Riding a jet ski is one of the most exciting things to do on the water. However, a simple mistake can result in you getting thrown off the watercraft. To prevent injuries or accidents, you should always wear a reliable life jacket when you get on a jet ski.
When looking for the best life jacket for jet skis, make sure that it fits you well, allows arm movement, absorbs impact, and has enough buoyancy to keep you afloat. Our life jacket for jet skis reviews will take a look at the best jet ski life jackets on the market so you can enjoy yourself on the water while being fully protected.
Best Large Rider Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Four adjustable buckles to fit different body types
- Minimal bulk for greater freedom of movement
- Polyethylene foam provides excellent buoyancy
Type: III
Best For: Larger Riders
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Polyester, PE Foam
Closure: 4 Buckles
Size(s): S (33-36in chest) to 4XL (57-60in chest)
Best Women Jet Ski Life Jacket
Airhead Trend
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Perfectly sized for teenagers and female riders
- Woven 200D polyester shell for durability
- Poly-E foam provides buoyancy and reduces weight
Best For: Youth and Women Riders
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): 200D Polyester, Poly-E Foam
Closure: 4 Buckles
Size(s): Youth, Women XS/S, L/XL, 2XL/3XL
Best Budget-Friendly Jet Ski Life Jacket
Stearns Adult Classic Series
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Open-sided design for higher comfort
- Strong 200D nylon shell resists impacts
- Available in sizes for children and youth
Type: III
Best For: Protection On A Budget
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): 200D Nylon, PE Foam
Closure: 3 Buckles
Size(s): Infant, Child, Youth, Adult, Oversized
Best Professional Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Segmented foam core makes moving easier
- Expansion side panels for improved comfort
- Heavy-duty zipper and buckles keep the vest secure
Type: III
Best For: Professional Riders
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Neoprene, Foam
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): S (35-37.5in chest) to 3XL (47.5-50in chest)
Best Comfortable Jet Ski Life Jacket
Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Chest strap keeps the vest from going up
- Open sides significantly improve the comfort
- Equally great for a wide array of water sports
Type: III
Best For: Comfort While Riding
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): 200D Nylon, PE Foam
Closure: 4 Buckles
Size(s): Universal (90+ pounds)
Best Bulkless Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Brien Women’s Impulse Neo
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- BioLite technology keeps the weight low
- Several hinge points for securing the vest
- Thoroughly tested and Coast Guard approved
Type: III
Best For: Low Bulk
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Neoprene
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): XS (28-32in chest) to XL (44-48in chest)
Best Jet Ski Life Jacket For Mobility
Stohlquist Fit
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Thin back panels make sitting more comfortable
- 18-pound buoyancy is enough even for large adults
- Hanging loop on the back for easy storage and drying
Type: III
Best For: Unrestricted Movement
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): 200D Nylon, PE Foam
Closure: 3 Buckles
Size(s): Universal (90+lbs, 30-52in chest), Oversize (90+lbs 48-60in chest)
Best Lightweight Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Neill Assault USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- No-bulk design with anatomical flex points
- NytroLite foam is significantly lighter than PE foam
- Performance-oriented with a snug fit on the torso
Type: III
Best For: Low Weight
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Nylon, NytroLite Foam
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): S (33-36in chest) to 3XL (53-56in chest)
Best Stylish Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Brien Traditional Neo
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Neoprene shell with a snug and comfy fit
- Wide armholes don’t restrict arm movement
- Color combinations look great on the water
Type: III
Best For: Stylish Look
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Neoprene
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): S (32-36in chest) to 3XL (52-56in chest)
Best-Fitting Jet Ski Life Jacket
O’Brien Flex V-Back Neoprene
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Flex V back greatly improves the jacket’s mobility
- Biotite shell dries impressively fast in the air
- Secure zip closure with two adjustable straps
Type: III
Best For: Custom Fit
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Biotite
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): 2XL (48-52in chest), 3XL (52-56in chest)
How To Choose A Life Jacket For Jet Ski – Buying Guide
Shell Materials
The most common materials used to make the shell of a jet ski life jacket are nylon and neoprene. Nylon is more durable and usually costs less, while neoprene life jackets fit better and feel more comfortable to wear.
Related Post: Life Jacket Buying Guide
Sizing The Life Jacket
In addition to buoyancy, the size of your life jacket is the most important consideration when buying. A life jacket that is too tight will be very uncomfortable, while a model that is too big might come off when you fall off the jet ski.
Fit And Adjustability
Getting an ill-fitting life jacket might compromise its performance. In addition to size, the best jet ski life jacket should also be easily adjustable to make sure it fits well. It’s a huge plus if the jet ski life jacket comes with adjustable straps that allow you to tighten or loosen it.
Related Review: Women’s Life Vest
USCG Approval
When buying a new jacket, we advise that you make sure that it’s tested and approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Not only is this required by law, but it also assures you that the jacket is well-made and can get the job done.
You might also be interested in:
FAQs
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Regular Life Vest And Jet Ski Life Vest?
The difference is in the design – not all life jackets can be used for jet ski. As you probably know, there are five types of life jackets and only type III and a small number of type V models can be used for this purpose.
Related Review: Sailing Life Jacket
Q: How To Clean A Jet Ski Life Vest?
Most life jackets can be cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth. The materials are very easy to clean so no hard scrubbing will be required. If you use a soap, make sure to rinse it afterward, and leave to dry completely before storing it.
Related Post: How To Clean Life Jackets
Q: Are Jet Ski Life Vests Safe?
Yes, they are perfectly safe and will keep you afloat if you drop into the water. All of the jet ski vests we’ve featured were tested by the US Coast Guard and meet the requirements for using them on a personal watercraft.
Q: Do You Have To Wear A Lifejacket On A Jet Ski?
Yes, this is mandatory by law. In addition, the best life jacket for jet skiing needs to be Coast Guard approved and often meet additional requirements depending on which state you’re in.
Q: How Should I Dress For A Jet Ski?
Wearing typical beach clothing is perfectly fine. If it isn’t too sunny, you can wear only shorts (and a life vest). On the other hand, if you need extra protection, you can wear a long-sleeved rash guard, water shoes, sunglasses, and a hat with a tight fit.
Globo Surf Overview
Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you should put on a life jacket every time you get on a jet ski. When choosing a life jacket, make sure that it fits you well, has enough buoyancy, and doesn’t restrict your movement. Once you find the right model, you’ll be able to ride your jet ski with peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected.
More Life Jacket By Sport Reviews:
- Life Jackets For Canoeing
- Life Jackets For Non Swimmers
- Wakeboard Life Jackets
- Life Jacket For Kayaking
- Sailing Life Jackets
- Life Jackets For Water Sports
- Fishing Life Jackets