Baller Msuwaterskier Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Alright I'm getting pretty feed up with my life vests disintegrating after only 1 year of use (see pics below). I only ski 5 months out of the year, 3-4 days a week in season, and my vest is always stored hanging up and out of the sun. My last 3 vests conveniently have fallen apart 2 weeks past the 1 year warranty. My most recent vest was a Connelly, the 2 before that were O'Neill. The rubber like material around the neck just molts and makes a mess out of my shoulders and the upholstery of my boat. So is it just me or is this the way of manufacturers making us by new $150 vest every year? I still have vest from 20 years ago that are in better shape than the last 3 high end vests I have bought. How long should I expect a vest to last? What brand is good these days? (I won't buy another O'Neill after the way their customer service treated me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Key word in the thread title "good". I don't think they don't make them like they used, so using that qualification are there any "good" anymore. I've got a couple of old StraightLine Ultra that are over 15 years old and I'm still using them. I still say if someone could get the rights or this far along just copy them they could sell thousands of 'em. I scooped up a used one from @Roger back in '09 that I'm happily using. I think @Roger said it did shrink however! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 On my 7 th season with my O Neill Outlaw so... 125 sets a season in our 5 months season,always dried in the sun... My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 7 or 8th season on my Eagle One vest. Its time for an upgrade, but is still working great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted June 27, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 27, 2016 Straightline Ultra vest going on 5 or 6 years now...maybe more. I ski yr round and often. I do not hang it up, I lean it standing up in a plastic chair and it stays out of the sun. I see it lasting another 2-3 yrs. Why this is not made anymore is beyond me other then they would not sell them yr after yr to the same skier. O'brien made that same kind as well which I used for yrs. The Goode PV (just the vest) is very similar. Super light, never holds water, flexible enough and you feel like you have some protection on vs the wetsuit style now a days. I think if brought back, a crap ton would be sold as mentioned above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rockdog Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Hmm not sure what's going on there, my Radar vest is on it's 4 year or so and has barely got a mark on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JordanOz Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 2 seasons on my Rip Curl E-Bomb, reckon it will still be good for another 2 or 3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller chris55 Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 2nd season with my O'Neill slasher, very comfortable and still good and the season is from late March to end of October. But I agree not the same quality like my 16 years old USCG O'Neill, undestructible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I'm on my second O'Neill Impact w/lumbar support which is 8 - 9 years old. First on lasted about 15 seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MrJones Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 At regionals I will have been using my Eagle 1 for 6 years. If not for the stitches pulling on the side of the zipper it would be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller liquid d Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Jeff Rodgers has been wearing the same Overton's vest for 25 years! That's the one to get! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Spuddy Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 9th season in my O'Neil outlaw vest was just thinking I might start to look at a new one but still some life in it. I am from up north so shorter season, May-October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I'm with @Wish Still wearing my Straightline Ultra vest that has to be 10 years old or more. I take care of it like a $200K sportscar, because I know I can't replace it. Come on @Eddie Roberts give us a non-water absorbing vest option!! Me and Wish will sign up today! Thin and lightweight, with straps and covers your front (even longer fronts of us full-figure guys).. :) AB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bulldog Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Nine years on a oneill vest no problems. "Do Better..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihacker Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I've got 2 oneil gooru's, easily 7 ish years old, my only grumble is they stretch out a little after a couple seasons, i try not to let them hang dry, laying flat on a lawn chair seems to help, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 3rd season on my Radar xvest - it regularly hangs out in the sun from the tower to dry out. I will say that the outside of my Connelly bindings look like your vest after only a couple seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I've had great luck with Oneill. I'm on my third one in 16 years. Older ones were replaced because they started looking rough. I still keep them around for guests as they are perfectly functional. Sorry to hear you had trouble with customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I have an Eagle that I have had going on 3 years without any issues with it. I didn't find the O'Neill pullover I had lasted as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Like @Wish and @A_B I'll buy a StraightLine Ultra clone tomorrow if someone starts marketing one. And I know of at least three other skiers that immediately come to mind who would do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted June 27, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 27, 2016 I know of 2 others as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ The_MS Posted June 27, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 27, 2016 I have a Liquid Force Cardigan that is 6 years old, another that is 3 and another 1. All are top quality and have shown little wear. I upgraded from the 5 year old vest due to the new ones are lighter. IMO they are the best out there and you can get them for under 80 if you shop around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BlueSki Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 Are you skiing in the river next to the paint factory? Seriously, it could be sunscreen or chemicals eating that stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 @Msuwaterskier is this a problem with your vest only? Or with other neoprene stuff (wetsuit, neo top etc.) as well? I saw similar problems on collar area with skier that used hair style lotion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller GAJ0004 Posted June 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2016 I have two(neo USCG approved( of them one an old Ski Warm, and Connelly that I have had for 7 years. The Ski Warm is 10+ years. Still in good condition. They only get used when a drysuit or wetsuit is not needed. I have a regular nylon vest I wear over those since it is lighter in weight. I just keep them out of the sun when not in use. Can't use the thin slalom vests they make now since they are not legal in PA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Msuwaterskier Posted June 28, 2016 Author Baller Share Posted June 28, 2016 @Blueski I know your question was meant to be funny but I had to give that scenario serious consideration. I ski on Ford lake in SE MI which used to be Henry Fords dumping grounds. It's since been cleaned up and is a really nice lake. I wear the same sunscreen as everyone else, and this issue has only been with my new life vests in the last 3 years. All of my old gear, including wetsuits are holding up just fine. @OldboyII that suggestion made me laugh as I am bald. It might be an issue for others though. I noticed a common thread between all of the vests mention by others that are holding up well. None of them have the smooth rubber-like skin that has been the issue with my last 3 vests. So I went out today and bought a Radar Vapor vest. I hope this one holds up for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BlueSki Posted June 28, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 28, 2016 @Msuwaterskier, yea, the first part was tongue in cheek, but not the second part. I used to ski a river in college. One time my feet burned for three days after whatever was in the water mixed with my rubber bindings (true story). Similarly, my wife slathers the kids in sunscreen, which is good, and my son's vest that has the same rubber was essentially eaten away after a couple of summers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Hockdog Posted June 28, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 28, 2016 Bought a Ronix last year, $150 thrown away......should have known better than to buy a wakeboard type vest for skiing. Total crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller buoyboy1 Posted June 28, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 28, 2016 Still wearing the same O'Neill Boost for over 10 years. Would like to buy a used one from someone since nothing else seems to last as long. Please let me know if anyone has a Large size in their closet that they would like to sell that has low miles on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 @MattP @MrJones @Chef23 How well do your Eagle vests float you after all this time? Flotation has always been my biggest problem with my comp vests. When new, they all typically float me to my eyes with all the air out of my lungs. After about 1-1.5 years, they don't float worth a crap anymore and I sink if I let all of my air out. I've never dropped the coin on an Eagle vest because I'm fearful of spending that much money for the same results. All my Radar comp vests have lasted a year max before all the flotation was gone. My current O'Neill Checkmate vest has lasted the longest but unfortunately it's also the only vest I've ever used that chafes my arms. The checkmate vest is about to get retired too because it's stretched and doesn't fit as snugly when wet even though I've gained weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 I would say it floats me to my chin. The Eagle Platinum vests have more flotation in them though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gsm_peter Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 It looks like both chemical and mechanical wear and tear. Could there have been some drips of gas or motor oil on it? Has the vest been stored close to a electric motor for long periods (for example central vacuum cleaner that creates ozone) Could the vest been stored in the boat hopping around close to something sharp? Stupied question, you don't wear a 'sand paper beard' or similar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 @Msuwaterskier Should not worry about aggressive chemicals in the water. If it so vest would be damaged in others areas. I have same "billiards ball" hairstyle :D In the beginning of sunny season I apply decent amount of sunscreen to head and back neck and some of it may go down to lycra top and vests neck area. Neoprene is rubber based material and could be sensitive to some oils. Floating is an interesting turn of the thread. I am not very experienced skier and vest changes my water start a lot http://www.gssport.ru/sites/default/files/styles/beesho_product_large_thumb/public/img/beeshop/products/s001sail_laranja.jpg?itok=DJ8hcjYH With Mormaii sailing west which is two thick pieces of neoprene I start in a second like a rocket, whereas Slasher and Checkmate need more concentration. Checkmate for 200 me has too little flotation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 @wish +1 straightline if it was still produced. Loved it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Skoot1123 Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 I bought a new Eagle Platinum vest this year for the ski season. It is a fantastic, comfortable vest that floats me really nice. Super lightweight and heavy duty construction. Nothing but good things to say about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller wskier Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 Straightline Ultra I wish I would have bought 10. If I knew we be going backwards with vest technology. Nothing better when you jump in the lake using your vest as a diaper and having to fix the foam before you ski again. We vacation at lake Shasta,Ca. You spend a lot of time in the water floating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markchilcutt Posted June 29, 2016 Share Posted June 29, 2016 I have an Oneill guru pullover that is 4-5 seasons and still perfect! Paid all the money for it but it has lasted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gsm_peter Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 One wounder what is in sunscreen if it can break down neoprene? What does that sunscreen do to your body?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted June 29, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 29, 2016 OK so don't eat sunscreen. It also destroys synthetic material shirts. Any performance fabric gets discolored if hit with spray on sunscreen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members OTF Posted June 30, 2016 Members Share Posted June 30, 2016 I don't store anything in the sun and would advise against that. Think of all the ladies you know that are older and spent their youth in the sun without sunscreen........yikes. Having said that I am on season 4 of my liquid force cardigan. The color has faded a little but thats it. Ski 3-4 days a week, 4-5 months a year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted June 30, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 30, 2016 @scotchipman List of chemicals in banana :D http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/01/21/1226806/789895-2e77d7cc-823a-11e3-8c0a-8e0465bef8c3.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller sunnydaysmn Posted June 30, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 30, 2016 My 1st season on a HO syndicate,but the hyperlite, liquid force have been good for me.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller usaski1 Posted July 3, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 3, 2016 I don't know how you guys are getting 5/6/8 years out of a vest.. at about 3 years more vests I have, the foam starts getting lumpy and twisting. (that was a jet pilot pullover) I have an oniel now that looks like new after 1 year, but I don't expect it to last to 2019... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jipster43 Posted July 4, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 4, 2016 My Eagle is six years old and holding up fairly well. It smells worse than a wet dog however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted July 4, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 4, 2016 @jipster43 There is one hint how to get rid of smell in watersport equip.: Theat it with hydrogen peroxide solution (available from pharmacy). It will kill smelly bacteria and not affect material. Works well with boots and gloves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted July 4, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 4, 2016 I just use Febreeze on all my water sports gear when the room starts getting a little musty. Happens maybe once every 4-6 weeks. Always seems to work for me and a bottle lasts a couple years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted July 4, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 4, 2016 I would never admit to having smelly ski gear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DaveD Posted July 5, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 5, 2016 Do you need to soak the glove in the hydrogen peroxide or just wash them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted July 5, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 5, 2016 Just soak it gently for few minutes. Then wash with water. If they are seriously contaminated it will be visible - some foam will appear on that spots. I use plastic bottles with thin nozzle, just pour liquid onto stuff - very convenient and economical. I ski early in the morning and sometimes wet stuff stays in the warm car till the evening - with a very predictable result :/ Also light washing boots and gloves with liquid soap in the lake after skiing helps a lot. @ALPJr I also cannot ski if stuff is smelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbskier Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Another thumbs up for straight line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gsm_peter Posted July 9, 2016 Baller Share Posted July 9, 2016 I just wash my gear using regular washing powder. Type two three times per season. Usually in the bathtub and then rins with the shower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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