CGA or Non CGA

TexasDevil · Criminal Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 74 City: Dallas Texas

with the different wake vests that are out there, does CGA mean that hit has more floatation to it?

ty540 · Addict Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 603

Basically, yes. Generally, USCGA vests are also more secure (e.g., have more buckles). I would recommend that you go with coast guard approved vests. If you get a vest that fits correctly, the additional bulk of the flotation won't affect your mobility whatsoever. Unapproved vests often are comfortable, but there is a level of risk involved. I used to use non-cga vests, and I've had zippers blow out and vests get ripped off during falls--kind of scary.

nickl011 · Posted: Feb 11, 2007 5:43 pm Post subject:

Its coast guard approved, and is fat with more buckles, like ty540 said

TexasDevil · Criminal Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 74 City: Dallas Texas

cause i want a nice vest thats low profile but still some floatation

LakeIolaLuke · Posted: Feb 11, 2007 9:53 pm Post subject:

Not all CGA vests Are more bouyant than similar non-CGA vests. To pass CG standards, the vest must be able to turn a face-down body onto his/her back if they're unconscious. No vest will turn you over with a wakeboard on your feet, however. A good vest I can recommend is The oniell vapor. It's non-cga due to it's lack of buckles, but quite buoyant as far as wake vests go. Get it a bit snug though, they tend to stretch

ty540 · Addict Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 603

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

ty is right. CG type III just has to keep you afloat with your lungs full of water. It doesn't have to turn you face up.

Non USCGA just means that the manufacturer didn't get it approved which makes it illegal to use behind a boat. But I only know 1 person who's ever even been checked for that. Really, the only reason they wouldn't get it approved is because it doesn't have enough flotation. Most non-USCGA vests that I have tried didn't float me enough for my liking. Even with the board on I felt like I had to tread water a little bit to keep my mouth above water. Although the main vest I ride now is non-USCGA, it has more floatation than most other nons that I've used. The thing that sucks though is you never know until you try them. If you ride with a diversified crew I'd ask people you ride with if you can try their vest and see how you like it.

Blake · Posted: Feb 12, 2007 8:57 am Post subject:

ty540, is correct. However, I ride non-cga for the added flexabilty. And yes, I have had different ones blow apart on me, which is scary the first time. However, to say that they wont float you is kind of misleading. Most people just dont know how to stay afloat with them. A fall is a different story. Its one of those things though. You either want the added safety or you dont. I would say this though, anyone who is starting out, or doesnt have much time under their belt, I would go with a cga vest.

TexasDevil · Criminal Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 74 City: Dallas Texas

Ok anybody else know of any cga or not cga wake vests that have good floatation that you have tried out? other than oneil vapor...

HHI Dave · Posted: Feb 12, 2007 3:01 pm Post subject:

Blake · Posted: Feb 12, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

TexasDevil, pretty much in the Helium/Nevin line.

WakeBoarder44 · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Posts: 1107

I have an non CGA Hyperlite vest and it floats good enough...

I've never been checked for that.
I don't even think it's obliged in Belgium (europe)

Wakemaster_17 · Outlaw Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 123 City: Vicksburg

i have a ripcurl stealth and it keeps my head out of the water and that is good enough for me