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The 7 best impact vests 2024?

by Tim

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An impact vest is essential for many water sports enthusiasts to ensure the greatest possible safety on the water. Nobody wants to make mistakes with such an important piece of equipment.

Which impact vests are good?

We explain what is important in a good impact vest so that everyone can be safe on the water. We also present 7 of the most popular impact vests 2024 in our recommendations. If you follow our advice in the guide, you will make a purchase decision that pays off.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best impact vests 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular impact vests at a glance.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about impact vests.

The best impact vests 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

The following product recommendations include a suitable impact vest for every person. So everyone is perfectly equipped for their next water sports vacation.

1. best impact vest for women

Versatile
Camaro Ladies Comp Slasher Neoprene*

    The Camaro women's impact vest is suitable for water sports. The reversible vest can be worn in black or pink. This impact vest is made from super elastic neoprene. This makes them very light: the weight is 600 grams. The vest has protectors in the front, shoulder, back and side areas. They are available in many sizes.

    What we like:

    • Versatile in use
    • Reversible vest
    • Good quality
    What we don’t like:

    • Color slightly darker
    • Fits smaller

    Why we like it: This impact vest impresses with its good function and high quality. It is suitable for numerous water sports and can be worn on both sides for more variety.

    Recommended for: Your protectors protect all important areas when falling into the water. It is therefore suitable for water sports enthusiasts of all ages and sizes.

    2. best impact vest for men

    Practical
    Jobe Safety Impact Vest*

      This impact vest has a buoyancy aid with 50 N included. It has a front zipper and a practical drainage system. It is made from flexible neoprene. Foam inserts ensure optimum freedom of movement. The vest has buckles and adjustable straps for a comfortable and flexible fit.

      What we like:

      • Good workmanship
      • Beautiful design
      • Top impact protection & buoyancy
      What we don’t like:

      • Size chart does not fit

      Why we like it: This impact vest can also be used as a buoyancy aid. The extensive size range makes the vest suitable for a wide variety of people. Their integrated drainage system is also great. This retains a lot of heat.

      Recommended for: The vest is particularly suitable for men and is of high quality. It ensures maximum safety during water sports. Thanks to its front zipper, it is easy to take off and put on.

      3. best impact vest for children

      Safe
      Camaro Comp kids neoprene impact protection*

        The Camaro Comp impact vest is made of elastic neoprene. It has two adjustable straps and leg straps. It is also available in many sizes. The vest has a supportive buoyancy aid with floats.

        What we like:

        • Very good fit
        • Safe
        • Good quality
        What we don’t like:

        • Price

        Why we like it: The impact vest offers children good protection for water sports at a relatively low price. The different straps allow the vest to be perfectly adapted to the size and build of the child. Thanks to the pre-shaped side and back sections, the vest offers plenty of freedom of movement.

        Recommended for: The vest has super stretch and is therefore comfortable to wear for children of different ages. It is also a reversible vest and children can choose to wear it in green or black. So this vest is a real hit for children to keep them well protected during water sports.

        4. best impact vest for competition use

        Individually customizable
        MESLE NeoLite buoyancy aid for men*

          This vest is made of lightweight and breathable neoprene. This makes them quick-drying and flexible. The vest is also a 50 N buoyancy vest. It has a zipper and buckles for fastening. Their wide armholes ensure greater freedom of movement.

          What we like:

          • Durable
          • Reinforced seams
          • Top quality
          What we don’t like:

          • Fits smaller

          Why we like it: This impact vest offers particularly good value for money. It is lightweight and equipped with a practical zipper. It also offers all-round impact protection. The good workmanship is particularly evident in the reinforced seams in the shoulder and belt area.

          Recommended for: MESLE impact protection is durable and customizable. This makes them ideal for anyone who likes a very specific feel and prefers their vest neither too tight nor too wide.

          >5. best impact vest with buoyancy

          For swimming
          Camaro Comp Slasher neoprene impact protection
          *

            This vest has integrated buoyancy. It is also a reversible vest and can be worn in yellow or black. At 800 grams, it is very light. It is made of neoprene and is available in many sizes.

            What we like:

            • Versatile
            • Comfortable
            • High quality
            What we don’t like:

            • Size chart difficult

            Why we like it: This impact vest can also be used as a buoyancy aid. The extensive size range makes the vest suitable for a wide variety of people. Their elastic and flexible material makes swimming even easier.

            Recommended for: This vest with integrated buoyancy is suitable for all water sports fans who want to stay on top in the cool water. The flexible neoprene and their cut make swimming even more relaxed. A good choice.

            6. best oversized impact vest

            Many sizes
            Camaro Comp Slasher neoprene top*

              The impact vest is made of elastic neoprene. It is reversible and very light at just 800 grams. The vest has protectors in the front, shoulder, back and side areas for optimum protection. They are available in many sizes, including plus sizes.

              What we like:

              • High quality
              • Warms
              • Comfortable to wear
              What we don’t like:

              • Colors not clearly visible on picture

              Why we like it: The impact vest impresses with its high quality and can be worn on both sides. Their protectors provide a high level of protection for all types of water sports.

              Recommended for: Since the vest is available in sizes from S to 6XL, everyone will find the right vest. It is therefore suitable for people of all shapes and sizes.

              7. best impact vest with zipper

              Easy to put on
              EVOC Protection Vest LITE*

              This vest offers a high degree of freedom of movement. It has a height-adjustable hip belt with anti-stick Velcro. Its back protector is CE-certified and it has a high-quality front zipper.

              What we like:

              • Versatile in use
              • Good workmanship
              • High protection
              What we don’t like:

              • Price
              • Vest very tight

              Why we like it: This impact vest is high quality and can be easily put on and taken off using the zipper. It not only provides excellent protection, but also has a warming function.

              Recommended for: The practical front zipper and the padding on the back and coccyx are great features of this vest. This makes them not only comfortable and quick to put on, but also very safe in the event of an accident.

              Impact vest Checklist: These features are important in the test

              • Weight: To ensure that the impact vest can be worn comfortably for long periods of time, it is important that it does not weigh too much. It is therefore worth paying attention to the specified weight of the product.
              • Warmth: The impact vest can also be used to provide warmth. Depending on how warm the vest needs to be, you should choose a model with an appropriate lining.
              • Buoyancy: The main function of an impact vest is not to provide buoyancy. However, there are products that provide buoyancy as well as protection. If this is important to you, it is essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

              Also interesting: The best life jackets 2024?

              Bestsellers: The most popular impact vests

              What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

              (**Last update 2024-09-16)

              Buy an impact vest:
              How to make the right decision

              impact vest guide

              Water sports enthusiasts know that protection from a fall is essential. That’s why an impact vest is a must. When buying a vest, it is essential to consider the following features. How to buy the right vest.

              These properties are particularly important when making your choice:

              Function: What must the impact vest be able to do?

              An impact vest must absorb shock and adequately protect the person in the event of a fall onto the water surface. A good function should therefore be the main focus when making a purchase decision.

              Models equipped with foam are particularly recommended. These can absorb shock particularly well and therefore offer good protection.

              Good to know: Depending on the situation, it may make sense to look for products with a warm lining or some buoyancy. Even if these are not the main functions of an impact vest, the vests can still help to cover these areas.

              Material & quality: Which impact vests are high quality and durable?

              It is important that the impact vest is made of a robust and durable material. Neoprene or nylon are therefore usually used.

              Neoprene performs particularly well. The disadvantage, however, is the often higher price. But the slightly cheaper nylon impact vests are also suitable.

              Tip: It is always worth taking a look at the customer reviews. You can often find detailed information and experience regarding the quality and durability of the impact vest there.

              Size & fit: How should the impact vest fit?

              In order to fulfill their function properly, impact vests must fit snugly on the body. If a wetsuit is worn underneath, there must be no air space between the wetsuit and the vest.

              At the same time, it is important that the vest is comfortable and that the person can move easily. This is how an impact vest fits properly:

              1. Size: Impact vests are available in a wide range of sizes so that everyone can find the right one. There are corresponding products in smaller sizes for children. Customer reviews and manufacturers’ size charts can help you choose the right size.
              2. Gender: You can find unisex models as well as models specifically for women or men. The only important thing is that the vest fits well.
              3. Closure: Some impact vests are offered with a zipper or front zip. Alternatively, there are models that are simply pulled over the head. A suitable model can be selected according to personal preferences.

              FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

              What is an impact vest?

              An impact vest is designed to protect people doing water sports in the event of an impact on the water. The task of the vest here is to absorb the shock. This can prevent both minor and life-threatening injuries.

              An impact vest is therefore important for sufficient safety for numerous water sports, such as kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and jet skiing.

              How much buoyancy does an impact vest have?

              This varies from model to model. Some impact vests have virtually no buoyancy, others do. It is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications and CE certifications.

              How much buoyancy does an impact vest have?

              The impact vest must fit snugly against the body or wetsuit. There should be no air spaces between the vest and the body or wetsuit.

              What is the difference between an impact vest and a swim vest?

              Both vests differ in their function. The swim vest provides buoyancy for one person. An impact vest primarily protects you in the event of an impact on the water. This can also provide additional buoyancy. However, this is not always the case.

              Where to buy an impact vest?

              Impact vests can be purchased online or in water sports stores such as Amazon, Decathlon or Funsport. Popular brands include O’neill (e.g. Slasher Comp), Ion (e.g. Ion Collision), Mystic, Jobe, Billabong, Xcel and Jetpilot.

              How much do impact vests cost?

              Many good models can be bought for around 100 $. Pro models can cost up to 200 $.

              Which impact vests do impact vest tests recommend?

              There are as yet no published impact vest recommendations from Consumer Reports and Öko Test.

              Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

              *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

              Tim

              Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

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