life vests

Ok. I'm updating all of my ancient crappy wakeboard stuff and was wondering:
What kind of life vest do you guys recommend? I want to get one that will at least semi protect me form sliders because '06 season I'll get to hit my first ones, and I don't think it's going to be pretty.
Also, what about helmets?

I ride a Xcel Infinity vest... they are super populuar up in canada... they sponsor almost every single top canadian wakeboarder...

rusty mal... Aaron rathy... Steve Mckinly to name a few... even billabong rider kevin henshaw used to ride for them...

they are super thin... so thin you wouldn't think they would do anything but for some reason they do... the foam they used really works i guess... also its a cool design, slip on vest with a neck zip up...

www.xcelwetsuits.com

as for helmets... dont wear them unless you are in a contest or hitting rails... if anything they can brake your jaw, trust me even guys like derek grasman have done that...

but i used to have a capix and they fall apart to easy... when a helmet cracks because it was in your wakeboard bag wont help your head when you fall on a rail... but when im in contest, hitting rails or snowboarding i wear an old US army helment

If you are looking for a thicker vest that is going to protect and still give you the freedom to move around then I'd recommend either the new '06 Jetpilot neo USCGA GTR Vest or I would also say to try out the GTR Comp Vest if you want something thinner and non-CGA.

Oh yah...the Pro-Tec helmets are the helmets I'd recommend if you are serious about them. Go with the Ace Wake...it has really good padding and also this little head holder thing in the back that prevents it from sliding forward.

white jetpilot..straight pimpin'...

untill it turns brown and looks like your ALL COVERED IN ••••

what about vest for women?(cause I am one)

The GTR vests are the ones I was talking about. They are the Girls That Ride series of vests. Cut especially for women.

How about a custom Burberry/Gucci/LV lifejacket? haha