The Best Jet Ski Life Jackets

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

1. Sea-Doo 2020 Freedom

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.

2. O’Neill Reactor

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.

3. Airhead Camo Cool

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

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

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

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 Flex V-Back

Some life jackets are quite stiff and restrictive. That’s not a problem if you don’t intend to move around too much, but if you’re more active on the water, immobility could be a problem. This flexible life vest from O’Brien is the perfect vest for more active watersports.

Key Features

• Neoprene construction for comfort and a close fit
• Hinged panels for easier movement
• V-shaped back panel for increased flexibility and a comfortable fit
• Zip and twin belt closure for increased security
• Approved by the United States Coast Guard
• Available in three colors and three sizes

This good-looking vest is ideal for long days on the water, where comfort is as important as safety. The close-fitting, flexible design means you can put this jacket on and then forget about it. Its low-profile fit means it’s very unobtrusive.

Pros

• Very light, flexible, and comfortable
• Form-fitting design
• Secure fit
• Attractive design

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Maybe too snug around the stomach for some users

This vest is made for users who want plenty of freedom to move. It’s form-fitting, but flexible design means it’s very comfortable. On the downside, some users found it quite snug around the abdomen, so it’s only really suitable for average-sized/shaped wearers.

8. O’Brien Neo Traditional

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.

9. O’Brien Traditional Neoprene

Don’t let the idea of a traditional life jacket put you off this excellent product. It’s not made from cork! Instead, the design IS traditional, while the materials are not. This is a high-quality life jacket that hardwearing, light, and comfortable.

Key Features

• Eco-friendly BioLite construction
• Breathable and flexible materials
• Front hinge for easier movement
• Zip and twin strap closure
• Enlarged armholes for unrestricted arm movement
• D-shaped loop for attaching to emergency stop lanyard
• The United States and Canadian Coast Guard approved design
• Available in five colors and seven sizes

With zips and straps keeping this vest closed, you can be sure it won’t move around – even if you fall in the water at speed. And, because it’s made of a breathable neoprene alternative, this life jacket will be comfortable on even the warmest day out on the water.

Pros

• Very light and flexible
• Extremely comfortable
• Very secure fit
• Breathable
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Sizing runs small

While most life vests are sized according to chest measurement, that doesn’t take into account that some people have larger abdomens. Because of this, fitted life jackets often come up a size or two smaller than expected. This minor issue is easily remedied by going up a size or two if you have a bit of a belly. That one small issue aside, this is an excellent quality life jacket for jet skiing.

10. O’Neil Child Reactor

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!

11. Stearns Adult Classic Series

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.

12. Stearns Classic Watersports

Instead of the more usual wrap-around design, Stearns Classic life vests are open at the sides, which many users find more comfortable. With no foam in the sides, they allow for unencumbered arm movements, although it does tend to make the front and the back bulkier. No side foam also makes these life jackets a little more breathable.

Key Features

• Four strap design for increased security
• 200-D nylon outer shell for durability
• Available in three colors
• Open-sided design for comfort and breathability

This lifejacket comes in one size only and is designed to fit most adults weighing 90 pounds or more. Because of this, it will suit some people better than others. It’s United States Coast Guard-approved but may not be suitable for use in rough water where you are very likely to fall off your jet ski, especially if it’s at its limits of fit.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• No zips to break
• One-size fits all design

Cons

• All the foam is at the front and the back
• May not fit all users

If you are an average-sized adult, this life jacket should fit you well. But, if you are on the larger size, Stearns Classic life vest may fit, but it might not do up properly. If this is the case, it could come off if you hit the water at speed, and a better fitting jacket would be safer.

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. If you are a long way from shore, accidents can have deadly outcomes.

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.

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