Skip to content

Life Jackets, Vests & PFDs: How to Choose the Right Fit

22 Nov 2022

what is personal flotation device?

 

A Personal Flotation Device, also called a PFD, helps you stay on the surface of the water.helps reduce the risk for workers who fall into water or who have to evacuate their vessel in an emergency.

 

What are the 5 types of personal flotation devices?

Types of Personal Flotation Devices

  • Type I: Wearable Offshore Life Jacket.
  • Type II: Wearable Near-Shore Vest.
  • Type III: Wearable Flotation Aid.
  • Type III: Wearable Inflatable Flotation Aid.
  • Type IV: Throwable Cushion.
  • Type IV: Throwable Ring Buoy.
  • Type V: Special-Use Device.

Life Jackets, Vests & PFDs: How to Choose the Right Fit ?

Choosing the right life jacket, vest, or personal flotation device (PFD) is essential for your safety on the water. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fit:

  1. Look for the right type of PFD: Different activities and water conditions require different types of PFDs. Make sure you choose the appropriate type for your activity. PFDs are classified into Type I, II, III, IV, and V.

  2. Check the weight range: PFDs are designed to support a specific weight range. Check the label to ensure that the PFD you choose is suitable for your weight.

  3. Ensure proper fit: The PFD should fit snugly and comfortably, without being too tight or too loose. A proper fit means that the PFD should not ride up on your body, and the armholes should not be too large or too small.

  4. Check the buoyancy: The amount of buoyancy required depends on the weight of the person wearing the PFD, the water conditions, and the type of activity. Choose a PFD with sufficient buoyancy to keep you afloat in your activity and in your water conditions.

  5. Consider the mobility: PFDs should not restrict your movements while participating in your activity. Look for a PFD with wide armholes that allow free range of motion for your arms and shoulders.

  6. Test it out: Before heading out on the water, try on your PFD and test it in a swimming pool or shallow water to make sure it fits properly and works as expected.

Remember, wearing a properly fitted PFD is crucial to ensure your safety on the water. A PFD can save your life in case of an emergency, so always make sure to choose the right fit for your activity, weight, and water conditions.

Onyx Nylon General Purpose Life Jacket Adult Oversize

 

Onyx Nylon General Purpose Life Jacket Adult Oversize

 

Nylon General Purpose Life Jacket - Adult Oversize - Red

The Onyx Adult Oversize Nylon General Purpose Life Jacket is constructed of durable nylon and poly-twill straps. All sizes include large armholes, adjustable belt and chest straps, and open sided stylings for universal fittings. 

Features:

  • Adjustable belts for a secure fit
  • Large armholes for greater range of motion
  • Provides comfort and safety for all types of water activities
  • Lightweight and durable foam contours to your body and won't hinder your mobility

Technical Specifications:

  • Chest size - 40" - 60"
  • Weight - 90 lbs. and over
  • Material - Nylon oxford fabric

* U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type III Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Specifications:

  • Color: Red
  • Inflatable: No
  • Size: Oversized
  • USCG Approved: Yes
  • Box Dimensions: 3"H x 14"W x 21"L WT: 0.5 lbs
  • UPC: 043311013185

 

Mustang MIT 70 Inflatable PFD Red Automatic

 

Mustang MIT 70 Inflatable PFD Red Automatic

 

MIT 70 Inflatable PFD - Red - Automatic/Manual 
This front entry automatic inflatable PFD is the smallest of its kind approved in North America and is an excellent choice for inshore marine adventures.  The exclusive Membrane Inflatable Technology (MIT) creates lightweight and flexible comfort, and the inflator is easily accessible for convenient rearming. 
The vest inflates automatically upon water immersion and also includes a pull cord for manual inflation at any time.  When deployed, the vest displays high visibility contrasting fabric for increased safety in rescue situations.
*Upon inflation, it is essential to inspect and re-arm your PFD before next use. 
Features:
  • Front entry with buckle for convenient donning and doffing
  • Exclusive Membrane Inflatable Technology (MIT) creates a lightweight, flexible fit
  • Easy-access inflator for convenient re-arming
  • Automatically inflates upon water immersion
  • Manual inflation handle allows you to inflate the vest at any time
  • High visibility, contrasting fabric when inflated for increased safety in rescue scenarios
Certifications:
  •  U.S.C.G. - Marine Buoyant Devices 160.064 - Type II Recreational
Technical Specifications:
  • Color - Red
  • Inflation - Automatic/Manual
  • CO2 Cylinder Size - 17 gram
  • Size - Universal Adult
  • Chest Size - 30" to 52" (76 to 132 cm)
  • Weight Capacity  - ≥ 88 lb (≥36 kg)

 

Mustang Youth REV Foam Vest - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades

 

Mustang Youth REV Foam Vest - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades

 

Youth REV Foam Vest - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades - Youth

This front-entry youth PFD is built for confident young swimmers who no longer need their heads supported in the water.  Segmented foam enhances mobility, and the ultra-soft, stain-resistant outer fabric is durable.  A ventilated mesh back and moisture-wicking liner are cooling and quick-drying.  The zipper and buckle closure creates an adjustable and secure fit, and a grab loop on the back allows you quickly and easily pull your child from the water.

Features:

  • Front entry with zipper and buckle closure 
  • Fabric is ultra-soft and stain-resistant
  • Segmented foam enhances mobility
  • Liner is moisture-wicking and quick drying
  • Ventilated mesh back
  • Grab loop 

Certifications:

  • U.S. and Canadian - UL12402-5 Harmonized Level 70 

Technical Specifications:

  • Color - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
  • Size - Youth
  • Chest Size - 25' to 29" (64 to 74 cm)
  • Weight - 55 to 88 lb (25 to 40 kg)

Mustang Rescue Swimmer Vest

 

Mustang Rescue Swimmer Vest

 

Rescue Swimmer Vest - Fluorescent Yellow/Green/Black - Manual 

Hailed as the first rescue swimmer vest to turn a compliance-drive

This vest blends two of Mustang's core competencies - inflatable flotation and foam flotation - to offer a slim profile flotation solution.

Features:

  • Easy to swim and perform in water when the bladder is inflated
  • CO2 cylinder storage pocket
  • Hybrid flotation - foam and inflatable flotation
  • Left side buckle closure with adjustability on the sides and at the shoulders
  • Manual CO2 Inflation handle
  • Constructed with a combination of 500D nylon and 1.5mm neoprene
  • Oral inflation/deflation valve easily accessible for adjusting buoyancy, and hidden away when not in use
  • MOLLE system on the front and back for personal configuration of equipment
  • Compatible with standard MOLLE attachments
  • MOLLE webbing is designed for knife storage

Technical Specifications: 

  • Color - Fluorescent Yellow/Yellow/Green/Black
  • Inflation - Manual 
  • CO2 Cylinder size - 16 gram
  • Size - Universal Adult
  • Chest Size - 30" to 52" (76 to 132 cm)
  • Weight Capacity - 80 lb or over (36 kg or over)

 

Mustang Operations Support Water Rescue Vest

 

Mustang Operations Support Water Rescue Vest

 

Operations Support Water Rescue Vest - Fluorescent Yellow/Green/Black - XL/XXL

The Mustang Survival Operations Support Water Rescue Vest delivers a more compact, lightweight solution for rescue vests, while still providing 15.5 lbs of buoyancy to the wearer. 

This bright yellow and black vest with reflective tape on the front and back is easily visible in and around the water, while the Fast Tab on the front chest acts as an easy attachment point for accessories such as knives, scissors, or strobe lights.  

With a comfortable fit, the Mustang Survival Operations Support Water Rescue Vest is excellent for continuous wear.

Features:

  • Short-waist cut for maximum torso mobility
  • Reflective tape on the front and back
  • Fast tab and D-ring for radio and light attachment
  • Two storage pockets with zipper closures

Certifications:

  • U.S.C.G. - UL1123 - Marine Buoyant Devices 160.064 - Type III

Technical Specifications:

  • Color - Fluorescent Yellow/Green/Black
  • Size - XL-XXL
  • Chest Size - 44' to 56" (112 to 142 cm)

 

Full Throttle Teen Nylon Life Jacket

 

Full Throttle Teen Nylon Life Jacket

 

Teen Nylon Life Jacket - Aqua/Black

Features:

  • Adjustable belts and chest strap to keep vest from riding up
  • Great for skiing, boating, fishing, or relaxing on the water
  • Better fit for teens transitioning from youth to adult sizes
  • Fits teens 90 lbs. and over – 28”- 32” chest
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved and Transport Canada approved

Specifications:

  • Color: Aqua
  • Inflatable: No
  • Size: Teen
  • USCG Approved: Yes
  • Box Dimensions: 7"H x 14"W x 19"L WT: 0.7 lbs
  • UPC: 043311976084

 

Mustang Slipstream Foam Vest - Red - Large/XL [MV7161-4-L/XL-216]

 

Mustang Slipstream Foam Vest - Red - Large/XL [MV7161-4-L/XL-216]

Slipstream Foam Vest - Red - Large/XL

This low-profile, versatile front-entry life vest is built for all inshore activities.  It can efficiently carry a VHF radio and necessary rescue gear.  Large cargo pockets, multi-use attachment loops, and a lash tab keep your gear handy and secure.  The Z-Strap cinch system stops the jacket from riding up, and the 3D mesh liner allows for cooling airflow.  Reflective trim is featured on the front, and fleece-lined pockets keep your hands toasty in cold weather. 

Features:

  • Front entry with zipper for convenient donning and doffing
  • Z-Strap cinch system for a comfortable and secure fit
  • 210/420D ripstop nylon shell is durable
  • 3D breathable mesh liner for breathability
  • Padded adjustable neoprene shoulders create all-day comfort
  • Fleece-lined pockets with carabiner loops warm hands
  • Expanding cargo pockets keep personal items handy
  • Reflective attachment loops above pockets and daisy chain gear loops on the back provide equipment attachment points
  • Lash tab for affixing gear
  • Tethered signal whistle for emergencies

Certifications:

  • U.S.C.G. - UL1123 - Marine Buoyant Devices 160.064 - Type III

Technical Specifications:

  • Color - Red
  • Size - Large/XL
  • Chest Size - 40' to 50" (102 to 127 cm)
  • Weight Capacity - ≥ 90 lb (≥ 41 kg)

 

Mustang 4-Pocket Flotation Vest - Orange - XL [MV3128T2-2-XL-216]

 

Mustang 4-Pocket Flotation Vest - Orange - XL [MV3128T2-2-XL-216]

 

4-Pocket Flotation Vest - Orange - XL

The MV3128 T2 Four-Pocket Flotation Vest is a functional PFD ideal for industrial applications.  It offers large armholes for mobility and Tug-Tite® adjustments for an almost custom fit.  Four (4) large Velcro™ secured front pockets conveniently store tools and two D-rings can be used for lanyard attachments.  SOLAS reflective tape on the shoulders offers visibility in dark or stormy conditions. 

A great PFD for commercial fishing, commercial transportation, industrial marine, search and rescue, special operations, and security sectors.

Features:

  • D-Rings provided for lanyard attachments
  • Short-waisted for use with sidearms
  • SOLAS reflective tape
  • Four (4) pockets with full Velcro™ closures
  • Tug-Tite® adjustments for exact sizing

Certifications:

  • U.S.C.G. - UL1123 - Marine Buoyant Devices 160.064 - Type III PFD

Technical Specifications:

  • Color - Orange
  • Size - XL
  • Chest Size - 44" to 48" (112 to 122 cm)
  • Weight Capacity - 90 lb or over (41 kg or over)

Full Throttle Adult Nylon Life Jacket - 2XL/4XL - Blue/Black [112200-500-080-22]

 

Adult Nylon Life Jacket - 2XL/4XL - Blue/Black

Features:

  • Adjustable belts and chest strap to keep vest from riding up
  • Great for skiing, boating, fishing, or relaxing on the water
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved and Transport Canada approved

Specifications:

  • Color: Black/Blue
  • Inflatable: No
  • Size: 2XL/4XL
  • USCG Approved: Yes
  • Box Dimensions: 4"H x 15"W x 22"L WT: 1.15 lbs
  • UPC: 043311976152

 

Mustang APF Foam Vest - Yellow/Grey - Universal [MV4111-222-0-216]

 

Mustang APF Foam Vest - YellowGrey - Universal [MV4111-222-0-216]

 

APF Foam Vest - Yellow/Grey - Universal

The APF (all Person Fit) front entry foam vest is designed as a one-size-fits-all.  Nine adjustment points to ensure a custom and secure fit for any adult paddler, regardless of size, shape, or ability.  The open-sided design allows for outstanding mobility and breathability.  Padded neoprene shoulders are adjustable, and strap ends tuck neatly out of the way.  Two side storage pockets hold your essentials, and the front and shoulders of the durable 300D polyester shell feature reflective trim.

Features:

  • Front entry with buckles for convenient donning and doffing
  • Open sides for freedom of movement and breathability
  • 200D nylon shell is durable and soft
  • Nine points of adjustment offer a customized fit
  • Neoprene padded adjustable shoulders with strap end garage for increased comfort
  • Two side storage pockets hold small items
  • Reflective trim on the front and shoulders enhances visibility in low light conditions

Certifications:

  • U.S.C.G. - UL1123 - Marine Buoyant Devices 160.064 - Type III

Technical Specifications:

  • Color - Yellow/Grey
  • Size - Universal 
  • Chest Size - 30' to 56" (76 to 142 cm)
  • Weight Capacity - ≥ 90 lb (≥ 41 kg)

 

 

Prev Post
Next Post
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Edit Option
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items