Hi to all,
I'm at that point when I must replace my lifejackets and I want to get the best avaiable. If possible I'd like to keep my fellow Australians employed and buy Aussie made if I can, but the only Australian made one I have seen is the Roaring Forty brand. Has anyone had any experience with them, good or bad?
But ultimatley I want the best, local or not.
Any advice much appreciated.

I think if you're after the best available, you will be looking at spinlock or crewsaver. To me the R40 maxi pro is just a choice among the myriad of "affordable" style life jackets, good but not excellent. I've got a crewsaver 190, it fits like a jacket, incredibly comfortable to wear, has the stuff I want - hammer activation, hood, light, AIS pocket, double crotch strap.

I'd like to plug Australian made, but in this case I don't think there is anything close to Spinlock or Crewsaver.

Two words, "Stormy Seas"
Made in Tasmania.
Best performance when deployed as inflates on chest not around neck so lift mouth higher from water.
I have a had a vest version for 15 years now.

Spinlock and others are rubbish in the water when deployed.

Also if buying a lifejacket harness be careful if it has a soft strop for the harness tether.
when deployed or in the water they are impossible to find as often they are under the bladder and feel no different to the straps.
Just saying.
SSSC courses show up funny things!

Good topic. I have had a Burke and a Stormy PFD for about 7 years and up till recently felt quite comfortable about them.

Then while on recent Bass Strait cruise, I started thinking in great detail what it would really be like bobbing out there. I realised a major stumbling block was where my PFD and strobe have to be, such that I can reach them easily while suited up in heavy waterproof gear being tossed around in the big washing machine. Not to mentioned scared, cold, exhausted and maybe in complete darkness.

I came to the conclusion I'm living in a fool's paradise, and that whilst my pfd's are comfy, easy to operate and well capable of keeping me afloat, they were highly unsuitable for my needs. They'd be ok in fairly calm conditions with crew capable of keeping me in sight, and then getting me back on board fairly promptly. None of these apply to my solo forays in BS. As always these matters the "what do you intend to do with it" question must be answered, and the Aussie's mentioned are fine for benign conditions. For me, the issues seemed to be the accessories as much as the basic flotation function. I guess on reflection that's all glaringly obvious - any "ocean-going" bit of kit will be different to a "arvo-on-the-bay" item.

So I'm looking into suitable PFD's that have as a minimum in-built easy-to-reach PFD and strobe mountings, spray hood, easy front-access waist adjustment, as well as comfort and adequate buoyancy. I agree that Spinlock and Crewsaver are the first obvious picks, and that instead of $100-ish less, it's necessary to spend something like $300+ to get what I need. PBO ran a good test article a while ago, I'll delve into my copies and find the issue.

Cheers, Graeme

I have Stormy inflatable PFDs with integral harnesses, EPIRB pockets, and Stormy tethers. I really like them, and intend to buy Stormy again.

I wouldn't buy a jacket with an integral inflatable PFD though, for a few reasons:
* Its often too hot in NSW to wear a jacket.
* I notice the Stormy Pilots jacket has some sort of attachment at the front, but I'm unsure if it is built strong for sailing like the Stormy PFD with integral harness, I guess I'd ask Stormy if I was interested.
* Stormy say that when an inflatable lifejacket is 10 years old that it must be replaced. The jackets are expensive, I would rather buy a separate jacket and wear a inflatable PFD with integral harness over the top.

www.stormylifejackets.com.au/faqs/#servicing-your-stormy-lifejacket-or-life-vest

It would be necessary to ask Stormy about sewing on EPIRB pockets, if you wanted that feature. Or maybe you could sew them on yourself.

The pilot jackets are made to order so you just ask for what you want.
these are very different from the recreational PFD jacket with zip out selves.
The integral harness meets the relevant standard.
As to lifespan, after a first purchase in 1999, in about 2008 I sent it back to them and Stormy replaced the outer shell and re-certified the harness and pfd for another 10 years.
still use the jacket today.

And clearly you did not read the first part of the post, "If you do not need breathable"

Thanks to all for the informative replies, I have to admit I had never given much thought to maybe spending some time in the water waiting to be rescued, so in the past I had just bought whatever was in the chandlery on the day. I've decided on a choice between Stormy Sea, Roaring Forty and Burke.
Thanks again to all.

I went thro the same search looking for an aussie made product.

I now have PFD1 jackets on the boat. Made in Albury I think from memory, choice of auto or manual inflation, crutch strap, built in harness and most of all comfortable, something that can't be said for a few others. (the ones we have at work are sooo uncomfortable, I sympathise with the deck guys who have to wear them continually, ... no I don't really)

I am happy with them and guess that is all that really matters.

www.pfd1.com.au/index.html