10 Best Wakeboard Life Jackets In 2023

A combination of segmented foam core and anatomical hinged shell give the O'Neill Reactor wake boarding life vests a level of flexibility that few other models can match. On top of this, it’s also made of neoprene so it provides a very comfortable fit.

To ensure it stays on, this life jacket not only comes with two strong straps with buckles, but also a heavy-duty zipper that runs down the middle. While it may feel snug when you put it on, the expansion panels around the arms allow you to move without any restrictions. Finally, in addition to the standard black model, you can get this model in three other great-looking colors.

The O'Neill Assault life vest for wakeboarding is designed to reduce the bulk and keep the weight as low as possible. Combine this with anatomical flex points, and you get excellent performance with a full range of movement. In addition, the Assault life jacket fits very snug on your body and won’t move on impact.

Unlike most other models, this wakeboard vest comes with NytroLite foam instead of standard buoyancy aid made of PE. This results in an improved buoyancy while simultaneously reducing the overall weight. It also absorbs significantly less water, so it can dry faster when you take it off.

Owing to its unique cut and bright colors, the Full Throttle Rapid-Dry wakeboard life jacket is very appealing to female boarders. In addition to good looks, this model also gives you excellent functionality and mobility due to its seven segmented hinge points.

The material used to make this wakeboard comp vest is high-quality neoprene that becomes very elastic when wet and gives you more than decent comfort. On the other hand, the interior is lined with Poly-Span so you won’t have to worry about chafing or discomfort. As its name suggests, this is a Rapid-Dry model that will dry in only a few minutes when you take it off.

The O'Neill Slasher Comp wakeboard life jacket is specially made for competitive wakeboarders that need reliable impact protection. While this model focuses on absorbing the hit, its NytroLite foam makes sure that the buoyancy is on-point too. On top of this, it’s also one of the slimmest models available so you won’t even feel it on you.

For keeping your movement free, the Slasher competition wakeboard vest comes with a segmented foam core and an abundance of anatomical flex points. Even though it comes with a single zipper, the fit of this life jacket is so good that it won’t move an inch even when you hit the water hard.

As one of the most stylish life jackets on the market, Hyperlite Indy CGA is equally popular among beginners and pros. It combines a smooth black neoprene with easily-visible blue or red details to make you distinguishable on the water. As a bonus, it’s also pretty affordable considering the jacket quality.

When talking about the design, this life jacket comes with segmented foam panels that make movements on the wakeboard a lot easier. For staying secure on your body, it has a strong zipper and two extra buckles in the middle. Last but not least, the combination of materials allows it to dry much faster than most other jackets.

The O'Brien Flex V-Back wakeboard life jacket is an excellent choice for those of you who are looking for a highly-adjustable fit. It comes with a unique V-back design, that makes the jacket a lot more flexible compared to other models. On top of this, it features two webbing straps with buckles for additional fine-tuning.

Instead of classic neoprene, the Flex V-Back life jacket uses Biotite construction that makes it even lighter without compromising the performance. The wide armholes ensure a maximum range of movement, while the silver and yellow color options guarantee you’ll always look great while riding the wake.

If you dislike traditional life jackets because of their bulk, the Top Safety Inflatable life jacket offers something completely different. As its name suggests, this life jacket uses inflatable tubes to keep you afloat, meaning that it’s incredibly slim on your body. When you need it, the only thing you have to do is pull the tab and it fully inflates in just 5 seconds.

When inflated, the jacket provides 150N of buoyancy which is more than enough for all adults weighing under 330 pounds. Finally, a detail we particularly like about this model is that it comes with zippered storage pockets that are very convenient for carrying keys and other small items.