Side zip jackets - why?

[Wakeboarder3780]

So I know side zip life jackets are all the rage. Well I finally bought my first one and I put it on and I don't think I understand what the point of them is supposed to be? Is it just a "looks cool" thing? Or is there supposedly some functionality I'm not understanding about it?

Personally for me, my shoulder flexibility sucks, so having to try to zip up on the side and tighten buckles starting from one extreme side is a huge PITA. I'd like to know what my investment of extra effort is getting me.

[NKCrider]

i have the Helium S.W.A.T side entry and love it. its more flexible than any of our regulars ones

[Blindside_137]

I have no preference at all.. my last vest was a front zip billabong, now i have a side zip helium. The billabong fit me great two years ago and now the helium fits me great.

[sirPARTYman]

I prefer no zip slip over ones

[Wakeboarder3780]

Ok, yeah I'm not really going for a poll on whether or not you like or dislike side zip jackets. I'm asking why they were invented. What was the idea behind them. Apparently somebody thought it would be superior to a front zip life jacket and I'm trying to figure out why.

[Chocoholic]

Mmm not sure really, but for me jackets with side zips certainly fit better, plus you get more uninhibited protection front and back, because it's one continuous panel instead of being broken up in the front. From a personal point of view, I like them better because there's nothing worse than taking a hard face plant and finding a zip imprint in your chest or bruises from front buckles - no thanks.

Also if you look at many of the vest, side entry, pull over vests and rear zipped nes tend to be a lot thinner, lighter and have a more snug fit.

[jctwake]

S/E Vests make it less like to get tangled up on a handle pass because on most S/Es the straps tuck in to a little slot. I remember in my front zip vest I always got my hands slapped by flailing straps during a 3.

[PimpinD2]

pretty sure its easier to bust open the front zip ones on a hard landing than the size zip...

[holdsworth]

Better padding in the front is my guess. Rather than have one huge zipper line going down the center of your chest/stomach, have it on the side so your front is more protected on an edge catch or another hard fall up front. Of course, it might just be for better comfort. I love side zips/pullovers though and won't go back to another front zip.

[savage3221]

The uninterrupted panel on the front lends increased mobility as well. You can bend over toward your knees a little better without the zipper, etc. located there.

[Wakeboarder3780]

well I'll give it a shot today. Finally stopped hurting myself long enough that I can get back out and ride if I can find a spotter. I'll let you know what I think of it. I can understand the extra padding on the front being a benefit.

I guess the zipper is also smaller and hence less prone to breaking.

Thanks for the responses guys, I bought it because it was a good deal but I hate buying trendy gear with no functional purpose other than "It looks cool"

[Thomas P.]

yep, savage got on the head. Without a conventional generally un-flexible zipper in front, s/e is suppose to have better flex and mobility especially down the front.

[Wakeboarder3780]

Rode it tonight, it was pretty comfy. Can I tell a difference between my front zip neoprene that I just gave up? Not really. Then again I don't try many inverts so front / back flex is almost lost on me. In the end if my opinion is "it's comfy" I'm happy. Thanks every for "edumacating" me