Bouyancy Aids

Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by stuarthop I have a very good side entry henri lloyd one works a treat! Is that the Black and gray one- I've got that, keeps my ears warm when I capsize.... sounds silly, but need an XXL to get it over all the winter clobber under my drysuit, absolutely useless in shorts and t-shirt weather, turns into a floating hat (not a prob for Tom though- Shorts and T's all year round right? )

Nah mines navy and grey never slips up it has a usefull side bucke which tightens up a treat so it doesnt slip

Yeah, I wish. I use an inflatable type one. small, no bouyancy when not inflated, and much more bouyancy, about 3 times (150N), than a standard aid.

Magic Marine every time Tom.  I've tried a few now, I had a Gul Garda and every time you went in the drink it floated up round your ears somewhere, and I'd often undo the velcro strap by catching it with my forearm.  I would also sometimes catch the spinnaker pole between my shoulder and the BA usually resulting in a swim and some anglo-saxon expletives.  Easily sorted by wearing an aero vest over the top, but then much harder for a rescue driver to pull you out of the water.

The MM BA has a wide velcro strap which you do up first before you zip it up which keeps it well and truly in place if you go in.  It sits really high on your chest and stays clear of your harness.  Unlike some MM products (like the old Tack Watch for example!!) the racing BA is a brilliant bit of kit and worth the extra tenner or so compared to what else is out there.