Jet skiing is one of the most exciting high-speed watersports around. It’s a great experience that’s fun, exhilarating, and very safe too. But, like all watersports, it’s always a good idea to wear a life jacket. Hitting the water at high speeds could knock you unconscious, and that will put even the strongest swimmer in a perilous position.
While you could wear any old life vest out on the water, you’ll be a whole lot more comfortable wearing something made for this high speed-activity, and that’s why we’ve created this best jet ski life jacket guide.
Jet ski life vests are light, flexible, and comfortable, so you can relax and concentrate on riding the waves. They also protect your torso from the impact of hitting the water – useful if you’re also going to try your hand at waterskiing.
There are lots of different makes and styles of jet ski life jackets and choosing the right one can be a daunting prospect. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 most popular and tried and tested them for this review.
Best Jet Ski Life Jackets
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1. O’Neill Reactor
O'Neill Reactor
$92.02 in stock
2 used from $76.79
Free shipping
Features
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device; Perfect for Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, and Swimming
- Segmented Foam Core And Anatomical Flex Points Allow Unrestricted Movement
- Quick Release Safety Buckles And Heavy Duty Front Zipper Create an Unparalleled Sense of Security
- Minimal Bulk Design Allows Full Mobility, While Expansion Panels Enable a Comfortable Fit
- Relaxed Fit For The Water Sports Enthusiast Who Wants Some Room To Move
O’Neill is famous for making top-quality watersports clothing and equipment, and this life vest doesn’t disappoint. Approved by the United States Coast Guard, this floatation vest is suitable for jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing too. It’s light, tough, and very comfortable.
Key Features
- Neoprene construction
- Segmented foam core for comfort and flexibility
- Heavy-duty zip and twin straps with quick-release buckles for a snug fit
- Side expansion panels for comfort
- Low-bulk design for unimpeded movement
- Available in four colors and six sizes
The O’Neill Reactor Life Vest isn’t made specifically for jet skiing, but its flexible, low-bulk design makes it ideal for jetting about on the water. Because it’s USCG-approved, it’s perfect for areas where wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
Pros
- Forgiving fit
- Light and comfortable
- Unrestrictive design
- Nice range of colors
Cons
- Tends to soak up water, which doesn’t affect buoyancy, but only comfort
You can’t get a better recommendation than approved by the United States Coast Guard! That shows that this life jacket is very much fit for purpose. It’s a comfortable, durable option that will keep you safe and secure for many seasons.
2. Sea-Doo Mens Freedom
Features
| Part Number | 2859420984 |
| Model | 2859420984 |
| Color | Starlight Blue |
| Size | Large |
The Sea-Doo Freedom life jacket lives up to its name. Made for easy movement, this life vest provides good buoyancy but is still light and comfortable enough for all-day use. Available in two colors, this is a good-looking model that is available in a range of sizes.
Key Features
- Durable environmentally friendly ecoprene outer shell
- PVC and polyethylene foam buoyancy inserts
- Streamlined fit
- YKK front zipper and dual wrap-round straps with easy clip buckles for a secure fit
- Built-in D-loop for emergency engine stop or keys
- Segmented back for easy bending
If you are more than just a casual jet skier, you’ll appreciate the features of this well-made jacket. It will keep you afloat and is comfortable enough to wear next to your skin. Light and durable, it should provide many seasons of reliable service.
Pros
- Light and comfortable
- Available in a range of sizes and two colors
- Very flexible
- Good level of buoyancy
Cons
- Some users have found this model a bit snug around the midsection
With its slightly tapered design, if you have a rounder belly, you may need to go up a size or two, so this life jacket fits comfortably. Other than that, this product gets a lot of praise for quality and comfort. Highly recommended.
3. Airhead Camo Cool
Airhead Camo Cool
3 used from $48.48
Free shipping
Features
- US Coast Guard Approved: This personal flotation device meets USCG requirements. Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely and offers a larger range of motion
- US Coast Guard Approved: This personal flotation device meets USCG requirements. Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely and offers a larger range of motion
- Buckles & Zipper: Side release buckles open and close quickly while the zipper is easy and quick to fasten to ensure safety and security on the water. Children's life jacket features a crotch strap for added safety
- Material: Quick-drying and super soft. This fabric keeps you comfortable and dry all day long
- Sizing: This life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit adults that weigh over 90 pounds and have a 32.5-35-inch chest size. For your convenience, please know that the Neolite life jackets may feel snug or run a little small. If you are unsure or in between sizes, we would recommend choosing the larger size
Adults and kids alike think camo is cool, and this blue-camo lifejacket looks very cool indeed! Made from durable neolite, this buoyancy aid from Airhead dries fast, so it’s ideal for anyone who wants to wear and then transport their life vest without leaving a trail of water.
Key Features
- Modern blue camo design
- Zipper and twin quick-release buckles for security and fit
- United States Coast Guard approved
- Available in six sizes
- Closed-in sides for all-round buoyancy
- Stain-resistant polyester outer
Made from durable 200-D polyester, this Airhead life jacket should provide many seasons of use. Because it’s stain-resistant, it won’t discolor either. USCG approved, this jacket is recommended for places where the wearing of a lifejacket is compulsory.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Durable materials
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
- Light and comfortable
Cons
- Comes up very small
While it’s not uncommon to have to go up a size to get a comfortably fitting lifejacket, users of this product report having to go up two sizes or even more. Bear that in mind if you buy this jacket, especially in the larger sizes. If you are usually a size large, you may need an XXL.
4. O’Neill Superlite
O'Neill Superlite
1 used from $37.14
Free shipping
Features
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device (Type III); Perfect For Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, And Swimming
- Designed to fit snug for your safety. Minimal bulk design allows full mobility and easy on and off
- Anatomically cut lightweight polyethylene foam flotation with durable coated polyester outer shell makes the vest strong yet soft and comfortable
- Heavy-duty 1.5 inch wide webbing belts with quick release buckles allow for an adjustable fit and easy fastening
- Size Up. When choosing a size, try one size larger for a more relaxed fit
Life vests for watersports can be expensive. This model from famous wetsuit manufacturer O’Neill is reasonably priced and very functional. Best of all, it’s available in nine different colorways and seven sizes, so you should have no problem getting exactly what you need.
Key Features
- Made from lightweight polyethylene foam with a durable polyester shell
- Low-bulk design for freedom of movement
- Held in place with four straps and buckles
- Relaxed fit
- United States Coast Guard approved
With no zips, this life jacket is very forgiving – especially you inadvertently order a size too small. It doesn’t need to do up completely, and the straps are very adjustable. This vest is marketed as being a very relaxed fit and ideal for a variety of body types.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Light and flexible
- Easy to fit and adjust
- Very attractive designs
- Fits true to size
Cons
- No zip means a less secure fit
This O’Neill life vest is ideal for casual jet ski enthusiasts who don’t want a super-snug fit and are most likely to wear their jacket on calmer waters. It’s very comfortable and comes in a generous fit but may not be sturdy enough for very intense usage.
5. O’Neill Assault
Features
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device; Perfect for Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, and Swimming
- Minimal Bulk Design Allows Full Mobility, While Anatomical Flex Points Enable Unrestricted Movement
- NytroLite Foam: 3x Lighter, 10% More Buoyant, and Absorbs 15-20% Less Water Than Regular PVC Foam
- Low-Back Lumbar Pad Provides The Extra Support You Need In Your Core
- Snug Fit For The Performance-Oriented Wakeboarder Or Waterskier Looking For A Life Vest Which Won't Move During High Impact
If you fall off a jet ski at high speeds, the last thing you want is a life jacket that moves around or even comes off on impact. This vest from watersports experts O’Neill is snug and fitted, so it won’t move if you fall off your ski. This means it’s also more than suitable for waterskiing and wakeboarding too.
Key Features
- Low bulk design
- Anatomical flex points for increased mobility
- Made from Nytrolite foam – 3x lighter and 10% more buoyant than regular PVC foam
- Low-back lumbar pad for increased support
Water-soaked life jackets are heavy and uncomfortable, even when fitted correctly. The O’Neill Assault is made from non-traditional Nytrolite foam, which is not just lighter, but it also absorbs much less water, making it more comfortable to wear when wet.
Pros
- Available in four attractive designs and six sizes
- Fits true to size
- Very light and flexible
- Snug, secure fit
- Suitable for intense use on the roughest of water
Cons
- Quite expensive
- May not be comfortable for rounder body shapes
With its athletic fit, this jacket may not fit people with rounder bellies. The long zip means it’s very close-fitting. While that’s a good thing for protection during a fall into the water, it means that this vest may not fit all body types.
6. O’Brien Women’s Impulse
O'Brien Impulse Neo
$46.20 in stock
11 used from $36.50
Free shipping
Features
- 1.5mm Neoprene outer for comfortable fit
- Zip closure and 2 belts for security
- Multiple hinge point on front & back
- Zippered Front Closure
- Coast Guard approved
While most life jackets can be considered unisex, some are made specifically for men or women. This women’s life jacket from O’Brien has been designed for the female form and should provide a comfortable, secure fit for all water sports, including jet skiing.
Key Features
- Neoprene body for a snug, flexible fit, and warmth
- Zip and belt closure for added security
- Hinged foam for unrestricted mobility and movement
- United States Coastguard-Approved design
- Available in five sizes
A lot of life jackets have a tendency to rise up because they don’t fit very snugly. This vest from O’Brien is much more fitted and stays close to your body, so it won’t slide up your body if you fall into the water. This is a big plus for anyone who expects to end up in the water often.
Pros
- Very high quality
- Low-profile design
- Comfortable, light, and flexible
Cons
- Must be fitted correctly to be comfortable
Unlike open-fronted life vests, if this model isn’t fitted correctly, it could be uncomfortably tight. Make sure you choose the right size so that you don’t feel constricted by what is already a snug-fitting life vest.
7. O’Brien Neo Traditional
O'Brien Men's Traditional
2 used from $52.74
Free shipping
Features
- BioLite construction - Neoprene alternative that is soft, lightweight, breathable and eco-conscious
- Front hinge and wide armholes for enhanced range of motion
- Zip closure with 2 adjustable belts for security
- PWC lanyard attachment ring
- Harmonized U. S. Coast guard and Transport Canada Approved life jacket
This traditional life vest has most of its foam on the front and the back, leaving the sides free. This means your arms are free to move. On the downside, it does make this life jacket a little bulky. If you are happy to trade bulk to mobility, this is a great jet ski life vest.
Key Features
- Neoprene construction for comfort and insulation
- Zip and strap closure for a secure fit
- Low-bulk sides for ease of movement
- United States Coast Guard approved
- Available in two colors and four sizes
With plenty of buoyancy and a secure fit, this is a very safe option. Because your arms are free to move, it’s ideal for active watersports, like jet skiing and wakeboarding. However, because of the zip closure, it’s not overly adjustable, so make sure you get the right size.
Pros
- Form-fitting design
- Durable materials
- Comfortable and flexible
- Good buoyancy
Cons
- Some users report that this vest runs a little small
Because this is a neoprene vest, it’s designed to fit quite snugly. To get the right fit, many users recommend going up one size. With this one thing in mind, this life vest is highly recommended and has received glowing reviews from the majority of wearers.
8. O’Neil Child Reactor
O'Neill Child Reactor
$59.80 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- The O'Neill Child Reactor Life Vest is the perfect life vest for days out on the boat and on the beach.
- The life vest is US Coast Guard approved and is designed to fit little ones between 30 and 50 lbs.
- To ensure security, this vest also has an adjustable leg strap for a snug and safe fit.
- The closed cell PVC marine foam keeps the vest nice and buoyant, and the soft external material allows for this comfy vest to be worn all day.
Adults and kids alike should wear a life vest when jet skiing. And while some jackets run small enough that a child could wear them, most younger kids would be safer wearing a model designed specifically for them. This vest by O’Neil is perfect for water-loving kids!
Key Features
- Durable nylon outer shell
- Mesh panels for better drainage
- Segmented foam panels for flexibility and comfort
- Heavy-duty zipper and twin straps for a secure fit
- Behind the neck “grab handle” to help your kid back onto your jet ski
- Crotch strap to stop the vest riding up in the water
This high-quality life jacket is every bit as durable as one made for adults. The added features of the grab handle and crotch strap mean that this vest is perfect for kids and will also give adults some added peace of mind.
Pros
- United States Coast Guard Approved design
- Flexible and light
- Very hardwearing and kid-proof
- Added safety features for peace of mind
Cons
- Only available in one size
This jacket is designed for wearers with a 25 to 29-inch chest measurement. Measure your child to make sure this model will fit. Otherwise, you may need to buy a small adult vest instead. But, for younger children, this vest is pretty much perfect!
9. Stearns Adult Classic Series
Stearns Adult Classic Series
$31.55 in stock
2 used from $19.63
Free shipping
Features
- US Coast Guard-approved adult life jacket
- Great for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing
- Soft and durable nylon shell and lightweight PE flotation foam
- Open-sided design and 3 adjustable buckles for breathability
- Designed for adults weighing 90 pounds or more
A lot of jet ski life vests are made with a wrap-around design where the waist and underarms are as padded as the front and back. While this adds to buoyancy, it can reduce mobility, and even impede your arm movements. This Stearns Classic Vest has no foam in the sides, making it lighter and more comfortable to wear than some more padded vests.
Key Features
- Three quick-release buckles for a secure fit
- Tough 200-D nylon construction over PE foam
- United States Coast Guard-approved design
- Available in two colors and seven sizes
With no foam in the sides, this life jacket has all its buoyancy at the front and back. This makes it a little bulky but allows for freer arm movements in return. With no zips, the fit is very forgiving, and the vest can be worn as loose or as tight as you want.
Pros
- Easy to fit and remove
- Allows for greater arm mobility
- Comfortable
- Very buoyant
- Robust construction
Cons
- Can feel bulky in the front and back
- Sizes can be a little confusing
Instead of the usual small, medium, large, etc., this vest is universally sized, meaning one model should fit most adults. If you want a vest that will fit a range of people, this one is a good choice. But, if you want a really well-fitting life vest for personal use, this may not be your best option.
Bottom Line
If you ride a jet ski, you really should wear a life jacket. It doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer you are, things like cold water shock or banging your head can mean you are unable to save yourself if you fall in the water. Accidents can have deadly outcomes if you are a long way from shore.
The good news is there is a lifejacket to suit every user.
Neoprene vests with zips are arguably the best fitting, but they can also feel restrictive and can be hot to wear. That said, because they are snug, they won’t move on your body if you fall in the water.
Vests with straps holding them in place are more forgiving in terms of sizing and are easy to adjust up or down. However, this type of jacket, while very buoyant, will move around in the water.
Which one is right for you? That depends on how often, how long, and how hard you ride your jet ski. But whichever model you choose, you can relax a little, knowing that your life vest will help keep you safe if you should end up in the water.
Bear in mind, the lifejackets reviewed can also be worn while boating and tubing as well kayaking! Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert product reviews and information including how to winterize your jet ski.
The Review
Best Jet Ski Life Jackets
Check out the ratings of the 9 best jetski life jackets on the market below!
Review Breakdown
- O'Neill Reactor
- Sea-Doo Freedom
- Airhead Camo Cool
- O'Neill Superlite
- O'Neill Assault
- O'Brien Impulse Neo
- O'Brien Traditional
- O'Neill Child Reactor
- Stearns Adult Classic Series
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