Author Topic: Impact vest recommendations  (Read 2901 times)

SUPdad

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Impact vest recommendations
« on: April 04, 2019, 06:12:49 PM »
Any recommendations for impact vests?  Water is warm here so minimal coverage would be best. I have sore shoulders so it’s gotta go on like a jacket with a zipper, can’t do a pullover type. My styling preference is plain and simple, and not too lumpy looking.  :o
Thanks!

Badger

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2019, 06:45:03 PM »
I recently bought the O'Neil Slasher Comp zippered vest and I love it. It's not bulky at all. Very low profile.

I'm 6' tall, 175 lbs, 38 inch chest and the medium fits me perfect.
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

clay

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2019, 08:40:08 AM »
When I was learning I had a gnarly roll fall and landed from full height onto the rail of my board right on my ribs.   Thought I broke something, hurt like hell.  So glad I was wearing a thick lumpy extra padded impact vest.   I landed on one of the thick pads, nothing broken and only sore for a few days.  It was a Patagonia pullover, maybe find the equivalent or cut and sew a zipper or velcro down the middle.
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Badger

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2019, 03:04:04 PM »
One problem with the Patagonia is that it's made for prone surfing and has no padding on the front, just the sides and back. I guess that might make it easier to add a zipper. Being a big wave vest, it has a lot of float. Too much for everyday surf IMO.

The Comp vests have full wrap around padding and just enough flotation that I can raise my arms above water and still breath. This guarantees that I will make it back to shore even if exhausted and getting pummeled by waves.

.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2019, 03:10:59 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

WhatsSUP

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2019, 03:51:55 PM »
One problem with the Patagonia is that it's made for prone surfing and has no padding on the front, just the sides and back.

Not true Badger....I've got two of Patagonia R1's and they have two large size pads in the chest area. I have a couple of different vests including a O'Neil Gooru and much prefer the Patagonia vests. To date, biggest complaint I've heard about them is they run a bit small and aren't easy for bigger guys.
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Badger

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2019, 04:07:50 PM »
Oh yeah, that's right. It has two pads covering the upper chest but below that is no padding.

I found the Patagonia to be very difficult to get on and off, and too bulky and buoyant for me but I'm sure there are many who prefer it.

Here are the Patagonia and O'Neil Slasher Comp together.
« Last Edit: April 05, 2019, 04:12:32 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

Dwight (DW)

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2019, 05:02:49 PM »
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supfoo

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Re: Impact vest recommendations
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2019, 07:35:03 PM »
GUL has a nice one. Gul flexor III, around 60 dollars.

 


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