Hey dudes, <BR> <BR>I'm riding with an jetpilot cga vest, its a bit bulky and I was thinking of trimming the fat and getting a thinner vest if possible. <BR> <BR>I know a lot of the thinner vests are deemed "impact vests" due to the fact that they aren't approved by the coast guard, right? But surely this isn't stopping them from keeping you floating, as that is their primary use. <BR> <BR>So can anyone reccomend me a good 08 vest, not too thick, and not too thin? I'm 6'3 and about 190 pounds if that helps.

I love my Oneill Boost... but I can swim underwater fine with it <BR> <BR>other good ones: <BR>Oneill Checkmate <BR>JP A-10 <BR>Ronix Vorn <BR> <BR> <BR>Not a fan of: <BR>Helium (small arm/head holes) <BR>Oneill Gooru (bunches up really badly) <BR>JP Baller (never fit snug enough)

I have shane's 08 JP vest, I'm 6'2 200 and it will float me to the surface without air in my lungs, definetly does not put you on your back like a cga one will.

cwb faction vests are nice plus they float pretty good for a non-cga vest, and they come pretty cheap

LF Watson SE CGA

imo, don't play with your life with one of the "impact vests" like the Jetpilot A-10. An experienced rider died not too long ago after being knocked unconscious and sinking with that vest on. <BR> <BR>The Xcel Method is an awesome Non-CGA vest that still provides very good flotation but is not bulky and has plenty of flexibility. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.xcelwetsuits.com/wake/index.php?area=products" target="_blank">http://www.xcelwetsuits.com/wake/index.php?area=products</a>

Second on the LF Watson SE

look what i found <BR><a href="http://www.redtagsports.com/?utm_source=avantlink&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp ;utm_campaign=dotd&amp;avad=2504_ebe435" target="_blank">http://www.redtagsports.com/?utm_source=avantlink&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp ;utm_campaign=dotd&amp;avad=2504_ebe435</a>

I have to say that all My Helium Gear is amazing, I really dig it. Not just because they hook me up either. I really think that they have the most comfotable vests on the market not to mention the fleece liners, soOOoooooOOooo cushy.

i have a helium inmate jacket, and its cga and i really love it, its a little bulky but u get awesome float and u most definitely have the flexibility to do all the tricks that u need to

How does the CGA Watson SE fit length-wise? I haven't made it to the shop to check it out in person, but it looks really short -- Or is it just the online pictures playing with my eyes?

For what you are looking for, I agree with Josh B., the Xcel Method is what you are looking for.