X20 Universal Adult Life Jacket Vest - Red & Black

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 blue 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.I am 5'8" - too tall; looks [not good].I am 180 lbs - too heavy; not going to save me.I wear shirts sized 15 1/2 32-33 - I could put this on, but it looked a little [not good].I wear pants with waist 32 or 33 - use that how you will; I don't recommend beyond that.Overall statement: Average (and larger) adults should refrain from purchasing this product unless they're not planning on actually wearing it.

This is not a comfortable jacket for all day use. I originally bought this jacket as I only intended to have it on board for regulation purposes, but then I injured my back and figured I should probably wear a life jacket while kayaking just in case. I wish that I would have spend a little more on a paddling jacket as this one just gets in my way. If you are buying this jacket to loan out or to have for emergencies, it is a great buy. If you plan to wear this for hours at a time I would spend a little more to get something comfortable.

I was concerned about these after reading the other reviews, but I was buying them for my super tall and skinny teenage boys so I figured even if they ran small, they should fit my boys fine (both are 5'8" and 110-125lbs). To my absolute amazement, not only do they fit my boys PERFECTLY, they also fit me (short and overweight)! At first I thought it wasn't going to work because the top strap is not adjustable. I could barely snap it on my boys! No way it would fit anyone larger! BUT, if you adjust the bottom straps to fit the person, the top straps fit fine on anyone. Basically, the front and back parts are separate and the straps hold the two sides together snugly. These life jackets are amazing for the price! All of our other jackets are adult small, medium or large. These jackets fit all sizes perfectly! I love that one jacket can fit any and all teenagers or adults that come boating with us!

The vest is fine and it is constructed like the vest in the photo. However, it has some rather tacky screen printing on it to make it look like some sort of racer vest. I wanted a plain, solid-color, so that was disappointing. It fits fine and seems good quality, so I'll keep it. However, keep in mind that your vest may not be exactly what you're expecting.I bought these for myself and my teenage son. We're both slender people and the vest fits us fine. The top strap is NOT adjustable, so I think that someone really large would not be able to fasten it. It should be fine for average sized people.

I bought 2 for my wife and i and they are very comfortable.My wife is a buxom girl and i was concerned about comfort and they fit fine, the side ajustable straps makes for a snug fit. They ride high on the body but good lenth for kayaking. The days we went out were cold and windy, the pfd kept us nice and warm. Even drove the car in them. Now for the but, I'm 180 lbs. not sure if that foam they use would be enough. I will test them in shallow water first. For the price a good buy.

This is a great vest to have on the boat as an extra. Differently good to swim around with, but I wouldn't try to wakeboard in it. Doesn't feel like it will hold up extremely well. It's also not meant for a large person. I know it's universal but I would say it truly a size medium and pushing a large. The bottom two straps adjust just fine it's the top strap that limits the size. You can't adjust the top strap so if you have a wide chest it's going to be very uncomfortable.

The jackets themselves are fine. A retired coast guard captain recently suggested to me that cheap "Mae West" style jackets are better since they hold up the head of unconscious victims, unlike the vest design.Some other higher visibility colors, particularly dayglow and/or fluorescent (glow in the dark) would be a good idea. This is especially in light of the price, which I now realize is artificially high. Shipping/handling fees bring up the price dramatically; I just wish I hadn't been in such a hurry before buying such common items. Please check local retailers (heck, even K-Mart!) before assuming that since these are the best bargains on Amazon, that it's about the best you can do.Quality seems okay in and of itself, though.

This is a great vest for the price. For those who don't feel the need for expensive life-vests, and want to budget their money for other out-door needs, this is the vest for you. I like the bright color, which could turn out to be highly valuable during a rescue operation by air if needed. If this vest is properly worn, you'll have nothing to worry about but having fun. Whether or not the local regulations require you to wear a life-vest, it's always a good idea to have one on anytime you're out on the water.