helium topo vest
 

so I snatched up one of those helium vests that were on sale.... it's the TOPO. Just got it in the mail today and I am very doubtful that this vest will even keep me a float. Does anyone have one of these, if so is it safe to wear? I know it's a comp vest but still... my other comp vest have never been like this...

Thanks,

Not shocking they are selling for $40 shipped. I have one on the way (bank shot) i am curious to see if it keeps me afloat too.

I got the Balance Chevron and I'm actually surprised how thick it is. It's way thicker that my Jet Pilot and looks like it will be way more floaty...I also bought a Paisley, which is CGA, and the Chevron is almost as thick...

the topo is waiting for me at home.. i will see it when i get home from college tomorrow! i hope its not too thin!! i am a fan of comp vests, but not drowning!

I'm not a big fan of regs, but when lives can quite literally be on the line, I would like to see the vest makers actually be required to label how many pounds or the precent of USCG flotation (bouyancy) they provide. For type III USCG jackets they need to float at least 15.5lbs and knowing how close or far a vest is from that benchmark will at least provide you some idea how much risk you are taking going with a non-approved vest.

We have swithed to 100% USCG on our boat a few years back anyway and was able to score one of their Voodoo approved vests on the sale.

The Paisley rocks! Just got mine last night. I love how it fits. Can't wait to try it out this weekend. I doubt I would ever wear a comp vest myself. Just not that crazy I guess. :)

My Paisley is awesome as well, such a steal, thinking about picking up a spare just in case

what material is the outside of your paisleys and whats the colors? do they have a slick coating on them?

So where are you finding these thin, CGA vest?

this is the sale
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Clearance-C32.aspx

also check out this existing forum on the helium vests sale
http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=778594

Come on OP, lets be honest, you were going for the cheapest vest on the site...I almost did the same thing. Ended up going with the voodoo and got it in 2 days...if you still need a vest and want one that's CGA, I'd recommend it.

yeah, i know. who would think that a vest originally priced at 142.00 bucks would really only be worth 28?

The Paisley is a cloth material NOT the slick glideskin. Got mine today. Overall satisfied due to price and good looks, but a little thicking than I hoped after hearing all the good reviews over the last year. It's as thick or thicker than my 4 year old Jet Pilot Stance CGA vest. But for the price it's hard to beat.

The Oneill Checkmate seems like a great vest. Anyone have it?

The Checkmate is a very nice vest. It will not float you very well if at all, but very comfortable and flexible. It will ride up on hard falls of course being a comp vest with no buckles. My son just got his first concussion. It didn't knock him out, but did paralyze him for just a minute. I just got him the Paisley.

im wanting to try a ncga vest and i have a couple uscgs. but im looking at the 09 hyperlite side entry ( i can get it for 59.99 and its uscg) or the cwb faction pullover ( black and green one) just wondering if anyone has tried either.

just posted some pics and thoughts on the swat paisley (M), child, and youth vests here
http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=778594