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If you love the adrenaline rush that wakeboarding gives you, you’re well aware of how easy it is to lose balance and end up in the water. Unfortunately, hitting the water at such high speeds can be very rough and unpleasant. A life jacket plays a very important role here – not only does it keep you afloat, but it also absorbs much of the impact.
With so many models available, choosing the best wakeboard life jacket requires a bit of research. To help you do this, our wakeboard life jacket reviews will take a look at all the best wakeboarding life jackets for different types of water enthusiasts – men, women, youth, and pros.
OUR TOP PICK
O’Brien Women’s Impulse Neo
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- BioLite shell significantly reduces the weight
- Low-bulk design maximizes your movement
- Several hinge points make the jacket less stiff
Type: III
Best For: Female Wakeboarders
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): BioLite
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): XS (28-32in chest) to XL (44-48in chest)
EDITORS CHOICE
O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Four buckles for adjusting the fit perfectly
- Reduced bulk design makes movements easier
- PE foam inside guarantees excellent buoyancy
Type: III
Best For: Larger Wakeboarders
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): Polyester, PE Foam
Closure: 4 Buckles
Size(s): S (33-36in chest) to 4XL (57-60in chest)
BEST VALUE
Stearns Adult Watersport Classic
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Raised chest strap prevents it from sliding up
- Open-sided design raises the comfort level
- Works great for a wide array of watersports
Type: III
Best For: Comfort While Wakeboarding
USCG Approved: Yes
Material(s): 200D Nylon, PE Foam
Closure: 4 Buckles
Size(s): Universal (90+ pounds)
O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Elastic side panels improve the comfort level
- Segmented foam panels for easier movement
- Quick-release buckles for easily getting the vest off
Type: III
Best For: Professional Wakeboarders
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)
O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Anatomical flex points for a better range of motion
- NytroLite buoyancy foam greatly reduces the weight
- One of the lightest wakeboard life jackets available
Type: III
Best For: Low Jacket 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)
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Hinged design makes the jacket more flexible
- Four-way stretch fabric follows your every move
- Poly-Span lining feels incredibly soft on the skin
Type: III
Best For: Freedom Of Movement
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Material(s): Neoprene, Foam
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): XS (28-32in chest) to XL (44-48in chest)
O’Neill Men’s Slasher Comp
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Snug fit is ideal for performance-oriented wakeboarders
- NytroLite foam greatly reduces the overall jacket weight
- Front zipper without buckles for reducing bulk
Type: III
Best For: Competitive Wakeboarding
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Material(s): Nylon, NytroLite Foam
Closure: Front Zipper
Size(s): S (33-36in chest) to 2XL (49-52in chest)
Hyperlite Indy CGA
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Excellent price relative to jacket quality
- Drains and dries impressively fast
- Modern look with highly-visible patterns
Type: III
Best For: Stylish Look
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Material(s): Neoprene
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): L (40-44in chest) to 4XL (56-60in chest)
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- V-shaped back panel boosts the flexibility
- Biotite construction increases the durability
- Extra-secure zipper with two adjustable buckles
Type: III
Best For: Custom Fit
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Material(s): Biotite
Closure: Front Zipper, 2 Buckles
Size(s): 2XL (48-52in chest), 3XL (52-56in chest)
Top Safety Inflatable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Unique vest design for minimal bulk
- Fully inflates in less than 5 seconds
- Highly-adjustable belt fits adults and youth
Type: V
Best For: Minimal Bulk
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Material(s): Nylon, TPU, Neoprene, Polyester
Closure: Buckle
Size(s): Universal
How To Choose A Wakeboard Life Jacket – Buying Guide
Size
The size and fit of your life jacket are crucial when choosing. If the jacket is too small, it will cause discomfort and you won’t be able to move properly. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it will get in your way and might even come off when you fall into the water.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the product specs and carefully measure your chest before ordering. Even though many models are universally-sized they still won’t be a good fit if you’re particularly large or petite so you should pay close attention.
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Material
The most common materials for wakeboard vests are polyester, nylon, and neoprene. They are strong and durable but at the same time don’t weigh too much. As for the fill, most models use PE foam core except for some higher-end products that use lighter alternatives.
All of the life jackets that we have looked at here are made out of high-quality materials, but choosing the right one depends on what you’re looking for. If you all for comfort, we advise that you go with a neoprene model. On the other hand, if you value durability more, a nylon vest will be a better option.
Style
One of the first things that you need to consider is whether you want to get a zippered or a buckled life jacket. There is little difference between the two from the performance standpoint, so you should choose one based on your preferences. Many zippered models still have quick-release buckles on them, but usually just one or two for extra protection.
In addition, you should pay attention to the armholes – they should be wide and open so you can move freely. Open-sided wakeboard vests are best in this regard, but they offer slightly less support than other jackets.
Lastly, let’s say a few words about looks. Even though this shouldn’t be the decisive factor when choosing, we all pay attention to how a life jacket looks. Because of this, the manufacturers put in extra effort to make the life jackets look stylish and noticeable on the water.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Wakeboarding Life Jacket?
It’s a life jacket that has to provide both buoyancy and impact protection. Unlike a traditional life jacket, it also needs to protect you from injury when you hit the water at high speed. On top of this, it’s certainly a bonus if it’s segmented and allows free arm movement.
Q: If I Fall Will The Life Jacket Keep Me Floating?
Yes, your jacket will keep you floating on the surface. All of the models we’ve talked about are very buoyant and won’t allow you to sink and drown. However, they are all either type III or V, which means they won’t be able to turn you face-up.
Related Review: Life Jackets For Water Sports
Q: What Are The Main Differences Between A Wakeboarding And Jet Skiing Life Jackets?
Generally speaking, wakeboarding life jackets should be less bulky and provide better impact protection. However, many products can be safely used for both and you won’t notice a big difference.
Related Review: Jet Ski Life Jackets
Globo Surf Overview
A good life jacket essential for staying safe on the water, especially during high-intensity activities like wakeboarding. Hitting the water might even leave you injured or unconscious, so you’ll need a jacket you can count on if this happens. Using the information in our guide and reviews, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the best wakeboard life jacket that will allow you to focus on enjoying yourself.
More Life Jacket By Sport Reviews:
- Life Jackets For Canoeing
- Life Jackets For Non Swimmers
- Life Jackets For Boating
- Life Jacket For Kayaking
- Sailing Life Jackets
- Life Jackets For Water Sports
- Fishing Life Jackets