Comp Vests VS USCG Apprv.

RELAx · Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 14

I'm Looking to buy a new vest. Could anyone please tell me the difference between Comp Vests and USCG approved ones? The Comp ones Look cooler by far too me. Cool

Buts thats all I know unfortunatly.

I need to know the difference though before I make my desicion.

Please help.

Thanks!

tprkolbas · Outlaw Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 184 City: white lake

uscg approved means united states coast guard approved. if you happen to get pulled over by a marine cop - he may check your vests. persons being towed behind a boat are required to have on uscg approved vests (at least in michigan it is that way)

bschall · Outlaw Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 133

on the non coast guard approved vest it says 'Can b used in a compitition or in the training of a competiton' or something along those words. You can tell the cop guy that you r training for the comp if you have enough lifevests in the boat that evertone that is in or out of the boat.

peace

RELAx · Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 14

Aw okay that makes more sense now thanks.

Any one else know more about the two different kinds?

Mackr0s · Criminal Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 84 City: Plano, TX

USCG are bigger and offer more floation.

Comp's vary in thier flotation abilities.

Some comps are really light, and some are moderate. I use the Hyperlite 5-10 Comp Vest becuase its a middle ground between any USCG and a Light Comp.

Here as some pic I just googled so you can see the size difference

USCG - Heavy

Comp 5-10 - Moderate

Comp Vest - Light

paus21 · Posted: Mar 23, 2006 12:11 pm Post subject:

If you are not comfortable in the water with a wakeboard on your feet yet, go with the USCG. My Jetpilot A-10 doesnt offer too much flotation and some of my buddies would struggle to keep their head above the water. Hilarious to watch though.

karkid · Soul Rider Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 327 City: Tempe

yea my comp vest doesn't float me that well and i have to paddle a little to keep my head out of the water, but it is a lot more comfortable while riding.

FlynHighBaxter · Newbie Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1 City: Calgary

The Comp vests are much less buoyant than a normal PFD and there are some that simply provide impact projection similar to a MotoCross vest with little Buoyancy. I just picked up a JetPilot Stance which is a Coast Guard Certified side entry vest which I feel is better for an all around vest for the Beginner/intermediate rider. As experience increases the increased mobility provided by the low profile Comp vests become an advantage.

waterdork88 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 221 City: lake placid

i have the exact same moderate vest...and i recommend that or the heavy vests...my dad has a light vest and it is so light it feels like i might as well not be wearing a vest...and crashing hurts more with a light vest...but thats just my opinion Cool

intotheflats · Posted: Mar 24, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject:

I actually liek auscg vest because of the additional padding it offers for those unexpected rib shots. wearing a nonuscg vest is basically like wearing nothing at all. If you take a hard fall its easy to knock the wind out of you. The uscg vests help some in that area.

joedirt00 · Posted: Mar 28, 2006 5:16 am Post subject:

USCGA vests will roll you over in the event you are knocked unconcious. They also have minimum requirements for bouyancy and are required to have at least 2 buckles. The non-approved vests do not have any regulations or standards to meet, so their characteristics will vary from vest to vest.

Regardless of how many life jackets you have on your boat, in most cases it is not legal to ride with a comp vest outside of an actual competition. In a comp, there is EMS and ambulance on site if anything happens, open water you are on your own. Thats why they are required.

IMO, the approved vests are quickly closing the gap on the comfort issue. There are a few out that are really comfortable.

vette74 · Posted: Mar 28, 2006 5:26 am Post subject:

joedirt00 · Posted: Mar 28, 2006 6:23 am Post subject:

vette74,

You are correct, I had to look though. Rolling Eyes

They are designed to float you chest up, not neccessarily roll you over.

I do know that my SWAT vest will roll me over on my back. I suspect that alot of the "water sport" vests are made this way but are not required to be.

tprkolbas · Outlaw Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 184 City: white lake

i stand corrected on what i previously said about uscg vests in michigan. i did some research and michigan laws state you don't even have to wear a vest when being towed. you just have to have a uscg in the boat for every person on board as well as a type IV throwable. sorry for the bad info.

pilot_ryder · Posted: Mar 29, 2006 11:06 am Post subject:

ya im looking at the oneil vapor, its not approved but its still gonna float me Mr. Green

bschall · Outlaw Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 133

Also if you are knosked unconcious the people in your boat will hep u up. There not gunna leave you