Impact west recommendations?

I have the same question. It would be good to get one that goes down over the ribs.

Vests made for harnesses are too short and dont cover the ribs. Same for sailing pfds.
And wake boarding vests have too many buckles that can scratch the board.

here it is
unhookedwatersports.com.au/products/flying-objects-impact-vest
Very comfy and secure. Don't even notice it's on.

The Ride Engine Defender comes down a little bit lower and wraps your side ribs more than most kite vests. It also has firmer padding. Totally unobtrusive and very comfortable.

On the downside, the abdomen is still relatively unprotected.

Here in the netherlands(Europe) the wakeboard vests of Mystic are very popular and well build. I got one from the french brand Sooruz that I really really like. It has an integrated belt (no harness option in it if that is what you are looking for) where I can lock on my leash in on the back. surfwear.sooruz.com/webshop/fr/wake-vest/1728-9249-lifevest-gilet-fifty-ce-1015654016597.html

Neil Pryde makes a good one but make sure you get one size bigger than you think, they are tight!

DC

For everyone suggesting vests by WIP, a kitefoil vest, or any other vest for a harness, I dont think there are quite what we are looking for.

any of these vests have no padding down low so that they can be used with a harness. When using these vests its the harness that provides abdomen and lower back protection when using this kind of vest. Since most of us arent using a harness while winging we need the padding to go all the way down.

the current vests that go all the way down to the belly button with padding are mostly wake vests, but these are very heavy when wet with so much double lined neoprene and additional material for atheistic.

i feel the market needs a new product, a super light PFD style vest thats just thin foam and nylon (minimal heavy neoprene), but with full torso protection.


maybe the ronix custom one would be worth a try:
ronixwake.com/products/one-custom-fit

it wouldnt be very good against windchill though.

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Freddofrog said..

MHSA said..
For everyone suggesting vests by ..... bla bla bla

Yes you can wait till someone develops a sport specific vest........ and get stabbed while waiting for it.

Or just buy what's available now and get on with life.

i have whats available.
I have the Wip which i use for sailing, & i have a harness compatible ion vest for windsurfing.
for winging theyre both pretty ****.

Hence why im looking for something better.
you know, the whole reason for this chat.

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Freddofrog said..

MHSA said..
you know, the whole reason for this chat.

News mate, it's not all about you, the reason for the chat was to help out the OP, not you specifically.
Yet you though it appropriate to take over the post and ** on everyone's suggestions cause they didn't meet your specific requirements.
If you have special needs, start your own post.

yeah ok fair point, ill come back to OPs question in relation to wanting an impact vest.

My point was meant to be "i dont think alot of these vests are objectively great for winging or truly fit for purpose as a winging impact vest due to a host of reasons, but for sure they are way better than having nothing, and the vests being recommended are easily available off the shelf right now.'

so for OP, when comparing the recommendations i would consider the following:

- just because an impact vest is also an approved pfd doesnt mean it necessarily has protection in the right spots for your winging.
- A vest with lots buckles on the front or sides can scratch boards
- look at how far down the padding on the vest goes vs which areas of their chest/ ribs / abdomen that they want the vest to protect
- How heavy the some vests are when waterlogged.

Most of these vests could have one or more of these. but it may not be a problem or relevant for OPs use case.

Thanks for the replies!!

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Nikita said..
The NOB vest looks good, but it looks like there's no protection on the side of the ribs.
The Sooruz website is down at the moment.
Does anyone have any other suggestions?
I have a Mystic kite harness, but I don't wear a harness when winging and fell on the foil below where the padding stops. Would have been ok if I had a harness on, but I didn't

www.wingman-products.com/the-wingman/

They are collaborating with Ion for a product launch 2023. Otherwise you can custom order for a higher cost.

Check out Ripcurl and billabong impact vests,good value,Australian buoyancy rated,light easy to wear won't ride up after a fall.

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Nikita said..
I'm gonna go check out some wake impact vests.

Good protection but seriously heavy when wet

I have a version of the prolimit above.
Absolutelty amazing & super light... Until you take a hit on the side where's there's no paddling. I did and badly bruised My ribs.

For padding you can't go past a wake impact vest. I got this and yea it's a little heavier than the light foam vests but its got way more protection. This one has no straps to ding the board and is very form fitting.
waterskiersworld.com.au/products/radar-tidal-impact-vest-2022-black

It seems like next year alot of brands are putting a harness hook on the waist strap of a wake vest. Ride engine have a new one coming.. With a lower hook than the wingman.

Hi, I'm on the hunt as well, wing foil downwinder I seek:
- Buoyancy obviously,
- Rib/Belly protection, that doesn't drive up
- Pocket for my phone and its waterproof bag
- Back pocket for a water pouch
- High visibility colours

I don't need :
- room for a harness
- a hook for a chicken loop

for now, these 2 seem to tick every box:
- Jetpilot Venture Mens Neo Life Jacket - L50
- ION Booster X Vest

Has anyone considered or tried them?

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BigZ said..
us.oneill.com/products/4917-hj5-slasher-comp-fz?_pos=2&_sid=64c940ced&_ss=r

That's what I bought, I use it for prone and wing