What's the best women's lifejacket to purchase that isn't too bulky but still safe?

Check out O'Neill or Jetpilot.. they have a lot of nice vests for women.

Buywake has a good women's vest selection also: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.buywake.com/catalog/girlsthatride/WakeVests" target="_blank">http://www.buywake.com/catalog/girlsthatride/WakeVests</a> <BR> <BR>you can find a bunch of different brands there. Also depends on the type of riding you want to do when it comes to the vest. If you want your vest to help you float more, than a coast guard approved vest is great. Some brands offer CGA they aren't too bulky. If you are more into competition and like to have more flexible motion, then you should get a comp vest. They are not CGA and they aren't as buoyant. I like the comp vest because I am more free to move, it actually doesn't really feel like I am wearing a vest, which it was I like. So... it depends on what type of riding you like to do and what you are comfortable with! Hope this helps....

thanks Becky, <BR> <BR>I have this one <a href="http://www.buywake.com/catalog/detail/iebeH" target="_blank">http://www.buywake.com/catalog/detail/iebeH</a> and it's way too bulky. I have the Oneill Gem and Oneill Gooru and those are nice but need a little bit more floation.

I would try the Wing Wetsuit jacket. It is friggin awesome, and Australian CG approved

Kim, do you have a link?

<a href="http://www.wing.com.au/Projects/1183161233352-4703/item/1183164141217/Amber-Wing-Ariel-Womens-Side-Entry-Buoyancy-Vest" target="_blank">http://www.wing.com.au/Projects/1183161233352-4703/item/1183164141217/Amber-Wing-Ariel-Womens-Side-Entry-Buoyancy-Vest</a> <BR> <BR>It is 160 american dollars you have to convert. I wear a size 10, I am 138, with a 30 inch waist. 32 inch bra size. if that helps. but it floats me just like a NCGA but you have the cga cause its australian approved! cheating a little. but carry your CGA approved with you for Coast Guard standards in case you get pulled over on the water

<a href="http://www.wing.com.au/sizes-guide" target="_blank">http://www.wing.com.au/sizes-guide</a>

thanks. I already own 1 CGA and 2 Comp vests. I love the comp vests but will be trying some new stuff this year and need CGA incase of an accident!

Anyone have the Helium Sugar Cube?

and what's the best way to measure for lifejackets? Do you include your bust for the inches?

The hyperlite 4-play vest is good for flexibility and it's not bulky at all. It's Not CGA... but it's more buoyant than the Gooru. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.hyperlite.com/product/305852/21303/_/4_Play_Comp" target="_blank">http://www.hyperlite.com/product/305852/21303/_/4_Play_Comp</a>

also- on measuring... you always want to go with a size smaller than normal because the vests stretch when they are wet. They also stretch with time. hope that helps ;)

I ended up getting the 2009 ONeill Flare CGA. I like it because it has hidden straps and it fairly less bulky than the others I tried on.