X20 Universal Adult Life Jacket Vest - Blue & Black

For the price, this is a pretty good, standby, life jacket. However, if you are kayaking, or sitting, you may find it is a bit long and you lap will force it to ride up into your chin. My wife, who is shorter, can't really wear it properly. Definitely a men's, adult life jacket.

I purchased this item in the red color. It is constructed as shown, but has some tacky gray screen printing on one side of the front and across the back which I don't like. It's not at all just a solid color, as shown in the photo. That was disappointing.

It seems to be of good quality and it fits well, so I'll keep them. I bought two vests for myself and my son. We're both slender. The top of the three straps does not adjust, so someone with a very wide chest might not be able to fasten it.

I got this as a low-cost, cool-looking life jacket to go with the kayak I bought at the same time. If you're looking for a cheap way to get around the life-preservers-are-mandatory laws, and you weigh 90 to ~135 pounds, and you have a small frame, then this is the life jacket for you! It looks especially cool alongside the red one (Halo: Red vs. Blue, anyone?).

Now on to why I returned mine: Listing says "Universal Adult", but more accurately sized for a child. I'm 5'8" with shirt size 15 1/2 32-33; this was ridiculously small on me. Weight capacity on product: min 90 lbs, no max given.

Putting it on it was clear that it was not sized for even an average adult. My dad even took the opportunity to tactfully tell me how he thought I looked in it. The back section is very thin, and on it is printed the weight capacity "Minimum 90 lbs [, no maxiumum] -- I highly doubt this would do me much good in an emergency.

Use my experience as a size chart... Read more