Jet Pilot Molded non USCG vests

dyost · Criminal Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 76 City: Peoria

Has anyone used either the molded stance vest or the A-10? I looking at picking up one of the two for this season. Love the look but am concerned about floatation. My last non USGA vest (Nevin) did very well but there just doesn't look like a lot of floatation on the two JP vests.

Also a question on fit. How do the sizes run? Big, small? I am 6'3" 215 lbs.

Thanks for the help.

michaelvincz · Criminal Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 91 City: Monticello

The molded stance and/or the A-10 are very comfortable jackets, only problem is they do not float the rider all that well. I am 5'6" and 125 lbs. and they dont even keep me afloat that great. They work but arent very safe, although you wont sink with it on, it wont float you face up either. I have a molded stance and the baller and prefer the baller because one it looks cooler and two it has alot more floatation although still not an approved vest. Hope this helps a little.

JLMcRae333 · Newbie Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 34 City: Meridian, MS

yea i expierenced the same thing but its not really that bad. I'm 6' 1'' and 180 lbs and it kept me afloat. It's not like a life jacket when your a kid and your whole chest is above water but it still keeps you from going under

JLMcRae333 · Newbie Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 34 City: Meridian, MS

as for size being that tall i would go with the XL/2XL or bigger if they have it. i have the XL/2XL and i wish mine was a little bigger but i think that is as big as they get

scott a · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 9810

the a-10 didnt float me for sht. i wouldnt spend that much money on a vest that floats me at my neck. then again, its not my money so do what you'd like.

dyost · Criminal Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 76 City: Peoria

Thanks guys. I'm pretty much hearing and seeing mixed reviews on this vest from the gear guide here and the "other" site. I still might get it. Only problem is if I get knocked out. Used to never worry about this but I want to learn whirlybirds this year so I'm kinda skeptical of a non USCG vest.

On a side note, anyone know any good USCG approved vests?

scott a · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 9810

i love my O'neill Law vest. its USCG and it floats me between my shoulders and my armpits. its quite comfy as well.

michaelvincz · Criminal Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 91 City: Monticello

dyost, As long as your boat driver turns around and comes to pick you up when you get worked, you have nothing to worry about, you will live. But like I said its not coast gaurd approved so it will float you. They ar very comfy jackets, but its not approved for a reason. That being it wont float you face up and save your life if you were knocked out and your buddies didnt notice that you fell until ten minutes later, but that doesnt happen very often that I know of. I'd say your safe withit, but again its your money, buy what you like and fits you the best. Dont let others make your mind up for you.

waker1der · Outlaw Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 102 City: London UK

if your worried about being knocked out wear a helmet, ive got the a10 and i love it great impact protection and great fit, between your board and the vest you wont sink, and like michaelvincz says if you have a safe driver you'll be fine

nashvillematt · Addict Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 823 City: Nashville

I just got the A-10 and like the feel of it so far. It is a little snug and I wear an XL (6'3" 210lbs). If they have larger go with that. I like how it is compact and does not restrict movement. I would not worry about floating.....but, teach your spotter how to dive.

MS

thane_dogg · Outlaw Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 187 City: Corona

I don't know of any vest that will float you face up. By that I mean that I don't know of any vest that will make you turn over if you happen to be face down. I love my A-10. This will be my second season with it.

alafiaboarder · Posted: Feb 23, 2005 5:02 pm Post subject:

ya i have worn an a-10 for a couple of years and i wouldnt change, so light, i find it comfortable to not be halfway out of the water but its all preference, its also nice having full mobility of your arms and it twist really well, but do wut u want, just my 4 cents Rolling Eyes

premier101 · Outlaw Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 156

i like my jet pilot a-10 vest a lot. i don't like big heavy jackets at all they will absorb water and it was bothering me. when i first rode with it, i felt like i didn't even have avest on and i like that a lot, a more free-feel. you decide what you like. plus, i don't like having my head way out of the water when i am just floating, i like it better when i am down in the water more.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

dyost · Criminal Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 76 City: Peoria

I really don't care about face up or not. Just don't want to sink like a rock should something happen. I've been using a non USCG vest for years, I just always felt it floated me well enough. I'll probably end up getting the A-10. If I'm trying something I think poses an extra risk of getting knocked out (ie whirlybird) I'll put on an approved vest. Someone is sure to have one on the boat.