Jet Pilot and Helium, i would have to say make the "sickest" looking vests get one from last year and i am sure anything on the line will fit your budget from either company
i like the new rip curl life jackets as well as the jet pilots. the rip curl one that i have is not a real life jacket but its super thin and light and floats:P dunno about the price tho, i got mine for $80 on sale. Highly recommend it
I've got a Jetpilot OG and my brother has the Hyperlite Special Agent. Both look sweet and are coast guard approved. Could probly pick one up on the cheap at this time of year.
It was like 150 but it was the beginning of the season and had to be shipped to Canada. I think they're going for a lot less than that now - they have it at evo gear for 85.