive than my non CGA A 10 vest but doesn't hinder my riding plus if I knock myself out I will live to ride another day.

I look for a snug fit and lots of flotation (CGA). Call me odd, but I'm much more impressed by smooth tricks than a flashy vest. <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

I would never wear a non cga. Non cga's don't look too cool when you're dead.

Chris Morsilli... I love my SWAT.... It fits very close to the body and there is plenty of room for movement in and around the arms. My only complaint (and it's minor) is when you are floating in the water, the vest rides up right beneath your chin. The neck probably should have been cut a little lower, but like I said it's a very minor infraction. It will not stop me from purchasing another when the time comes for a new vest. I'm all for CGA vests... Had a friend several years ago (when non-CGA first came out) that didn't make it in a non-CGA vest. That kind of did it for me.

I tried on the Law at my local dealer, and was amazed that it is a CGA vest. It feels like an outlaw, and comfortable as snot. I plan on getting one this winter when the prices come down.

Sorry to hear that M. I really appreciate you telling me that though. I've made up my mind. Definitely going CGA.

wwith size if u can zip it up it fits because the strech 6%-10% in the water.

Its true that the non-CGA vests dont float very well, however they float me a lot better if im wearing a wetsuit. Although, wearing a wetsuit defeats any comfort gained by a comp vest anyway...

Just dont wear one. it looks way cooler, plus the pros dont. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>(this should ruffle some feathers <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/biggrin.gif" border=0>)

these days no reason not to get a CGA. <BR> <BR>in addition to not sinking to the bottom of the lake, they are really nice when your leg is busted and you can "relax" in the water while the boat comes back to you.