O'Neill Men's Assault USCG Life Vest

I have looked at tons of vests made/sold specifically for foil-sports. None of them provide the level of protection this vest provides. All other vests end inches higher than this vest, and most are extremely thin.It may not look cool, it may not have any special features, but it works great at protecting your midsection from the razor sharp carbon fiber foil you're going to fall on. The fact that it is USCG is a bonus.It is easy to swim in. The floatation is very well spread out. There's very little rise on the vest when floating (depending on fit of course.)The size chart is 100% accurate in my experience, just like most O'Neill gear.My first professional foiling lesson the instructor convinced me NOT to wear this vest and I immediately fell on the board and injured my ribs. It took MONTHS to heal and set my foiling progression way back. I have worn this vest every time ever since, and it has saved me from repeating that injury several times. I've been foiling for a year now, and SO MANY things have happened out on the water where I was super happy I had THIS SPECIFIC vest.

I absolutely love the design and the color of this jacket. I mainly purchased it for lake use, jetskis, boating, tubing, and kayaking. I’m 5’10” and about 195-200lbs. I purchased an XL and the sizing matches the size chart provided, 41-43” chest. It feels like a big firm hug which is good because it’s not too tight at all but definitely fits well. I haven’t used it in water yet, but the material feels buoyant and lightweight. There is a nice feature with the zipper where at the top there is a Velcro strap that keeps the zipper locked down so it doesn’t come undone or hit you in the face assuming you are riding fast on a boat or jetski. For the price, I know this jacket is mine for years and the quality shows for sure to justify it. Literally delivered the next day. There’s a ton of mobility, of course it doesn’t restrict your arms and it fits well lengthwise. I have the best looking jacket on the lake now, looking very professional and badass!

This was exactly as described and fit as such. The material and build quality are great and it is comfortable for prolonged use and while on PWCs for extended periods. Dries pretty quickly in the sun and has yet to develop any mildewy or “lake water”scent after many uses.

Terrific looking vest. I took a star off because fit is not perfect. For average build young man - the waist is pretty tight and the chest is a bit loose. I think it should be good for summer use, but not completely happy about the fit.

I was very hesitant with the $90+ price tag but ended up jumping in to see if it was really worth it. I have been borrowing a friend's life vest when on the jet ski and wanted something for myself. I was extremely happy with how it felt and moved with me. I am a size large in most things and this is fairly snug just by zipping it up. If I were to put on an XL then I would have to tighten the straps a bit.One thing I love is the front is shorter than the back so when I'm bombing around on the jet ski or kayak, it doesn't ride up. I definitely noticed it on the jet ski as I was able to move more and ride easier.Used this 2 days in a row on the boat & jet ski last weekend so if there is a lifespan problem, I will update this reviewPros:+ Thinner than regular life vests+ Definitely holds less water+ Dries faster (due to less water being held inside)+ Has extra padding on lumbar+ Front is cut short for sitting+ Good flex points for water skiing, wake boarding, and other high movement sportsCons:- Pricey- Runs a little tighter than expected, could be a problem for people who wear Large but are bigger- Just like every other life vest, if left in the sun, the black parts get quite hot.

This is a great fitting vest especially if you're on the taller side of things. I measured myself according to the chart and it was spot on. For zippered life vests like this I typically end up 2 sizes larger than my normal shirt size, but alot of that depends on your build. I'm 6'3" 265. I went with a XXXL and it fits almost perfectly. There's a little room around my waist but the chest is spot on. With the waist straps tightened its just fine. It feels super-light and flexible compared to others I've had. The sides and back are longer and sit right above my waist which I really like.I have other O'Neill vests for my family that have held up really well. If you're a big guy and want a vest that's comfortable to be in all day, than this one is well worth the price.

I've always used an O'Neill Outlaw vest (about 25-30 yrs old) but it was time to get a new one. That should be an indication of the quality of O'Neill products. The OPutlaw doesn't look like a slalom vest any more, so I chose this one. I was a little worried about it being USCG approved because that used to mean bulky. I'm pleased to say this vest is definitely not bulky and is extremely light. The only thing that is a little awkward is the stiffness of the flotation material, but that already seems to be improving after three uses.

I do like it. Wish I could have tried on some sizes before I purchased. Given the sizing charts I should be a large but it fits a little big on me. If I bought again I would size down. If you find yourself anywhere near the bottom of a sizing chart I’d say go down a size. They stretch out a tiny bit in the water. Otherwise. Very happy with this comfortable high quality vest.