HELP Oneill Checkmate or Billabong Modernizm vest

(xmcmillenx) · (xmcmillenx) **Join Date: May 2006** 05-26-2009, 5:40 PM

Any feedback is appreciated, I am looking for a pullover type vest and was looking for something with a little bit more padding than something like the Oneill Gooru vest I have narrowed it down (i think) to these two. The last shop that is within an hour from my house closed and I haven't physically seen either, so I am turning to wakeworld for help.

(zoodsmak) · (zoodsmak) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 05-26-2009, 6:19 PM

Really like the Checkmate myself. If your picking by graphics I'd say the Modernism takes the cake but the Checkmate provides a little more protection with tons of flex points.

I think the Billabong vest has a little more flotation than the Gooru vests but not much.

(xmcmillenx) · (xmcmillenx) **Join Date: May 2006** 05-26-2009, 7:10 PM

thanks for your advice. Any other advice is appreciated.

(seth) · (seth) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 05-26-2009, 7:34 PM

I have the modernism and it is sweet. Super simple, comfy and floats pretty good. Plus all the chicks in the boat will think you look so hot and modern (at least thats what they have been telling me!!)

(eternalshadow) · (eternalshadow) **Join Date: Nov 2001** 05-26-2009, 8:17 PM

I'd pick the one that floats better of the two.

(xmcmillenx) · (xmcmillenx) **Join Date: May 2006** 05-27-2009, 4:39 AM

ok, can anyone tell me which one that would be?

(d_h_wake) · (d_h_wake) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 05-27-2009, 6:36 AM

I just bought the modenizm and i really like it its go lots of flex and its very thin. the design is also sick and everybody likes it, but I cant say anything on the checkmate I have never tried it.

(mnwakerider) · (mnwakerider) **Join Date: Jun 2004** 05-27-2009, 2:05 PM

Drew,
We have both vest that you are looking at in the shop. I just went and tried them on and weighed them to see what one had more float (based on feel and weight). The O'Neill Checkmate was a snugger fit and felt like it would have more float. I rode the Vapor vest two years ago and the Checkmate last year and liked the fit of the Checkmate over the Vapor. The Checkmate fits tighter and floated about the same. The Modernism fits a little looser and had less overall foam and weight. If you are looking for more float between the two go with Checkmate.
Either way you can check out the two vests here
Modernism - http://www.waterskis.com/Billabong-Modernism-Comp-Vest-p/billabong_modernism_vest.htm
Checkmate - http://www.waterskis.com/O-Neill-Checkmate-Comp-Life-Vest-p/checkmate%20life%20vest.htm

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions on the vest shoot me an email and I can compare them since they are both here.

John
john@waterskis.com
www.waterskis.com

(tommmyd) · (tommmyd) **Join Date: Jan 2009** 05-27-2009, 2:08 PM

Loved the modernism, looks and comfort, kind of hard to get off though.

(perfski) · (perfski) **Join Date: Sep 2004** 06-05-2009, 8:28 PM

Just got in the newest version of Billabong Vests called the Nova...Brian Grubb's signature vest. They look really great!
Bill @ Performance

http://www.perfski.com/cart.cfm?cart_action=item_info&category_guid=ce322 3a0-0ddb-4aba-8a8b-55df8023db27&item_guid=ab7eaba0-ffb2-22af-262e-2e2b434d6be3 Upload