Why did they create side entry life vests?

(pogi) · (pogi) **Join Date: May 2006** 06-30-2009, 3:27 PM

Why did they create and why do they continue to make side entry life vests? Is it just for looks or is there some other reason? Just curious.

(homedawg678) · (homedawg678) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 06-30-2009, 3:41 PM

Cleaner look iMO having the zipper on the side instead of the front.

(wakeslife) · (wakeslife) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 06-30-2009, 3:50 PM

Maybe cause you need less zipper to just close the side opposed to all the way up the front...?

(phenom_1819) · (phenom_1819) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 06-30-2009, 3:59 PM

I don't get it either... Thank god O'Neill still makes the Law. Best vest ever.

(wakeandmx) · (wakeandmx) **Join Date: Apr 2009** 06-30-2009, 5:26 PM

My side entry jetpilot fits me better than any other vest i have had and its the same size as my other ones. I dont know why they created them but i like em.

(osu_bcky1) · (osu_bcky1) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 06-30-2009, 8:56 PM

Zipper dosent ride up on your chin when your floating. BIG FAN!

(lfrider92) · (lfrider92) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 06-30-2009, 8:58 PM

I don't get it either... Thank god O'Neill still makes the Law. Best vest ever.

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agreed

(joshbuzz) · (joshbuzz) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 06-30-2009, 9:10 PM

eliminates zipper ride up, and zipper is less likely to blow open on a hard fall, especially on something like a comp vest with only one buckle.

(jasonpav) · (jasonpav) **Join Date: Dec 2008** 06-30-2009, 9:47 PM

Thank God for side entry vests. There is nothing more annoying than riding with a zipper constantly poking you in the neck

(pwningjr) · (pwningjr) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-01-2009, 9:54 AM

They are REALLY comfy. Makes it fit more like a shirt.

(behindtheboat)

also distributes the foam and flotation differently, a lot times thinning it out and creating a sleeker fit

(cocheese) · (cocheese) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 07-01-2009, 10:19 AM

I had a side entry and now have a vest with the zipper in the front and hate the zipper poking me in the chin. Wish I never switched. Next vest will defiantly be side entry!

(cameronb) · (cameronb) **Join Date: Jun 2009** 07-01-2009, 10:52 AM

I have a side entry jet pilot vest, its really comfortable but blows open pretty easy on hard falls.

(garret_s) · (garret_s) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 07-01-2009, 10:56 AM

just bought the side entry on BBB today. I fully intend on enjoying it more than my front zip up. Stick it to the man!

(andy_nintzel)

You know I cannot speak for anyone but Helium on this issue and I think that my Helium side entry vests blow open less than my old front zip vests used too.

The Real Questioun should be why do they make vests with no zippers that you are supposed to connect to your shorts. BAHAHAHHAHAHAHahahahahhaha makes me laugh just thinking about that.

(benjaminp) · (benjaminp) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 07-01-2009, 12:54 PM

I agree with the "less zipper = better" and "more convenient/comfortable" arguments, based purely on the theory of it. Ill let you know when I get my new Helium Swat vest in a few days.

(jcas) · (jcas) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 07-01-2009, 12:57 PM

I don't know why they made vests with no zippers or buckles, but I think the new F-22 comp vest looks pretty sick. Thanks to Zach over at Jetpilot, I'll be riding in it this weekend.

Upload

(gwperry2) · (gwperry2) **Join Date: May 2009** 07-01-2009, 1:49 PM

Side entry sucks for use big guys with guts you just cant get the bit** to close and they bug the cra* out of my arm. What they need to make is a vest that is longer for us guys that have big ass guts IMO

(eubanks01) · (eubanks01) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 07-01-2009, 2:49 PM

My zipper doesn't bother me at all...but I have the greatest CGA vest of all time! (Jet Pilot Full Metal Jacket)

(gwperry2) · (gwperry2) **Join Date: May 2009** 07-01-2009, 4:07 PM

I rock the full metal jacket its the best vest I have ever owned but my gut hangs out the bottom

(craig_f) · (craig_f) **Join Date: Feb 2008** 07-01-2009, 4:23 PM

But side entry rocks for skinny guys like me!