Water is an unpredictable element and awareness of the need to safeguard children and adults is growing. Manufacturers are responding to the growing demand with appropriate life jackets.
But what is important when buying a lifejacket?
For SUP, kayaking or to keep your childrens paddle board safe on the next swimming trip, a life jacket is part of the equipment for any activity in the water.
Avoid buying mistakes now:
BeyondSurfing has spent over 17 hours researching and presents the best products from 2024. You can also find out what distinguishes life jackets from swim vests and important facts about choosing the right model.
The best lifejacket 2024?
Content
- 1 These are the top 6 life jackets for adults in 2024
- 2 The top 4 life jackets for small children
- 3 Bestsellers: The most popular life jackets
- 4 Buy a lifejacket: How to make the right decision
- 5 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about lifejackets
- 5.1 Are life jackets compulsory?
- 5.2 What is a lifejacket?
- 5.3 How do life jackets work?
- 5.4 Which lifejacket for which weight?
- 5.5 Which lifejacket for children?
- 5.6 Who tests life jackets?
- 5.7 How long do life jackets last?
- 5.8 How often do lifejackets have to be tested?
- 5.9 What to look out for in life jackets?
- 5.10 Where can you buy life jackets?
- 5.11 How expensive are life jackets?
- 5.12 Why do life jackets hang on churches?
- 6 Conclusion: The most popular life jackets reviewed
- 7 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our favorite lifejacket:
- For adults and children
- Reflectors improve visibility
- CE ISO certified
- Warning color
- Wide diaper bib for toddlers
- Incl. Whistle
- Load capacity from 3 kg to over 90 kg
- Favorable price
Lifejackets Checklist
- Design: There are preventive and interventive designs. Attached reflectors improve visibility in the water.
- Size: The manufacturer’s specifications are decisive when choosing the size.
- Weight: The permissible weight must not be exceeded or undercut.
- Service life: A well-maintained lifejacket remains safe and ready for use for a long time. The product must be replaced every 10 years.
- Application: A lifejacket is not suitable for learning to swim. A well-maintained lifejacket remains safe and ready for use for a long time.
Also interesting: The most popular swim vests 2024.
These are the top 6 life jackets for adults in 2024
Best cheap lifejacket
1. Lalizas solid material lifejacket
Advantages
- For adults and children
- Reflectors improve visibility
- CE ISO certified
- Warning color
- Wide diaper bib for toddlers
- Incl. Whistle
- Load capacity from 3 kg to over 90 kg
- Favorable price
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- Large pack size
Summary
The Lalizas lifejacket is available in sizes for (small) children and adults. The product is ISO certified and turns the user safely into the supine position.
The toddler model also has a soft diaper bib. This improves comfort and ensures a snug fit. The fasteners are easy to operate and provide a secure hold.
The set includes a whistle for emergencies. The reflectors ensure good visibility in the water, even in poor lighting conditions. The material is skin-friendly, robust and washable.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a lifejacket for a reasonable price and for the whole family, this product is the right choice.
If you don’t like the color orange, you are better off with an automatic color changer life jacket.
Product details
Size: 8 different from toddler to adult | Material: plastic and foam | Weight class: 10 – 90 + kg
Customer ratings
The lifejacket has a slim shape and complies with all legal regulations. The crotch strap holds the vest in place. The whistle is for safety and children think it’s “cool”. The diaper bib motivates them to wear the buoyancy aid. The fasteners make them particularly easy to put on. A reasonable price-performance ratio and a high sense of security round off the picture positively.
Around 2% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One user was not turned supine by the vest. This is life-threatening in an emergency. In this case, the permissible weight was not reached and it was a user error.
FAQ
Best life jacket in warning color
2. Helly Hansen unisex lifejacket
Advantages
- Warning color
- Different weight classes
- Load capacity up to over 90 kg
- Experienced manufacturer
- Leg loops
- Reflectors
- ISO certified
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- High price
Summary
This lifejacket from the experienced manufacturer Helly Hansen has the safety color neon orange. The product is certified in accordance with EN ISO 124024. The design is unisex and also suitable for leisure use.
The filling is very soft and cuddly. Two reflectors ensure extra visibility. The leg loops do not pinch and keep the lifejacket in position.
The buoyancy is designed in 4 sizes for weight classes up to 90+ kg. The fasteners can be put on without assistance and are adjustable so that normal clothing can be worn underneath.
Conclusion
If you weigh a little more and are looking for a particularly comfortable lifejacket, this is the product for you.
If you don’t like the orange color or are looking for an inexpensive product, choose a different model.
Product details
Size: 4 different | Material: Polyester | Weight class: 30 to 90+ kg
Customer ratings
The product is very comfortable. The pack size is handy and the vest remains ready for use for years. The collar does not impair head movement or vision. The closure is very easy to open. The workmanship is very high quality. The lifejacket fits securely and does not slip. In the water, the user is turned directly onto their back.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Best automatic life jacket
3. sailing store Fully automatic lifejacket in blue
Advantages
- Fully automatic
- ISO certified
- Ready-to-use delivery
- Incl. CO2 cartridge
- Lots of freedom of movement
- Extra pipe
- Incl. Bag
- Color changes to neon after triggering
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- High price
Summary
This fully automatic lifejacket from Segelladen is supplied as a set with a CO2 cartridge and a whistle. It is easy to put on with clip fasteners and gives the user plenty of freedom of movement.
The vest is dark navy blue. In an emergency, the CO2 cartridge triggers on contact with water and inflates the vest. A fabric in a signal color (orange) then appears.
The one-size-fits-all buoyancy system carries people weighing between 50 and 120 kg. Safety has been certified in accordance with EN ISO 12402-2. The buoyancy is 300 newtons.
Conclusion
Whether in a kayak, inflatable fishing boat, when fishing or on a SUP – this lifejacket offers plenty of freedom of movement. Changing the color in an emergency is an absolute highlight.
If you have a chest circumference of more than 140 cm, choose a different product.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Polyester | Weight class: 50 – 120 kg
Customer ratings
The look and quality of the workmanship is of a high standard. Fortunately, some customers have not yet experienced the vest in an emergency, but are impressed by its comfort. The freedom of movement is greater than with other products. You can still carry your sailing equipment underneath and move freely on board. The product is also popular with anglers. The price is reasonable for the quality. Customer service is also friendly and competent.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
Further highlights
4. AWN offshore lifejacket
Advantages
- Reflectors
- Crotch strap
- ISO certified
- Load capacity up to 90+ kg
- Extra signal whistle
- Comfortable neck support
Disadvantages
- Only available in one color
Summary
The lifejacket from the manufacturer AWN is ISO certified. The product is black with eye-catching yellow reflective stripes. The straps are also black.
The vest is equipped with a soft fleece part in the neck. This means that unconscious people can comfortably keep their heads above water.
The leg strap prevents slipping. The attached signal whistle can help to save lives in an emergency. The fastener is quick and easy to put on.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a simple lifejacket with automatic release and weigh over 50 kg, this is the model for you.
The product is less suitable for sailing trips. Fully automatic vests are recommended here .
Product details
Size: max. Chest circumference 135 cm | Material: N/A | Weight class: 50 + kg
Customer ratings
FAQ
5. automatic life jacket Secumar Survival
Advantages
- Experienced manufacturer
- ISO certified
- Ergonomically shaped
- Changes color
- With extra fuse for sailing
- Freedom of movement
- Incl. CO2 cartridge
- Emergency light
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- Very high price
Summary
This Secumar lifejacket in softshell design has extra pockets for the installation of distress GPS transmitters. The soft material in the neck ensures a particularly soft feel.
A patented click fastener makes it easy to put on. The vest is put on like a conventional jacket.
Thanks to the integrated Lifebelt, the vest has two ISO certifications: 12401 and 12402-2. There is also an integrated emergency light that is triggered by the CO2 cartridge and sends a light signal. The buoyancy is 275 newtons.
Conclusion
The ideal companion on intensive sailing trips: comfortable, safe and particularly snug. Professionals use this product.
The purchase price is a little too high for occasional use in amateur sports. A cheaper product is sufficient here.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Softshell | Weight: from 50 kg
6. rrtizan inflatable lifejacket
No product found.
Advantages
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
- Particularly small pack size
- Inflated in 15 seconds
- 4 different designs
- Armhole for freedom of movement
- For adults and children
Disadvantages
- No advertised certification
- Only up to 110 cm chest circumference
Summary
This inflatable vest from Rrtizan is ready for use in just a few seconds. The valve effectively lets the air inside the lifejacket. The air can be released just as quickly.
The manufacturer offers a wide range of colors. So there is something for every taste. The lifejacket is closed with a zipper on the front. A belt with a click fastener can be attached to the crotch.
Without air, the vest can be folded to the size of a book. The product is guaranteed for 12 months.
Conclusion
This inflatable lifejacket with its small pack size is the ideal companion when traveling.
The lack of certification and the need to inflate reduce safety. At 110 cm, the chest circumference is not particularly large.
Product details
Size: up to 110 cm chest circumference | Material: polyester and PVC | Weight: 30 – 100 kg
Customer ratings
The material appears robust and offers powerful buoyancy even in currents. The crotch straps ensure a secure fit. The lifejacket has a small pack size and is therefore easy to transport. Creating them is child’s play and requires no instructions. The lifejacket is inflated with two deep breaths. The price-performance ratio is good.
Around 12% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
The top 4 life jackets for small children
1. Helly Hansen Kids Baby Safe
Advantages
- Different sizes
- Warning color
- Reflectors
- ISO certified
- Robust
- Freedom of movement
Disadvantages
- Size specifications insufficient
Summary
The HonuNautic lifejacket is perfect for babies. The buoyancy is designed for 5 – 10 kg. Children between the ages of 2 months and approx. 3 years have this weight. However, the height of the child should always be taken into account.
The lifejacket is produced in orange. This signal color and additional reflectors on both sides ensure optimum visibility.
The fabric is made of 100% polyamide and has a soft, buoyant filling. A recovery handle makes it easier to pull or lift the child. The side fastener makes it easier to put on.
Conclusion
A versatile children’s lifejacket, an experienced manufacturer and a design that has been thought through down to the last detail are convincing all along the line.
If your child weighs more than 15 kg, you will need to choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 3 – 10 kg | Material: N/A | Weight: 399 g
Customer ratings
This baby lifejacket is ideal for very small children. The quality is good and the price is reasonable. The swim vest reliably secures the child in the water and keeps their head in the air even if they pass out.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 2% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some had problems finding the right size, as the measurements of the chest circumference are crucial in addition to the weight.
FAQ
2. Lalizas solid material lifejacket
Advantages
- Reflectors for more visibility
- ISO certified
- Warning color orange
- Wide winch bib
- Particularly comfortable
- Free warning whistle
- For children and adults
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- Large pack size
Summary
This solid-fabric lifejacket is ideal for babies. But there are also versions for (small) children or adults. The lifejacket is ISO-certified and turns the baby supine even in the event of unconsciousness.
The comfortable diaper bib keeps the vest in position. No more annoying pressure points. The fasteners are quick and easy to operate. The weight class ranges from 0 to 90 kg.
Reflective strips ensure good visibility in poor lighting conditions. The fabric is gentle on children’s skin and resistant to chlorine, salt and other influences.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a life jacket for children aged 7 months and over, this product is the right choice. The many sizes mean that the whole family can be equipped.
If you don’t like orange, go for a model with more design choices.
Product details
Size: 8 different from baby to adult | Material: 8 different from baby to adult | Weight: 0 – 90 kg
Customer ratings
The lifejacket is certified and meets all safety standards. The diaper bib in the crotch ensures a firm hold and a high level of comfort. The whistle increases safety, but small children cannot yet operate it. It is great for older children and motivates them to wear the vest. The fasteners make them quick and easy to put on. A good price-performance ratio and a high level of security round off the overall picture.
Around 2% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The package leaflet does not explicitly refer to the safety of fainting. The manufacturer’s specifications are not entirely clear.
FAQ
3. Secumar Bravo Print children’s lifejacket
Advantages
- Warn color
- Dolphin design
- Reflectors
- Freedom of movement
- ISO certified
- Particularly soft on the skin
Disadvantages
- No recovery handle
- Only one design
- Buoyancy not suitable for the sea
Summary
The Secumar lifejacket is neon orange. The printed dolphins are a highlight of the design. This makes the look safe and child-friendly at the same time.
The comfortable diaper bib ensures a secure fit and comfort. The straps are quick and easy to close. The soft collar supports the head in the supine position and reflectors increase visibility.
The special thing about the material is that it is AIREX foam. This is soft but at the same time buoyant. A warning whistle can call for help in case of danger.
Conclusion
This lifejacket is ideal for leisure boating. The filling is particularly soft and does not cause discomfort even when worn for long periods.
There is no certificate for use on the open sea. The product is only suitable for running waters or lakes.
Product details
Size: 10 – 15 kg | Material: AIREX foam | Weight: 421 g
Customer ratings
A child-friendly and particularly beautiful design. The product is easy to put on and take off and is highly visible. The child is reliably held in the supine position. The pleasant wearing comfort combined with freedom of movement sets the product apart from others. The enclosed instructions would not have been necessary, but provide additional security.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer made a mistake when determining the size. The product therefore had to be returned, which turned out to be complicated.
FAQ
4. Pro Sailor Baltic solid fabric lifejacket
No product found.
Advantages
- 3 colors
- Many reflectors
- Different sizes
- Ergonomic shape
- ISO certified
- Recovery handle
- Extra diaper bib
Disadvantages
- High price
- Only for flowing waters or lakes
Summary
Baltic is an experienced manufacturer of water sports products. With this Pro Sailor lifejacket, the company has created a safe product for babies and small children.
There is a choice of different sizes from 3 to 50 kg. The headrest is comfortable, stable and does not restrict the view.
The kayak float bag is divided into different parts. This allows it to adapt optimally to the body. An attached diaper panty prevents pressure points and slipping.
Conclusion
Anyone who attaches particular importance to design will choose this product.
This lifejacket is not approved for the sea, but is ideal for trips on rivers or lakes. The buoyancy is not strong enough to withstand swell.
Product details
Size: 3 – 10 kg and 10 – 20 kg | Material: foam and polyester | Weight: 440 g
Customer ratings
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
More articles you might find interesting:
- Regatta vests
- Swim vests
- Swim vests for babies
- Swim vests for children
- Swim vests for dogs
- Swim vests for SUPs
- Swim diapers
- Buoyancy aids
- Water sports providers in Germany
Suitable boats, canoes and kayaks:
Bestsellers: The most popular life jackets
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a lifejacket:
How to make the right decision
Life jackets are not a very fashionable water sports item. But they convince with superhero qualities: In an emergency, they save lives.
That’s how important life jackets are:
Studies show that many fatal accidents in the water could have been averted by a lifejacket.
Lifejackets are becoming increasingly comfortable and user-friendly. Technical progress has further increased safety.
It gets even better:
Find out now how to find the right lifejacket for you and combine comfort, fit and safety.
What you need to consider when buying a lifejacket
When looking for the best lifejacket, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Lifejacket type
- Fit
- Weight class
- Comfort
Which type of lifejacket is the right one?
There are official classes of lifejackets and lifejackets. They differ according to their intended use.
| Intended use | Features |
|---|---|
| Type I: Open sea | Powerful buoyancy, turns unconscious persons into supine position, for waters where rescue takes a long time, e.g. on cruise ships. |
| Type II: Close to land | Wide watercourses or lakes without waves, turn unconscious person in supine position, less forceful as type 1, e.g. on ferries or in boat rentals. |
| Type III: Buoyancy aids | Support the buoyancy, but the swimmer must keep his head up independently. stay afloat and be rescued quickly. Due to the narrow design, the They are ideal for sports such as jet skiing or kayaking trips. |
| Type IV: Litter vests | Vests that are ejected like buoyancy aids. Large boats must have a to be thrown over the railing in the event of an accident. |
| Type V: Special vests | There are individual requirements for special technology require. For example, there are vests that keep the user warm or inflate automatically, e.g. in the navy. |
The right lifejacket
A lifejacket must be neither too big nor too small:
- Too big: There is a risk of slipping out.
- Too small: The fasteners do not close properly. You are not safe.
The weight class
To provide sufficient buoyancy, each swim vest has a maximum load capacity. The minimum load capacity also plays a role in the lifejacket.
In plain language:
Turning into a faint-safe position with a lifejacket is only possible if the person is within the manufacturer’s weight specifications.
This means:
They must not be heavier or lighter than the specified weight class for a lifejacket.
The comfort of life jackets
A distinction must be made between preventive and interventional lifejackets.
| Kind | Utilization | Areas of application |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive life jackets | Consistent Wearing the vest | Commercial shipping, sailing etc. |
| Interventive lifejackets | Only in an emergency | Passenger ferries, Cruise ships etc. |
| Interventive inflatable vests | Only in an emergency | Aircraft or other means of transportation with little space |
| Interventive automatic vests | Only in an emergency | Special equipment for e.g. the navy |
Note:
- Preventive lifejackets must be more comfortable as they are worn permanently. Freedom of movement plays a major role here.
- Interventive vests must above all be quickly ready for use and safe.
Well-known brands and manufacturers?
There are manufacturers who specialize in life jackets. The best-known brands include:
Lalizas, Secumar and Helly Hansen
For lesser-known brands, use buying guides and customer reviews as a guide. This will give you valuable information on quality and processing.
Lifejacket tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports and Öko Test have tested various swimming aids for harmful substances (source: Consumer Reports; Öko Test).
The results can be transferred to life jackets:
Some models are mixed with plasticizers such as formamide or PAH substances. These are harmful in contact with the skin. Therefore, find out about the material used before you buy.
Care tips for longevity
To ensure that the high-quality material lasts for a long time, it must be looked after carefully.
The three dangerous “S’s”:
- Direct sun,
- Saltand
- Sandattacks the material in the long term and makes it porous.
These care tips apply to most lifejackets:
- Rinse under running water after each use.
- Thoroughly remove salt water residues.
- Quick wash: Mix a bucket of water with mild soap and immerse the lifejacket.
Regular maintenance saves lives
Life jackets must be serviced regularly. The following rules apply:
- Automatic auto inflate life jackets must be equipped with functional CO2 cartridges.
- Maintenance is due every 2 years.
- The recommended maximum service life is 10 years.
- Check the material regularly for cracks or cuts.
The lifejacket: an important companion
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about lifejackets
Are life jackets compulsory?
What is a lifejacket?
How do life jackets work?
Which lifejacket for which weight?
Which lifejacket for children?
Who tests life jackets?
How long do life jackets last?
How often do lifejackets have to be tested?
What to look out for in life jackets?
Where can you buy life jackets?
How expensive are life jackets?
Why do life jackets hang on churches?
Conclusion: The most popular life jackets reviewed
Whether on a sailing boat, on a ferry crossing to your favorite island or on a plane – life jackets can be used in many different ways.
In an emergency, your survival depends on the quality of the vest. BeyondSurfing cares about your safety and has therefore reviewed the best life jackets for you.
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Study on lifejacket use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24686261
- What makes life jackets so special: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_flotation_device
- SOLAS: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_for_the_Safety_of_Life_at_Sea
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
*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.
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