My 6 month old Zhik life jacket (not USCG approved) has tons more flotation than my 12 year old Omega (USCG approved). I guess I should put the Omega back on for races, even though I'd be better off with the Zhik and better flotation.
Zhik life jackets are on a lot of boats in the SE US nowadays.....
I have a Zhik life jacket and I agree that it is much more bouyant than other USCG approved jackets I've owned...I'm sure that there are other specifications that the USCG tests but would be really shocked if the Zhik vest didn't exceed them all. Let me offer up this option...the reg says:
"Each person on board shall carry a lifesaving device or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) approved by their country’s national authority or by the national authority having jurisdiction."
So if I wear my Zhik jacket and have one of those $12 throwable boat cushions in my trampoline pocket or strapped to the underside of the trampoline somewhere - am I covered? The throwable is USCG approved and it
is a lifesaving device.
