The O'Neill R&D process provides the best quality, fit and functionality in the industry. Our USCG Life Vests continue to set new standards of excellence in design for all wake and waterski athletes.
O**K
Really order 2 sizes bigger than what you usually are!
I'm really glad I read the reviews, to size up 2 sizes. I'm usually a solid size 8 for tops (half the time S and half the time M). So, I ordered a 12. Upon seeing this when it arrived, I thought it looked big, but when I put it on, it fit! Not too loose not to tight. I think this is a good lifejacket, my only complaint is that it seems to ride up when I'm in the water, the lifejacket ends up rising up past my ears. Maybe I'm just weird, but I wish it would stay put. I have tightened the waist straps, but it doesn't seem to be enough to stay put.The look of this life jacket is perfect, I love it!
N**R
Almost perfect! GF loves her new vest!
I bought this same O'Neill series for both my girlfriend and myself. Both are identical except for the men's version doesn't have the froo froo frilly designs on the front and back. We both love it! We tried on several different models including ones from Body Glove and Stearns. This is the model we kept!Pro's:- Solid construction- Hidden strap system- Quality and solid stitching, zippers and buckles- Sides fit very well- Design is very modern and professional- Zipper unzip velcro guard is a nice safety feature- The lumbar support feels AMAZING!!! Sometimes, I just wear this in my office when my lower back is giving me issues. Sounds crazy but it feels great!- The design is classy, feminine and high tech. I was looking at some Body Glove models and their design is very juvenile.Con's:- Runs about 1-2 sizes small, even though USCGA vests are supposed to fit snug (because they expand a little after they get wet), these definitely run on the small side. It's better to have it a bit extra snug than "fitting perfectly," otherwise, it will DEFINITELY ride up when you're in the water and push up very uncomfortable against your chin all the time. My GF is 5'3" and about 105lbs. She is normally an extra small to small at Banana Republic, but with these, she fits a size 10 (we bought 6/8/10). If you're not sure, just buy 2 sizes bigger than you normally wear.- Doesn't have a small pocket for keys, Body Glove USCG Vests have this feature. When you rent lockers at beach resorts, it's nice to have a secure place for your keys.- Doesn't have a plastic loop to keep excess strap organized, Body Glove USCG Vests have this system.If the next version of this vest includes the features that the Body Glove model has, it will easily be a 5 star product. I don't think the 1 star review of this vest complaining that it runs too small is very helpful. Just return it and get one that is 2 sizes larger, problem solved. :)UPDATE:We put this series to the test in Cozumel and it floated with flying colors! Since it's not a foam vest, it's easily compact enough to pack in the outside compartment of our check-in luggage. I ziptied the compartment to keep it secure. My GF doesn't know how to swim but wearing this gave her lots of confidence to snorkel quite a distance from the shore (~50 ft!). It looked great and flattering on her as well, which is always a bonus! Between snorkel sessions, we set it out next to us to dry, flipping it the other direction every few hours and it was plenty dry before heading back to our cruise ship, the Allure of the Seas.Highly recommended! Much better quality vests than the ones that were offered at the resorts for rental for nearly $10. I didn't want to take chances with a cheap vest with my girlfriend not being able to swim.About the 1-star reviews on here, if they are giving this product 1 star because it runs too small, then ignore them. First of all, USCGA vests are made to expand in water. Second of all, you want to select a vest that fits SNUG on your body, not perfect, not a little loose...but SNUG. The reason why is because vests are more buoyant than your body, so if it isn't snug, then it'll ride up and be very uncomfortable and even hinder your mobility in the water. Look up videos on YouTube on how to select a life vest and see for yourself. Third, the lumbar support works better when the fit is snug. You're paying a lot of money for the lumbar support feature (which is totally worth it, btw) so use it properly.Final word, just buy a size that is one to two sizes larger than you normally wear. Try two sizes larger and if it fits perfect, then go down a size. Remember, you want it to feel snug.
B**K
A heavy duty life vest but way under sized.
This jacket feels very heavy duty and well made however the fit is way too small and it's the largest they sell. I'm 5'5" and 165, 38B chest and the zippers are at least 4 inches apart. I wear a size 10-12 dress and pants. Sad that they do not sell larger sizes for women. Do we all have to be super tiny to enjoy water sports? I think I am very average size...
A**R
Non swimmer
The first one I got was a 8, I was going off the chart. We I received that one it was to tight so I had to return it to get a 10. Overall it’s a great life jacket, I can’t swim. It keeps your head out of the water and it’s light and comfortable and you can move it in.I tested it out in a swimming pool and I floated Just fine.
M**T
Fit using the size chart guide
I used the size chart to purchase this life jacket and I measured in between two sizes. I got the bigger of the two sizes and it fits great! Very snug just like it should! Very satisfied.
K**R
Order 2 sizes larger than your measurement.
I bought 2... 1 was one size up and the other was 2 sizes to big. The one that was 2 sizes to big fit perfect! I returned the other. Love the style of it!
C**T
The size 10 jacket fit me a lot better. The 8 was snug
The life jacket fits small, so I had to exchange it for the next size up. Returning for a different size was a simple process. I am 5'5, 125 pounds. The size 10 jacket fit me a lot better. The 8 was snug. I use my life jacket almost everyday. Quality is great.
S**7
Double check the sizing chart and go a size bigger
I recently purchased this life jacket for my wife. I measured her according to the sizing chart and order her one. When it came in she couldn't even zip it! I think a reevaluation of the sizing chart would be appreciated. Notice there are two sizing charts for neoprene and nylon. They are completely different! Chose accordingly.
Trustpilot
1 day ago
1 week ago