The 28 best life jacket brands
Speedo, Body Glove and Kent lead our ranking of 28 life jacket brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Life Jacket brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Speedo
Speedo is a renowned swimsuit brand made specifically for swimmers. They create and develop items that provide innovation, fit, and function to swimmers of all levels, from beginners to elite competitors. They feature an extensive collection of top swimsuits and accessories to ensure your comfort in the water. Whether you want to be faster, stronger, or enjoy a more comfortable and fabulous swim, their inventive solutions will help you achieve your goals, regardless of your skill level.
Website: speedo.com |Brands like Speedo
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Body Glove
Bodyglove is the world's leading high-performance water sports equipment manufacturer that has revolutionized the way people enjoy water sports. They make clothes, footwear, and accouterments for surf, swim, and marine gear that improve comfort, fit, and effectiveness. The brand claims top-of-the-line products that have been tested and proven underwater for years. They have a comprehensive product offering that includes everything from water shoes to goggles, wetsuits, etc. Its main goal is to provide the greatest accessories, clothes, goggles, and other water sports equipment for customers to use while having fun in the water.
Website: bodyglove.com |Brands like Body Glove
Popularity 6.1/10
-
3
Kent
Kent is a well-known bicycle manufacturer. It has been making bicycles for a long time and has a global reach. Kent's advanced bike range promises to deliver the ultimate ride experience with its many years of experience. Kent Bikes are the most popular bikes in the United States, Europe, and other regions of the globe. The bikes are constructed to last, with premium quality materials and a focus on comfort. They're also completely recyclable.
Website: kent.bike |Brands like Kent
Popularity 6.0/10
-
4
Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in 1955 and later separated to become an independent company. The parent company was established in 1887 as a manufacturer of reed organs before growing into the powerhouse it is today.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 5.6/10
-
5
O'Brien
O'Brien has been producing things to promote water sports for more than 50 years. Wakeboards, waterskis, tubes, life jackets, stand-up paddleboards, kneeboards, and other items are available. The water skis are perfect for people who have never tried water skiing before or who have some expertise. Wide surfaces provide them additional stability, while plastic fins improve their glide and stability. They also provide a variety of size-adjustable bindings for skiers. The extensive product line's excellent design makes it an alluring selection for water aficionados.
Website: obrien.com |Brands like O'Brien
Popularity 4.7/10
-
6
O'Neill
O'Neill is a fashion and lifestyle company that sells clothing and accessories for both men and women. They are known for their wetsuits and swimwear and have become a leading surfwear brand. Their products are made for people who enjoy being in the water, but they also have clothing for general wear. The company's garments are of good quality and design and are made to provide both comfort and style.
Website: us.oneill.com |Brands like O'Neill
Popularity 4.4/10
-
7
Seachoice
Seachoice was established back in 1998. This company is mainly focused on creating good and strong marine hardware products. They recognized the demand for quality hardware products in the marine industry and started to expand on the idea of creating durable and affordable products. Seachoice is now selling more than 6000 replacement parts to consumers. They are committed to the craft and always look for ways to improve the quality of their service. They have aggressively expanded their product line over the years.
Website: seachoice.com |Brands like Seachoice
Popularity 4.4/10
-
8
West Marine
West Marine had its first shop opened in 1975 in Palo alto, CA. As the name gives an idea about the company, it manufactures and deals in marine electronics and gears. It provides a massive variety of products in the marine category ranging from engine parts to safety gears and cleaning products. It has more than 240 stores in 38 states. It relies on quality standards and customer service efficiency and reached this place.
Website: westmarine.com |Brands like West Marine
Popularity 4.3/10
-
9
Hyperlite
Hyperlite is an LED distributor with over ten years of expertise in creating, producing, and distributing LED appliances. With high-quality goods and excellent service, the company has earned a strong reputation as one of the most trusted lighting providers. The...
Website: hi-hyperlite.com |Brands like Hyperlite
Popularity 4.1/10
-
10
Mustang
Independently run and maintained, Mustang Optical is a retail optical and eye care business. Complete eye examinations for contact lenses, prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, safety eyewear, and much more are all available. With more than ten years of expertise in the...
Website: mustangoptical.com |Brands like Mustang
Popularity 3.9/10
-
11
dbx
Dbx is a professional audio management system. It includes a series of various types of equipment providing equalization and loudspeaker management. It has modular processors that help deliver the best and the most vital output signals. Dbx has developed its...
Website: dbxpro.com |Brands like dbx
Popularity 3.9/10
-
12
NRS
NRS, a significant maker of high-performance inflatable boats, SUP boards, and challenging, cutting-edge gear for anybody looking for adventure on the water, was established in 1972 and had its corporate headquarters in Moscow, Idaho. Northwest River Supplies, founded in a...
Website: nrs.com |Brands like NRS
Popularity 3.8/10
-
13
AIRHEAD
Taking care of all your little swimming adventures and watersports getaways, Airhead brings you all the necessary equipment and accessories to help you sail through any tide. From life jackets to floats and fabulous apparel with a perfect fit, it...
Website: airhead.com |Brands like AIRHEAD
Popularity 3.8/10
-
14
Jetpilot
Jetpilot designs gear for water enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who like living in the sun. The company makes gear for water seekers and work creators, with precise design, significant attention to protection, fittings for purpose, and a growing dedication to our...
Website: jetpilot.com.au |Brands like Jetpilot
Popularity 3.6/10
-
15
HO SPORTS
You can trust the name HO Sports when it comes to water sports gear. They are committed to designing and producing more special waterskiing equipment and accessories. Shop their extensive selection of skis, boots, bindings, accessories, wakeboards, and wakeboarding equipment....
Website: hosports.com |Brands like HO SPORTS
Popularity 3.1/10
-
16
-
17
Stohlquist
Stohlquist has been a well-known maker of WaterWare since 1977. The product portfolio comprises PFDs, outerwear, and paddling accessories. With a vast assortment of travelling, recreational, and whitewater paddling life jackets and accessories. The gear is built with high-quality, long-lasting...
Website: stohlquist.com |Brands like Stohlquist
Popularity 2.8/10
-
18
Aqua Leisure
Aqua Leisure Pools is a go-to destination for your pool's needs. They provide a diverse range of in-ground pool liners, pump and filter equipment, and pool accessories from leading manufacturers at cheap pricing. They are the country's leading online vendor...
Website: aqualeisurepools.com |Brands like Aqua Leisure
Popularity 2.4/10
-
19
Maui and Sons
Maui and Sons is a surfing and lifestyle brand that presents eco-friendly products for appreciative individuals who partake in an active lifestyle. The adventurous company embodies mother nature and creates products suitable for beaches, skate parks, and more. The extensive...
Website: us.mauiandsons.com |Brands like Maui and Sons
Popularity 2.3/10
-
20
Astral
Astral enables you to enjoy every moment of your life freely and explore the world through its wide range of sandals and shoes for men, women, and kids. Astral provides a perfect pair for your feet for every type of...
Website: astraldesigns.com |Brands like Astral
Popularity 2.2/10
-
21
Jobe
Jobe has a deep love for watersports, and that can truly be seen in the products they manufacture. Its watersport gear uses the finest materials and is made with genuine passion and care to help you enjoy and appreciate watersports...
Website: jobesports.com |Brands like Jobe
Popularity 1.9/10
-
22
Cabela's
Cabela is the brainchild of Johnny Morris. He founded the company in 1972. He loved the outdoors and wanted to create a space where all the outdoor lovers could get the products they needed for their great adventure. It does...
Website: cabelas.com |Brands like Cabela's
Popularity 1.9/10
-
23
Slippery
Slippery wetsuits is a comprehensive manufacturer of trendy and bountiful swimsuits for every category of swimmer. A uniquely designed range of boots, gloves, sportswear, and more promises comfort and freedom to outperform competently. The material is highly mobile and lightweight...
Website: slipperywetsuits.com |Brands like Slippery
Popularity 1.5/10
-
24
Liquid Force
Liquid Force is a surfboard brand that aims to provide the best quality boards to everyone, from beginners to professionals. Furthermore, the products range from all kinds of boards and bindings to CGA vests, ropes and handles, bags and packs,...
Website: liquidforce.com |Brands like Liquid Force
Popularity 1.3/10
-
25
Riber
Riber has set up numerous brands and their products across various industries. They are suppliers of equipment used in many events and provide accessories associated with many industries such as watersports and camping. It is appreciable that their company is...
Website: riberproducts.com |Brands like Riber
Popularity 1.1/10
-
26
Jantzen
Swimwear is an essential part of participating in water sports, and the proper swimwear with correct fittings can go a long way in improving the swimmer's confidence. Jantzen is a company that has been a pioneer in the field of...
Website: jantzen.com |Brands like Jantzen
Popularity 1.0/10
-
27
TYR
TYR is one of the leading and competitive brands of swimwear and triathlon. They believe in embracing the lifestyle market, both in and out of the water. Their goal is to engineer the fastest and the most advanced rendition products....
Website: tyr.com |Brands like TYR
Popularity 0.6/10
-
28
FINIS
FINIS is a global swimming industry leader with a purpose to simplify swimming via innovation, more fabulous products, and an emphasis on teaching. Their best equipment and international network of swimming teachers have assisted millions of swimmers in reaching their...
Website: finisswim.com |Brands like FINIS
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedo | speedo.com | /SpeedoUK | speedouk | @SpeedoUK | – |
| Body Glove | bodyglove.com | /bodyglove | bodyglove | @bodyglove | – |
| Kent | kent.bike | /KentBikes | pedaltogether | @kentbicycles | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| O'Brien | obrien.com | /OBrienWakeboards | obrienwatersports | – | obrienh2osports |
| O'Neill | us.oneill.com | – | – | – | – |
| Seachoice | seachoice.com | /seachoiceproducts | seachoiceproducts | – | Seachoice Products |
| West Marine | westmarine.com | – | – | – | – |
| Hyperlite | hi-hyperlite.com | /Hi.Hyperlite | hi_hyperlite | – | Led Hyperlite |
| Mustang | mustangoptical.com | /mustangoptical | – | – | – |
Life Jackets Buying Guide
Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are crucial safety equipment for swimmers, boaters, and anyone else spending time in or around the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, choosing the right life jacket for your needs can be a daunting task. In this buying guide, we'll explain the different types of life jackets and what to look for when making your purchase.
Types of Life Jackets
There are five different categories of life jackets, each with their own unique features and intended uses. These categories are:
- Type I – Offshore Life Jackets: These life jackets are designed for extended survival in rough and remote water where rescue may be delayed. They provide the most buoyancy and are suitable for all waters, specifically open, rough or remote. They are made with durable fabrics, and in most cases are reversible, so you can wear them regardless of which way you end up in the water.
- Type II – Near-Shore Vests: These vests are intended for use in calm inland waters, where a quick rescue is likely. They provide less buoyancy than Type I jackets, but they are easier to wear and more comfortable, making them suitable for activities such as fishing or canoeing.
- Type III – Flotation Aids: Type III jackets are designed for a wide range of water activities, such as swimming, water skiing, and kayaking. They are lightweight and less bulky than Type I and II jackets, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- Type IV – Throwable Devices: Type IV devices include throwable cushions, ring buoys and horseshoe buoys. These are not wearable devices, but rather items that can be tossed to someone in the water to help keep them afloat while awaiting rescue.
- Type V – Special Use Devices: These jackets are suitable for specific activities such as kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing. They are typically more comfortable and offer more freedom of movement than other types of life jackets, but they only provide the necessary buoyancy when worn properly.
Factors to Consider
Now that you understand the different types of life jackets, you need to consider the following factors when purchasing one:
- Fit: Proper fit is the most important factor when choosing a life jacket. A life jacket that is too small will not provide enough buoyancy, while one that is too large may slip off in the water. Make sure the jacket fits snugly but comfortably and that all straps are adjusted for a secure fit.
- Buoyancy: A life jacket's buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). It's important to choose a jacket with the right buoyancy for your weight and the activities you'll be doing. The buoyancy needed also depends on your body mass index (BMI). The general rule of thumb is to find a life jacket with at least 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs) of buoyancy if you are under 40 kg (90 lbs), and at least 22 lbs of buoyancy if you weigh over 90 kg (200 lbs).
- Activity: As mentioned earlier, different types of life jackets are suited for different activities. For example, a Type I life jacket would be appropriate for offshore sailing or kayaking, while a Type III jacket would be better for wakeboarding or water skiing. Make sure the life jacket you choose is suitable for the activities you'll be doing.
- Visibility: Brightly colored jackets and reflective strips make it easier for rescuers to spot you in the water, especially in low-light conditions. Consider choosing a jacket with a high-visibility color or reflective strips for added safety.
- Extra features: Depending on your needs, you may want to look for a life jacket with extra features such as pockets, whistles, or lights. Pockets can be handy for storing small items such as keys or sunglasses, while a whistle or light can help attract attention in an emergency.
Caring for Your Life Jacket
Your life jacket is an investment in your safety, so it's important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips for maintaining your life jacket:
- Store your life jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Rinse your life jacket with fresh water after each use to remove salt or debris.
- Hang your life jacket to dry in a well-ventilated area, but do not expose it to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can damage the fabric and foam.
- Inspect your life jacket regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, punctures, or fading. Replace your life jacket if it is damaged or no longer fits properly.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Failure to do so could void the warranty or compromise the effectiveness of the life jacket.
Conclusion
Choosing the right life jacket is a crucial step in ensuring your safety while enjoying activities in or around the water. By considering the different types of life jackets, the factors to consider when purchasing one, and how to care for your life jacket, you can make an informed decision and enjoy peace of mind while participating in water-related activities.
