What you need to know before you buy a life vest (PFD) suitable for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and other boat towed sports.
Type
A Type III Inshore life vest, or personal flotation device (PFD), is most commonly used for boat towed sports. It is worn like a jacket and either snaps with buckles or zips up in the front. This type of jacket has a comfortable fit and is lightweight. Although, a Type III vest will not automatically position the person face up in the event they become unconscious while floating in the water.
Coast Guard Approved
A life vest should be U.S. Coast Guard approved, meaning, among other things, it has been impact tested and provides a minimum buoyant force.
Fit and Size
Try it on. Make sure the life vest fits securely and snugly around the body and chest, though not too tight as to restrict movement. Choose a size that is suitable to your weight and size. A good test to determine that a vest is not too large is when the arms are raised straight above the head the tops of the jacket should not be able to go above the ears.
Material
The exterior of the PFD is made of either nylon or neoprene. Nylon vests are usually less expensive, however, neoprene vests tend to be more comfortable, made with a softer fabric. Some vests are made with mesh draining gussets (vents) at the bottom to aid in water draining.
Vests Made for Women
If you are a woman buying a vest you may want to consider one specifically made for a woman's torso. These vests are shorter than vests made for men. Shorter vests make it easier to bend at the waist.
Vests Made for Small Children
Children ages three and under should wear a vest containing head and neck support (extra padding behind the head), and a strap that goes under the crotch which prevents them from sliding out the bottom of the vest. These vests should also have a handle on the back which aids in picking children up and out of the water.