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Granite View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 May 04
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Posts: 476 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Granite Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Buoyancy Aids
    Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 1:33pm
I currently have a Magic Marine buoyancy aid, it is reaching the end of its life and I could do with replacing it. I can't remember the model name but looking on their website they don't seem to make it any more.

The thing I like about it is that it is secured around the middle with a thick band of elastic that you velco tight when you put it on. the outer of the vest then zips up. As you set the elastic tension each time you put it on it is always correct, and as it is elastic it does not restrict movement or feel tight as you bend an breath. 
I have never had a problem with it riding up as the elastic keeps it very secure, over the years I have used many different types of BA and this has to be the best. Looking online, and in my local chandlers I have not seen anything simlair. 

Does anyone have any recommendations for a BA with easy adjustment, and preferably elastic as the main positioning/closure method. I normally use it for a mix of hiking and trapezing.
If it doesn't break it's too heavy; if it does it wasn't built right
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yellowwelly View Drop Down
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Posts: 2003 		Post Options Post Options   Quote yellowwelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 1:47pm
Dakine Matrix Vest- very low profile, designed to work with harnesses.  Impact protection, which is equally important to float imho, and if you get trapped, there's not excessive volume to prevent swimming DOWN and OUT.  
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winging it View Drop Down
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Posts: 3958 		Post Options Post Options   Quote winging it Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 2:53pm
I love my Gill Compressor.  Snug fit, very comfy, doesn't snag as you haul your sorry ass back into the boat, a bit of a bugger to get on over a drysuit.  No pockets.

I recently bought the new Rooster one.  Lovely large pocket, terrible for snagging when hauling my sorry ass....so good for instructing safety boating etc, otherwise I don't wear it.
the same, but different...

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Neptune View Drop Down
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Posts: 1314 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Neptune Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 3:26pm
I like the idea of the Gill compressor and such like but I really want a pocket in my buoyancy aid to keep thinks like a knife and energy gels for between races in - not many handy cubby holes on a Musto!
Musto Skiff and Solo sailor
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tgruitt View Drop Down
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Posts: 2479 		Post Options Post Options   Quote tgruitt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 3:48pm
Originally posted by winging it

I love my Gill Compressor.  Snug fit, very comfy, doesn't snag as you haul your sorry ass back into the boat, a bit of a bugger to get on over a drysuit.  No pockets.

I recently bought the new Rooster one.  Lovely large pocket, terrible for snagging when hauling my sorry ass....so good for instructing safety boating etc, otherwise I don't wear it.


I have a new Rooster one and it has LOADS of mars bar space. The Gill is comfy but not practical.
Needs to sail more...
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winging it View Drop Down
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Posts: 3958 		Post Options Post Options   Quote winging it Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 3:52pm
I have found I can put the strap of the Gill through the sheaf of my safety knife, but otherwise you do have to have somewhere in the boat to stash stuff. I tend to tape fgood bars onto the boom, and have a mesh bag in the boat for other stuff but certainly some boats are better than others for storage.
the same, but different...

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JimC View Drop Down
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Posts: 6662 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 4:28pm
Yes, in many ways the pocket on the Rooster BA would be better inside rather than outside... Mine has been snagged so many times the pocket half pulled off! A velcro closed inside pocket that I could put a handful of loose change in for the teabreak would be handy.
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yellowwelly View Drop Down
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Posts: 2003 		Post Options Post Options   Quote yellowwelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 4:31pm
I found a crumpled fiver in my drysuit pocket the other week... it had been there a year, but luckily was still legal tender for the (much improved) Draycote burger.    
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Do Different View Drop Down
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Posts: 1312 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Do Different Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 6:16pm
On a slightly off thread but related question.

In what order are people wearing buoyancy aids, trapeze harnesses?

I have taken to wearing my harness over my buoyancy aid. 

The thinking being in the event of the hook snagging it will be more intuitive to release my harness (which I do daily after all) and wriggle out than fumble for the QR hook toggle (I'm not convinced it would release under load anyway).

It also provides clear access to the hook.

My harness is a nappy type so no buckles to get snagged moving around the boat and smoothes the outline when sliding over the gunwale.

I know that some will say buoyancy aid is best on top and easy to discard to avoid being trapped by unwanted flotation. I guess the Gill Compressor would take some getting out of though and some favour a rash vest over everything for a smooth outline.

  
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getafix View Drop Down
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Posts: 2143 		Post Options Post Options   Quote getafix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Dec 13 at 7:24pm
FWIW I prefer harness on top, absolute bugger to adjust (tighten) the shoulder straps while sailing otherwise
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