Of the 30 jackets evaluated by the Foundation, all but one would most likely help keep you afloat when worn and adjusted properly. The one exception in the watersports category, the Liquid Cardigan, was so thin that we couldn't recommend it. It was not Coast Guard-approved.

Overall many of the ISO-approved jackets, available primarily on the European market, performed like similarly styled USCG-approved jackets. In fact, two of our six "staff Picks" were not USCG-approved, but ISO-approved jackets. These jackets do not currently meet the USCG carriage requirements, and can be difficult to find in the US. Upon closer inspection one type of the ISO approved jackets, the level 50 approved buoyancy aids, did offer less flotation, but rated consistently higher in overall comfort.

Comfort can be costly. All of our "Staff Picks" in each category cost more than the basic Type II or Type III USCG-approved jackets. The highest price jackets were not always the top performers, but it does seem that the most comfortable jackets, the ones that are more likely to be worn, require an investment. Our least expensive "Staff Picks" were in the watersports and fishing categories and at $49.99 are still more than twice the price of the basic universal fit Type III USCG jacket tested.

Considering your boating activity is essential in choosing the best jacket for you. Many of the inflatable life jackets offered unmatched flotation, but proved to be too cumbersome should you need to perform a self rescue or swim any distance. Many of the buoyancy aids and less bulky jackets allowed testers greater comfort when dry and increased mobility in the water, but lacked the freeboard see with USCG-approved jackets.

Below are some tip for selecting the best jacket for you learned from our tests. When possible, we used several testers to evaluate each jacket for a variety of sizes and body types. Your experience may be different from our testers. The bottom line is to select a life jacket that you will wear and that is a good fit.

Tips for selecting the right jacket for you:

• Select a jacket based on your intended activity. Check out the label on the jacket or marketing material to see if it appropriate for your intended use.


• Purchase a jacket that is sized for you, not a "universal" fit. Make your life jacket a piece of personal safety gear, and not intended general use.


• The more adjustments, the better they tend to fit. However, the more adjustments there are, the harder they are to get into. Also, extra buckles and straps can snag.


• A comfortable fit is paramount. If it's not comfortable, you won't wear it. If boating in hot weather, consider an inflatable life jacket. If boating in the cold, consider a float coat.


• Consider a crotch strap. Even though it sounds uncomfortable, every life jacket with a crotch strap performed well – it keeps the life jacket from riding up in the water.


• You don't have to look like a geek. There are a ton of new designs that border on 'safety chic', especially those offered by European designers.


• Know the laws regarding use and approval of life jackets. In the United States, there must be a properly sized life jacket for each person aboard a recreational vessel. Depending on age, type of jacket you have, time of year, where you boat, and what type of boating, you may be required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

TYPE OF JACKET	APPROVAL	SCORE (out of 30)
Traditional USCG Jackets
Kent Offshore Type I		14
Kent Near shore Type II		16
Kent General Purpose Type III		13
Vest-Style Inflatable Jackets
Mustang Auto		24
Spinlock Deck Vest		21
Secumar		23
Baltic Winner		23
Paddling Jackets
West Marine Medalist		27
Kokatat Hybrid		28
Baltic Canoe		19
Stearns Nova Paddle		21
Sailing Jackets
Stohlquist Kitty		24
Baltic Dinghy Pro		23
Zhik		27
Spinlock Zero		21
Gill Compressor		19
Gill Pro Racer		19
Watersports Jackets
Yamaha Ski Pro		25
O'Neill Law		24
Liquid Force Cardigan		23
Baltic Rekord		22
Float Coats
Stearns Float Coat		25
Stormy Seas Newport		25
Stormy Seas Sweater		25
Stormy Seas North Pacific		24
Baltic Surf and Turf		26
Fishing Jackets
Onyx Classic		26
Stormy Seas Expedition		24
Baltic Fisherman		25
Stearns Sports Vest		25
KEY
= USCG	= ISO	= none
	= #1 in type