Women's Comp Vest Choices

[mnskiers]

Hello I am new to the forum! I love doing anything on water and need a new vest. I am looking at the O'neill Slasher, Stokes Nitro 2, and the Eagle One Flex does anyone have opinions/preferences on these? I would like to know!

[6balls]

Stokes! I've been around a while, have worn a lot of gear. My stokes short suit and vest are top notch--best I've owned. No knock on the other brands, but the stokes stuff is exceptional.

In my experience if you go stokes size up one they run a little small.

[mike_mapple]

Hey @mnskiers We sell a lot of the Women's slasher vests , and the Stokes vest here in the shop, however all three that you mentioned are great, for the stokes I would recommend the size up as well if you go Eagle, as they run the smallest of all of them.

[mnskiers]

Thanks! Is there any difference between 'floatability' between these? I have a Dolphin show vest and it really doesn't do much.

[dave2ball]

@mnskiers look at the eagle vests. It is cut for a women and has a great fit.

Talk with@mikemapple at performance ski and he can get you into the right vest. I have had eagle for years and no problems at all. A well made athletic cut fit for women.

[Rpc29]

I have the men's version of this vest: https://followwake.com/shop/vests/vests-ladies/primary-ladies-jacket-2?attribute_pa_color=black

 

Significantly cheaper than the Eagle/Stokes/Oneil versions but still very stylish and functional.

[keithh2oskier]

My wife has the slasher and loves the comfort. I have a men's slasher and love it as well.

[75Tique]

Sunny, You dont state your experience or level of skier. I only ask because I am a big advocate of USCG approved vests for most skiers. I know 2 people that suffered significant chest/rib injuries wearing non USCG vests. Could it happen with approved vests? I suppose so, but why increase the chances. I looked at some of the vests identified above and was surprised that they dont all specify whether they are all USCG or not. I would think that would be needed. I think the average joe, like myself, should stick with the USCG vests for floatation and protection, but that's just me. The super high end folks that think a bulkier vest is restrictive and can affect performance, they know the risks. https://wsia.net/competition-vests-vs-uscg-approved-life-jackets/

 

[Shell]

I use Syndicate, Camaro and Hyperlite, my personal favorite is the women's Syndicate, fits like a glove.

 

[bikesrus]

Just bought an O’Neill Slasher at Perf Ski last week. Great flotation, super comfortable to ski in. Love it and love Perf Ski.

[ScottScott]

If it doesn't say USCG approved....it isn't.

 

I don't think there is any real research into what type of vest has the most rib protection....its mostly theory. While more padding would seemingly be more protection, floatation pads are pretty dense and can press into the ribs in a fall causing damage, where a tighter vest with thin pads with broader/even coverage would distribute the impact more.

[mike_mapple]

The three vests that are mentioned in the Original post ARE NOT cga vest.

That being said, I have seen injuries with both types of vest, my dad almost drowned at an event years ago, but that didnt stop him from wearing one all the time, however the CGA vests have come a long way over the years. Also if you are looking for minimum float from those, I would say the slasher has the most float of them all.

 

 

 

[pugs]

One name not mentioned yet. My wife likes the GlideSoul vests. I have seen a few others in the Clermont area.

[mnskiers]

Thanks again for all the responses, I very much do understand those vests are not CGA and the risks involved. I ski on a show team so am looking for more float than the Dolphin but still a comp vest for flexibility (ei think pyramids, doubles...). With that said, I never have floated well but I do feel better wearing a CGA vest so with my personal boat I wear that.