Chest size: 50 cm - 152 cm
User weight: 30 kg - 120 kg
Use: PADDLING, ROWING, WHITE WATER Material: 250 g nylon cover Buoyancy: super-soft buoyancy foam – for best wearing comfort CE number: 99130026 Colour: red-black Sizes: Maxi, S, M, L, XL, XXL Equipment: adjustable ...
We occasionally get questions from customers confused about the buoyancy ratings for life vests.
How can a personal flotation device (PFD) rated at 15.5 lbs, hold up a person of 200 lbs?
USE CODE 10%ACC for 10% off all accessories with purchase of a kayak or SUP at Airkayaks.com.
While the rating method may seem confusing at first glance, we will explain the math behind it. But first we have a quick guide to understanding the current US Coast Guard regulations on various PFD types and their ratings.
PFD Types
Type I – Offshore Life Jacket. Designed for extended survival in rough, open or remote water. It has the highest float rating and usually will turn an unconscious person face up. Minimum buoyancy rating 22 lbs. adults, 11 lbs child, 7 lbs infant.
Type II – Near Shore Buoyant Vest. Best use for adults and children in calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. Slighly less bulky than Type I vests, and can turn some unconscious people face-up. Minimum buoyancy 15.5 lbs. adults, 11 lbs child, 7 lbs infant.
Type III – Flotation Aid: For use in calm water by conscious users, where there is good chance of fast rescue. Type III is generally the “paddler’s choice” because they are designed for general boating/water activities as makred on the vest, and are more comfortable. Minimum buoyancy 15.5 lbs. adults, 11 lbs child, 7 lbs infant.
Type IV – Throwable Device: Boat cushions, rings, and horseshoe buoys. These are for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue. They are not designed to be worn and should be supplemented with a wearable PFD. Varying minimum buoyancy 16.5 to 18 lbs dependent on device.
Type V – Special Use Device. “Special Use” PFDs include commercial whitewater rafting vests, work vests, deck suits, and hybrid inflatables with restricted use for specific activities as outlined on the vest – be sure to READ the USCG instructions sewn or printed on the device. Varying minimum buoyancy 15 to 22 lbs dependent on device.
Inflatable PFDs: These rely on inflatable chambers that provide buoyancy when inflated by a C02 cylinder. Uninflated, they are less bulky than foam jackets. Please note: these must be regularly inspected and re-armed. Not for non-swimmers or for long hours in rough water. While some are automatic, most of these must be physically inflated, meaning, you need to be cognizant to orally inflate, or pull the inflation cord. Manual inflatable PFDs are not a great choice for situations when you might be hit by something. Varying minimum buoyancy 22 to 33 lbs inflated dependent on device.
How Do We Calculate Weight in Water?
Approximately 80% of the human body is water, thus will not weigh you down (has no weight) in water. Additionally, bodies on average have 15% fat, which is lighter than water. There are other factors that play a part, such as lung size, clothing and whether the water is calm or rough, but those two are the major factors. In general, the more physically fit you are (the less fat on your body), the more buoyancy you will need.
Let’s do the math on a 125 lb and 200 lb person.
125 lbs X 80% water = 100 lbs of water. 125 lbs X 15% fat = 18.75 lbs of fat.
125 lbs minus 100 lbs of water minus 18.75 lbs of fat leaves 6.25 lbs.
Meaning, a typical 125 lb person weighs roughly 6 lbs in the water. Thus a TYPE III vest rated at minimum 15.5 lbs will be more than adequate. A lean person might have only 10% (12.5 lbs of fat), thus weighing 12.5 lbs in the water. Once again, the TYPE III vest will be fine.
200 lbs X 80% water = 160 lbs of water. 200 lbs X 15% fat = 30 lbs of fat.
200 lbs minus 160 lbs of water minus 30 lbs of fat leaves 10 lbs.
Meaning, a typical 200 lb person weighs 10 lbs in the water. Thus a TYPE III vest rated at minimum 15.5 lbs will be more than adequate. A lean person might have only 10% (20 lbs of fat), thus weighing an additional 10 lbs in the water and needing a higher buoyancy of 20 lbs.
To check the buoyancy of your PFD in the water, relax your body and let your head tilt back. Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily.
For more info on PFDs, see our Guide to Choosing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or visit the website at www.AirKayaks.com.
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#1 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
100N lifejacket vs 70N PFD? So we go sibbing... dont't take risks... are usually running below 17kts... daylight hours... mostly in the warmer times of the year... and 99% of time with 1/2 crew. Currently I use a 100N foam lifejacket as I'm the one to enter the water at launch/retrieve so an auto inflate is no good to me and I'd rather foam than manual toggle. But it's time I replaced as it's a bit long in the body and restrictive to movement... and I wouldn't mind a few pockets and attachments for torch/radio/etc. So I'm wondering about a 70N PFD such as these... //www.decathlon.co.uk/ba500-70...06915_ii__vi__ Yak Rakau 70N Buoyancy Aid | Marine Super Store Baltic SAR Flotation Vest 70N - Marine Warehouse Ltd or perhaps this 60N...NRS Vista PFD - Shields Paddling Co. As usual thoughts positive or negative appreciated. __________________
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#2 |
RIBnet admin team
Country: UK - Scotland Boat name: imposter Make: FunYak Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 30HP MMSI: 235089819 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 11,572 |
I'd happily wear any of them for the sort of boating you do. The yak rakau, like many kayak jackets has the buoyancy distributed in a smaller but very thick part, so personally I wouldn't buy one for sibbing, unless you also paddle. Given the cost differences it takes quite a lot to get past the decathlon.
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Country: UK - Scotland Town: Stirling Boat name: The Gurnard Make: Quicksilver Length: 4m + Engine: mariner 25hp 2s Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,624 |
Hi Fenlander.. I generally wear PFD’s and prefer them to a life jacket . One thing about them that Im not so keen on is.. jump in the water wearing one.. and it tends to ride up over my neck / head. (I have a bit of a belly instead of an hourglass waist ..so the side straps as in the decathlon one doesn’t keep it down around my waist when in water.) I stitched a “crotch strap” on mine to keep it down.. so if going for one.. I would suggest getting one with a crotch strap.. or some way you can fix one if it doesn’t have one...as not all have them. Early part of the season.. I prefer my floatation jacket instead.. its got 80N of inbuilt buoyancy (XL size) .. more pockets than a Parka .. whistle.. windproof..hood..crotch strap ..rain proof.. etc .. so all in all ... is perfect for me in the colder weather (summer is often cold in Scotland as you know)
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#4 |
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Country: UK - England Town: Sussex Boat name: Bombard Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Mercury Mariner 15hp Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,292 |
I'm the same. 'Proper' LJ's when I had a RIB but perfectly happy with watersport type buoyancy aids in the SIB. Been using the same HH for a few years now: //www.fieldandtrek.com/helly-ha...FRATGwodiPcDng
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#5 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Thanks guys. No we don't intend to paddle Poly... well apart from shallows and the nightmare that investment in a 2016 OB proves less than reliable! So no need for the false pregnancy kayak specials. Yes the Tribord BA500 70N at Decathlon is a value deal... //www.decathlon.co.uk/ba500-70...06915_ii__vi__ Your HH Rider looks similar value Max. For me if money no object this Palm model ticks the slim look/big pockets boxes...Palm Hydro Red | Buoyancy Aid / PFD - Canoe and Kayak Store
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#6 | |
RIBnet admin team
Country: UK - Scotland Boat name: imposter Make: FunYak Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 30HP MMSI: 235089819 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 11,572 |
Quote:
[cheaper alternatives are available - these were just reasonably clear pics!]
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#7 |
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Country: UK - Wales Town: Cardiff Length: no boat Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,988 |
I have been using one of these for years (older model) but lasted very well keep thinking of replacing it but but then think why bother, I got one of the jelly Hansen ones for the missus and seems, to work fine.
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#8 | |
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Country: UK - Scotland Town: Stirling Boat name: The Gurnard Make: Quicksilver Length: 4m + Engine: mariner 25hp 2s Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,624 |
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If I was renewing mine today.. I like the look of the O Neill one that HDAV posted the link to..but that’s only my thots...I wouldn’t recommend my own YAC one for the above reasons.
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#9 | |
RIBnet admin team
Country: UK - Scotland Boat name: imposter Make: FunYak Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 30HP MMSI: 235089819 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 11,572 |
Gurnard - yes I've used ones like that - and they do rise up...
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#10 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Yep the pocket and attachment thing is a good part of it Gurnard hence my attraction to that sort of "tatical waistcoat" style. I'd like to have the radio, backup handheld GPS, knife and torch etc on my person rather than currently where I have to delve into a dri-bag. This is still my choice but struggling with the cost above others nearly as good. Palm Hydro Red | Buoyancy Aid / PFD - Canoe and Kayak Store Fully realise re radio Poly. In the situations we will want to use it we'll be at displacement speed... or becalmed. Re listening out for others in distress if we did hear something and could help that's great... but we're too small to be roaming the waters hoping to find someone we can tow.
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#11 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: London Make: Aerotec 3.8 Length: 3m + Engine: Mercury T/S 15hp Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 333 |
Thanks for the post Fenlander I'd been considering options last year to replace mine and with no progress I'm in the market still. The Palm Hydro is very smart - get yourself one of those and the Decathlon versions to define who is Captain and who is crew? I'd been wondering about the Chinese versions //www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121910306465 so much bang for buck, but would I go to sea in it? Doubtful
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#12 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Hi M... hope all is well with you and yours. Yep I'd be worried about those direct from China PFDs just over a tenner. Nothing wrong with Chinese made gear when they are contracting to a supplier of repute (like Honda/Honwave) but the generic stuff can be risky. If they are filled with car wash sponge foam its going to get tricky in the sea. Ha ha and if you want to elevate above captain there's always the Palm Rescue 850d... //www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2017...92-p-6684.html But wearing that you might be expected at the front of the queue to actually rescue folks.
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#13 |
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Country: UK - England Town: London Make: Aerotec 3.8 Length: 3m + Engine: Mercury T/S 15hp Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 333 |
Afternoon D, all good here hope same in return. Chinese versions could be a replacement for.. //www.decathlon.co.uk/weighted...d_8313278.html that Laser sailors/racers are fond of/banned from wearing Noticed the 850, even smarter and yes people would be falling over (literally?) to have you rescue them in that Looking forward to your outcome, if I get a chance there's a large decathlon not far I might go and get a hands on look will report back. Also looking forward to the South Devon/Teignmouth thread - think the area you've mentioned does dry out have a look at satellite/Google west of the bridge for the darker colour in the river, channel dries roughly to this point at LW, ground is walkable, mixture of sand/shell
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#14 |
RIBnet admin team
Country: UK - Scotland Boat name: imposter Make: FunYak Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 30HP MMSI: 235089819 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 11,572 |
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#15 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Interesting link Poly. Their kit looks the part, sure it will be well made and prices quite fair compared with some. They also manage 100-110N from the PFD you linked and their similar model the Evo Pro 5 at the same price.... //www.ndiver-rescue.com/arctic...-evo-pro-5-pfd Also their Rescue 900 at "only" £67-50 looks a bit more casual (less bondage inspired) but still is a 75N.//www.ndiver-rescue.com/rescue-900-pfd
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#16 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: Retford Boat name: Spy-sea-one Make: Excel 435 Length: 4m + Engine: Suzuki Outboard/25/4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 7,321 |
I have the NRS kayak ones too great with the pockets 50 N mine but I wear a dry suit as well, got auto and manual for when I don't wear the dry suit
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#17 |
Member
Country: UK - Wales Town: Cardiff Length: no boat Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,988 |
I'm just used to wearing the impact 4 buckle type they are 50N but I wear a wetsuit/drysuit so waterlogged clothing isn't an issue I can swim in them and they are good if your getting wet perfect for zap cat racing, wake boarding etc but not perhaps so good if touring a lake or harbour? I don't know it's what I have and I'm happy with it, downside is it won't float you face up. It's not a life jacket but isn't designed to be, it's for wet water sports, I have used the kayak types And they rode up when in the water and can sit too high on chest, but better for storage etc perhaps incorrectly I don't keep vhf on my person more through fear of loosing it when I go for a swim......
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#18 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: London Length: 6m + Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 252 |
You cannot make a decision on 70KN or 100KN without considering your weight and also how confident you are in the water.
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#19 |
Member
Country: UK - Scotland Town: Stirling Boat name: The Gurnard Make: Quicksilver Length: 4m + Engine: mariner 25hp 2s Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1,624 |
Yup..I agree Mikew4 and its always a worthy exercise jumping in the sea with it while its pockets are full of the normal things you intend carrying.. torches .. spare batteries .. loose change etc..all add up.. and if you are not careful you may find a 50N one turns out to be 20N or less once you subtract the weight you may put in those big pockets. Of course..it could also mean a 50N one is actually better ..if its full of floating gear.
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#20 | |
RIBnet admin team
Country: UK - Scotland Boat name: imposter Make: FunYak Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 30HP MMSI: 235089819 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 11,572 |
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#21 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Yep in truth we all have to weigh up our own abilities firstly with the boat and then in the water if dunked. Also up to each to decide on the level of acceptable risk bearing in mind operating area, other crew member's abilities and any further safety equipment carried in boat/on person. For me that equation's answer falls in the 70-100N range. Still undecided on brand/model but this 70N Palm Hydro Red | Buoyancy Aid / PFD - Canoe and Kayak Store is still the frontrunner... crotch straps will be added. Anyway if I think I might fall out I'll blow up the beach landing rollers Gurnard tempted me into buying last year... 135lbs positive buoyancy under each arm! __________________
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Country: UK - England Town: Tyne and Wear Make: RC 4.8 & Aero380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 50 & 20 Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 278 |
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#23 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: London Length: 6m + Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 252 |
Haha yes - would be quite perverse if you had to remove your PFD in order to get back on board....
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#24 | ||
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Yep that's why I'm not going for some of the extreme shaped kayak biased PFDs with huge front/side pockets like full hamster cheeks! It's taken a week to decide on a torch... so the PFD will be a while longer. BTW this lady appears to be wearing her PFD and she has no trouble getting back in the SIB!
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#25 |
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Country: UK - England Town: Retford Boat name: Spy-sea-one Make: Excel 435 Length: 4m + Engine: Suzuki Outboard/25/4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 7,321 |
Not the silicon ones you see
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#26 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: Peterborough Make: Honwave T38 Length: 3m + Engine: Suzuki 6hp Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 68 |
Typical. Just called Decathlon in MK to check the availability and colour choice of the
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#27 | |
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Country: UK - Wales Town: Cardiff Length: no boat Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,988 |
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#28 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: Retford Boat name: Spy-sea-one Make: Excel 435 Length: 4m + Engine: Suzuki Outboard/25/4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 7,321 |
Since I have gone back to sibing getting back in the boat is an issue not just with kit on but not getting any younger I have a method sorted and going to try this week but the guy who bought my boat has a set of sea steps around £39 and swears by them worth thinking about I certainly will if my set up doesn't work
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#29 | |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: London Make: Aerotec 3.8 Length: 3m + Engine: Mercury T/S 15hp Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 333 |
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#30 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Well I said the decision (dithering?) might take a while... almost 3wks actually. Went for the Palm Hydro in the end from Palm Hydro PFD - Red - With free Hydration Bladder! - Marine Warehouse Ltd from Marine Warehouse who were offering it at £79-99 inc a free £13 hydration bladder. I should have been a M/L but sixth sense made me order that and an XL/XXL which was the next size up. Only stood to lose the postage when returning the one that didn't fit for a refund. Despite me taking 42-44 jackets which should have brought me into the 43" capacity of the M/L I did need the larger size.Each jacket has a certificate with its individual buoyancy rating marked and mine is a 79N. In a crisis the free 1.5l hydration bladder which fits into the back pouch can of course be used in reverse by inflating to gain an extra 9N... in theory! Attached Thumbnails
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#31 |
Member
Country: UK - England Town: East Anglia Boat name: Nimrod II Make: Aerotec 380 Length: 3m + Engine: Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7,562 |
Just an update... the dithering time was worth it as I've ended up with 100% what I needed. For anyone with similar requirements to mine I'd say this is an excellent PFD. Brilliant having pockets for the first time... just carrying radio, backup GPS & penknife in them. It didn't have a crotch strap but after testing it and seeing how essential one was like Gurnard a few posts above I added a strap. Not quite as neat as his stitching I'm sure but strong enough. I made the slot with a hot knife for the strap loop to go through over the existing reinforcing webbing before stitching to it. The strap came from these folks and I chose them as they supplied it in a red option. //www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Life-Jacke...3D182544807616 Attached Thumbnails __________________
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