Usually when we talk about kiteboarding, topics like choosing the wakeboard, the kite, proper water spot, etc becomes highlighted. What we miss out on sometimes, is the kiteboard vest. The vest is an important element of the gear and should never be compromised. If you are new to kiteboarding, then you must be fresh into this. Just so you know, the impact during kiteboarding can be pretty huge. You are talking about crashing into huge waves, or sometimes into stray objects that might be floating around the water while you are enjoying the sport. A proper impact kiteboarding vest might just save you from those ugly bruises or even nasty injuries.
Guide To Choosing The Best Impact Kiteboarding Vest
So, we all know the importance of having the impact kiteboarding vest, but do you know how to choose the best one, considering that there are many of them in the market. Wish so many reputable brands and types of impact kiteboarding vest, it can be pretty tricky trying to find a good one. Having said that, I will share some of the factors which I considered while choosing my vest and trust me, you will surely bookmark this article till you get your first gear.
Let’s talk about the combined do’s and don’ts while picking up your kiteboarding vest.
- Make sure to consider the size, vest material and primarily, the type of vest.
- Not every size fits all. By checking the size around the thickest part of the chest, determine the appropriate form of vest.
- Vests come in various styles for men, women and children. Don’t try a vest if it’s not meant for your gender specifically.
- Try choosing vests approved by country’s regulations.
- Suggested material for vest would be Neoprene ones which are soft, warm, fitting, flexible allowing mobility than the older conventional nylon vests.
Now that we have discussed on factors choosing our kiteboarding vests, let’s check some reviews of my shortlisted impact vests.
NP Surf Rise Front Zip Impact Vest
The NP Surf Rise Front Zip Impact Vest is designed specially for the riders who like to be airborne most of the time. It allows a vast range of motion around the arms and shoulder area. Its Dura-flex Neoprene material makes it durable and robust to use.
In terms of comfort, not many vests will be able to rival this ass the interior is made of the ultra-soft foam that helps to keep you comfortable, yet at the same time protecting you from any possible injuries. The entire vest is also flexible, which adds on to the comfort that the vest can bring to you too. It conforms to the contours of your body, and the entire vest can be worn together with a harness too!
Pros
- Easy entry front zip
- Can be worn with any harness
- Added soft foam for extra comfort and warmth
Cons
- Floatation capacity not high
- Does not serve as a total life vest
Connelly Team Comp Neoprene Vest
This strapless and buckle-free vest will let riders, especially professionals to fly free and splash with stylish stunts. In terms of design, the Connelly Team Comp Neoprene Vest might not come up tops. But when we select the impact vest for kiteboarding, the main focus shouldn’t be on the aesthetics but on the ability of the vest to protect you!
When it comes to comfort, the Connelly’s new impact vest uses Neoprene and a very thin and soft foam that helps to make it conform to your body’s contours, yet at the same time providing you with protection. It allows you to have full maneuverability, which is important when it comes to executing those tricks that require more movement. An additional feature that we loved was the Glideskin that exists on the vest that helps to wick water away. While most newbies will think that this feature is not important, they are very wrong indeed as some vests absorbs water, which will make the vest heavy!
Pros
- 4-way stretch Neoprene material.
- X shaped rear panels to increase mobility
- Its glide skin makes the water wick away quickly, thus making the vest light and warm
Cons
- No straps and buckles, safety will be on a compromise
- Not eligible for international shipping, cannot compete in global market.
NP Surf Women’s Spark Front Zip Impact Vest
Women love this vest due to its sleek design and easy entry zip. With an anatomical fit, it gives freedom and space for movement and is super comfortable. This NP Surf Women’s Spark Front Zip Impact Vest is surely the best impact kiteboarding vest for women!
If you have read the article on Top 10 Female Kiteboarders To Follow On Instagram, you will surely be envious of their tricks as well ass their passion into the sport. And all of them swears to the importance of having an impact kiteboarding vest as it does help to protect you from injuries. And while not all impact vest allows the rider to execute tricks without hindrance, the NP surf impact vest will not only allow you to have full maneuverability, it also provides you with a deep sense of security too.
The NP floatation and impact vest are designed around the wind sports rider. Allowing a maximum range of motion in the shoulder and arms, you can just about do any tricks or stunts that you want. The unique designs are forms fitting to allow the use of any harness too!
Pros
- Smooth non-water absorbent skin
- Any harness compatible
- Soft foam for extra comfort and warmth
Cons
- Extra padding on the chest area, might not be every rider’s taste.
- Waist harness gets stuck refraining the rider launch too high
Conclusion
Now it’s time to share my preference. For a fact, I always choose safety over lifts or tricks. And, being a design fanatic as well, NP Surf Women’s Spark Front Zip Vest fits into my choice and closet. As I said earlier, every rider has different preferences in their choice of vests. I told you mine, what’s yours?
