NotDeepNotKyle Posted July 7, 2020 Share Posted July 7, 2020 Hey Ballers, I currently have a "way past used" O'brien Elite vest, which has worked great, but looking to upgrade. I have seen reviews on the Stokes Blue Steel and Evo 2. Those look great. Just wanted to get opinions on other vests manufacturers such as the Eagle, Aide, HO, etc. Which vests are durable, offer the most freedom, floatation, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mbabiash Posted July 7, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2020 Most freedom Aide Most durable. All three. Most flotation stokes. Unless they changed it I think stokes would be best of all but the arm holes are too small. Still prefer eagle overall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mbabiash Posted July 7, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2020 I love my Aide vest. Most comfortable but I like a little more floatation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Anderson Posted July 7, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2020 Eagle Platinum has been great -- doesn't ride up, right amount of padding, super durable, doesn't retain water/dries quickly. My best piece of ski gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted July 7, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted July 7, 2020 Going from a 2016 to a 2019 Obrien vest, it appears the sizing has changed a bit, for me staying dimensionally consistent, the new vest is 'roomier' than the old one. 2016 fit nice and snug, 2019 a bit on the loose side. Can't speak for other brands and it was not the exact same vest as previous one was not available. Just an FYI if you go online order w/o trying on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted July 7, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2020 I have been a Fan of and used the Eagle Platinum for many years, but this year I switched to the NEW Ultralite. It is by far the best vest I have ever skied. Go check one out, it virtually weighs nothing. Sheds water and fits so well you hardly know your wearing a vest at all. I actually went down one size because it stretches so well. 5 Stars !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pregom Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 I recently got a Stokes Evo 2 vest and I love it. It does make me sit a little lower in the water and I have blown a few starts because of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski6jones Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 Stokes Evo2 is really a great vest. Great fit, good flotation and durable. Second season.and still going strong. 175 sets/yr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller igkya Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 2nd/3rd/4th the Stokes EVO2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Luzz Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 AquaFlyer for durability and freedom of movement. Ski coach at Jolly Ski, Organizer of the San Gervasio Pro Am (2023 Promo and others), Co-Organizer of the Jolly Clinics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller buoyboy1 Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 I have a brand new Stokes EVO2 size Large for sale if interested and want a good deal. PM me if interested. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller cougfan Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 Go with the Stokes you won’t be disappointed! Both @Rednucleus and I have a Stokes vest and really like them. @Rednucleus bought his this year after using his old vest for what seems like forever. If you know him he knows quality and a good product and won’t buy just any thing. Plus the customer service from @Thomasasher is over the top! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Minelickskier Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 Love my Oneill Slasher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpattigr Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 Best Vest I have used is a Billabong, I have used most brands and the billabong vest is awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 34mph Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 Vote for eagle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mylemsky Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 @jpattigr what model Billabong do you currently use? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpattigr Posted July 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 8, 2020 @mylemsky Mine was the anarchy model, but I think they are mostly all the same but different graphics. I know Stephen Neveu was skiing in the same vest the last few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skiinxs Posted July 9, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 9, 2020 I wish all of the vest manufactures hadn't quit putting straps on them. You are trusting a lot that the zipper won't come down in a bad crash when you really need it. (and they do come down, I have experienced and heard from others that they came down on several brands.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller buoyboy1 Posted July 10, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2020 AND the straps were a perfect place to hang your gloves! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted July 10, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2020 @skiinxs I had a vest zipper blow completely open on an OTF and was super glad the straps were there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted July 10, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2020 Still using my Straightline Ultra Vest. I think the flotation is in good shape but I don't float as high in it as I once did. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylegansel Posted July 10, 2020 Share Posted July 10, 2020 I'm a huge fan of the O'Neill Slasher. Great flotation and extremely comfortable. Best floating Non USCG Vest I've used. Eagle wasn't enough for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Tom351 Posted July 10, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 10, 2020 O'neill outlaw is great, good flotation, compact, does not absorb water/dries quickly, and it still has a strap/buckle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MDB1056 Posted July 11, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 11, 2020 +1 for Eagle. I do like my Oniel vests too though, but not on your list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller sunnydaysmn Posted July 12, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 12, 2020 What does everyone think is the best vest for not getting water logged? It seems some vests get heavy when they are wet.. I think the O’Neill slasher stays light when wet.. Wondering about the stokes vests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Rednucleus Posted July 12, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted July 12, 2020 @sunnydaysmn my Stokes Evo comes out w/o any significant water retention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller cougfan Posted July 13, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 13, 2020 @sunnydaysmn I have a Stokes Nitro 2.0 vest and it doesn’t retain much water and dries quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pregom Posted July 18, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 18, 2020 @skiinxs I see what you are saying. I recently got a Stokes EVO 2 vest and I love it. This morning, though, the zipper came completely undone in a fall. I'm ok, but I was surprised to see my vest still attached to me only by the arm holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vic Posted July 18, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 18, 2020 I have O'Neil Slasher and so does my son. Vests fit will and have never let go in a fall. They are light. do not hold a lot of water and dry well. After 4 years the material is separating from filler and the stitching is coming undone from one of the vests. We have been very happy with these vests and will probably buy new ones. At this point do to Covide selection is limited in Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Drew_Wright_OBXtoFl Posted July 18, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 18, 2020 Billabong gets my vote I've tried most of the above and like it the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DaveD Posted July 20, 2020 Baller Share Posted July 20, 2020 @Drew_Wright_OBXtoFl i agree on the Billabong vest. Used my first one for 6 years and only got a new one because Barts had them on clearance for $77. Was losing a little buoyancy after 6 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted July 20, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted July 20, 2020 For the budget minded. I have had this for over a year now. I was skeptical do to the price but I'm very impressed. Crazy flexible and floats way better than the pictures would have you believe. A years worth of use and still looks like new. All stitching has remained in tact and no fading. Taken a couple good crashes and it did really well to protect my ribs. The price included shipping. https://tantrumtowropes.com/product/competition-wake-vest/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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