O'Neill Women's SuperLite USCG Life Vest

2 summers and it’s still like new.

I’m new to more adventurous water sports and this was my first life vest purchase. I knew nothing about sizing and fit but I had borrowed some life vests recently and remembered what seemed to be extremely large sizing. Well after some research I learned those people are buying a baggy comfortable vest not one that will work correctly. I should have known when I never saw them actually fastened on the owner. Because I wanted to buy something that might actually save my life not just fulfill a requirement I measured. Turns out my size was way smaller than I thought but ordered anyway. Well the charts are right…this fits perfectly. It’s snug even without strap tightening but it kind of has its own structural shape. The straps don’t really make it tighter just more secure. And I actually like the snug fit much better especially while paddling….no floppy extra stuff getting in the way. I also don’t know if it’s a correct size thing or just design but the hemline on this sits a lot higher than some oversized vests I tried. Comes down to about the end of ribs which is great for sitting and paddling. I can also confirm that it works after some falls from the SUP into the surf. If you have some anxiety about swimming endurance or tend to thrash about in a panic when you fall in unexpectedly like me this is a great insurance policy.

Just got back from a short vacation at the lake where I used the life jacket everyday to swim. My only complaint is that I couldn’t keep it from riding up around my neck and face. I adjusted it as tightly as possible, but continued to have the same issue. Regardless, as I said, it kept me afloat which is the whole purpose of the life jacket.

I bought a size Small in black/turquoise/lime. The size chart says Small fits chests 30”-33” and I found that to be true. I’m roughly 33-25-36. Even a 34” might find this too tight because, for some reason, the top two chest straps have minimal fabric to be extended or tightened. It’s strange because the waist straps have much more length for customization. However, a life vest should be snug and not riding up off the shoulders (as seen in reviewers’ photos). That indicates the vest is too big and will likely push the wearer’s head forward/face first when in the water.I’m only 5’2” and short waisted—I love the length! I could sit and paddle without it riding up. The arm holes seem wide enough to allow for movement and not cause friction.Also, the colors are lighter in person than shown on my screens. But the vest seems well made. I like the ring st the bottom edge. I also like the fabric as nylon/polyester vests seem to stay cooler than neoprene. But all our other life vests have buoyancy level ratings between 50-150 to denote their appropriate use. Usually we use buoyancy level 70 for ocean kayaking/SUP. This doesn’t have any numbers so am debating returning for that reason.

Two days ago I was kayaking a river with my friends, when we came upon a dam. I was pulled towards the dam and my kayak flipped immediately. I fell out and if I had not been wearing this life vest I don’t know what might have happened. It kept my head above the water the entire time which was impressive because of the wild current. I made it through with only cuts and bruises, and I’m afraid of what would have happened if I had not been wearing it. Absolutely great life jacket. Buy it.

I’m glad I read other’s reviews about sizing and sized up one. I’m a petite, 5ft female usually wear XS/S but sized up to a M in this life jacket and it’s perfect. Feels snug and secure with 4 adjustable front straps. Not terribly bulky either. Highly recommend for value and style.

You! Yes, you reading this! See all those negative reviews regarding the sizing being wayyyyyyyy off? Well, take it from me who took the chance after seeing those reviews and bought this anyways: Oh my lanta listen to them. This thing is sized horribly. You will EASILY have to jump up two sizes from what you normally wear to fit into this thing, and even then, it still might not fit!I'm normally a small in women's shirts and tops. Seeing the reviews regarding the small sizing, I ordered a size up, a medium. I couldn't even get the buckles to close on the medium! The sizing they have on these is an absolute joke. Do they really think that these fit women?? They'd probably only fit a young kid!I ordered a large as well, and I honestly don't even know if that will fit just based off of how small the medium life jacket was!O'Neill has some serious explaining/remeasuring/reality check to do. I don't know how the heck they came up with the sizing on these things. It is bewildering.

I’m 5’3” and ~ 135lbs. I do not have an overly large chest but if I was one cup bigger, the top clasps wouldn’t have worked (not a problem I usually experience). I will be keeping, but if I get pregnant again or ever gain weight - I’ll need a diff option as there’s a chance this won’t buckle on the top two clasps. There’s a need for a tight fit on a life jacket for safety vs. slightly making it difficult to breathe and not fitting when it’s supposed to be “women’s” size. Feels more like a youth size option.