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WEST MARINE
Medalist Life Vest
Offering performance features at an affordable price, this PFD's kinetic internal neoprene system provides dynamic tension for a comfortable fit in motion. It offers a snug fit that won't ride up, or sacrifice maneuverability or breathing. Short cut, soft PVC foam, slim neoprene-padded shoulders and a wide cut around the arms make it the ideal life jacket for paddlers and day sailors. Not for Sale to Canada.
- USCG Type: III
- Intended Use: Paddling, day sailing
- Features: Stretch cargo pocket, adjustable, neoprene-lined shoulders with reflective detail, short cut for full mobility
- Buoyancy: 16lbs.
- Flotation Materials: PE Foam (rear panel), PVC Foam (front panel)
- Shell Fabric: 420-Denier nylon
- Straps: 4 side straps, 2 shoulder straps
- Closure: Center YKK zipper
- Warranty: Three years
Product Specs
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
90%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Adjustable (10)
- Comfortable (10)
- Lightweight (6)
- Durable (4)
- Good ventilation (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating / sailing (5)
- Paddling (5)
- Kayak / canoe / rafting (3)
- Chest Size:
Feels too small
Feels true to size
100%
(8 reviews)
Feels too big
- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (5), Intermediate (3)
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
Cons
Best Uses
- Dinghy Keelboat Racing
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
Comfortable, easily adjustable, excellent for sailboat racing
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
Nice fit and fully adjustable. Particularly like the cargo pockets.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
A must have piece of sailing / boating equipment.This is a great life vest except it needs a crotch strap. I wouldn't recommend it for that reason alone. It should have a removable strap.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
Purchased for my 9 year old daughter who is an avid young sailor. This life jacket was appropriate for her needs.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good Ventilation
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
I purchased this to replace a Coleman PFD that was bulky and restrictive while paddling. This product is wayyyyy better for paddling. Additionally the staff at WM Middleton were extremely helpful and patient with me as I asked them to scour the store for one of these in my size! Very satisfied all around.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Paddling
- Sailing Dinghy
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
This vest allows excellent freedom of movement on small sailing dinghys, such as the Laser. The lack of bulky shoulder obstructions enables you to duck under the boom and avoid entangling rigging. You can move around quickly and effortlessly in this jacket.
Very comfortable padded shoulder straps and thankfully the right color (bright yellow) for visibility in the water, where you eventually wind up sooner or later if you sail dinghies or cats.
It has a high quality zipper front with belt clip at the bottom for extra security, and two small zippered vest pockets. It includes a safety whistle.
Could benefit from elastic bands on the straps to capture excess strap material once the vest is properly adjusted.
Very Important - this is not a self-righting PFD. So I do not recommend it for small children or single-handed sailing, where someone might not come to your aid quickly. Great for double-handed sailing and single-handed competition, where help is usually close at hand.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Too Hot
Best Uses
- Canoeing
- Paddling
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
A well priced and well made product. Purchased by several members of the Dragon Boat Team.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Good Ventilation
- Great pockets
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Day sailing
- Dingy sailing
- Paddling
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
Great life jacket for the day sailor as well as the avid racer. Large pockets make storing multi tools and radios easy
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Paddling
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
I bought this as a gift. My brother-in-law said it fit perfectly. He wore it in the living room. He was pleased that it didn't feel heavy or restrict movement.
Service and delivery comments:
Fast delivery.
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good Ventilation
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- OP sailing
Comments about Medalist Life Vest:
perfect!!!
Service and delivery comments:
Great in store service at Blaine ~~ five star!!
- Chest Size:
- Feels true to size
Displaying reviews 1-10
