good question
deffinately appear to be shrinking for whatever reason(s).
They had a massive sale a year ago, i think it was... which may also point to a cuting-back kind of trend.
i was one of many who got a vest from that sale. I got a helium swat after hearing many reviews. personally though, i would say that it is only a small step better than a plain front-zip stearns (same company really) that i have. it is kooler that is for sure, but build quality, weight, and thickness, and even mobility all feel about the same to me.
speaking of stearns, I kinda feel like stearns is on an opposite sort of trend and is expanding and adding a bit more style. they have added some vests with features that appeal more to watersports: angled zips, flex zones, etc.
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Wate...ckets-C23.aspx
take these two vests for example
stearns
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Mens...-P1867C23.aspx
helium
http://www.stearnsflotation.com/AMP-...-P1969C34.aspx
but then again i am speaking about and comparing the CGA line only