Best Wakeboarding Vest

By Taylor Jensen

Looking for the Best Wakeboarding Vest? We found and tested the best vests on the market and here is a rundown of our favorites for men and ladies.

Modern vest options are snug-fitting, yet stylish, unlike the unsightly orange keyhole design vests of years past. Most have straps or zippers in the front, keeping the material firmly fitted against the body.

It’s important to remember that the best wakeboarding vest not only protect you from drowning in the event that you have a particularly bad slam. It can also minimize injury to your torso if you’re ever involved in a collision on the water.

So, how do you choose this essential piece of wakeboarding equipment?

What to Look for in the Best Wakeboarding Vest:

Size: When it comes to wakeboard vests, one size does not fit all. Fit and construction can vary by brand, so you may need to find a top-rated brand that you like and stick with it.
Types: There are two basic types of wakeboard vests. The first is US Coast Guard (USCG) approved vests which are required by federal regulations in the U.S. There are also competition vests that are lightweight and more flexible.
Materials: The main types of vest materials include nylon and neoprene. Nylon is generally cheaper and more adjustable than neoprene, but neoprene is softer and warmer than nylon.
Style: While most wakeboard vests feature snaps, buttons, or zippers in the front, some pull over the head. While some wakeboarders prefer this style, just note that these vests tend to be thinner, yet more flexible.

Hyperlite Indy CGA Wakeboard Vest

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Never settle for anything but the best when it comes to your safety. The Hyperlite Indy CGA Wakeboard Vest is a type III USCG approved life vest featuring an angled hinge point to allow for a maximum range of motion. The stylish vest also has two concealed 1.5” straps, segmented foam panels, and top-notch drainability. We loved the fit of this vest – not to bulk and well proportioned.

For guys who want the best wakeboarding vest on the market, the Hyperlite Indy won’t disappoint. This vest allows you to stay safe in the water, without sacrificing your mobility and comfort. While technically a competition vest, the wakeboard vest is the perfect item for novice and professional wakeboarders who spend time in the water. Its available in a variety of sizes and can be ordered in blue or grey.

What Users Are Saying:

Cool and works great
Fast shipping
The color is vibrant
Can be used as a unisex vest
Weight and cut are fantastic
Super comfortable

O’Brien Traditional Neo Life Vest

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The O’Brien Traditional Neo Life Vest is an excellent choice for an all-around, high-quality wakeboarding vest. The best wakeboard vest offers a flexible fit and customized features like size and color options, like this one which boast four awesome color choices and many sizes.

This vest offers extra protection to the user with its zip closure and two belts. It is USCG approved. Our testing concluded that while the vest offers users a firm fit, it does not inhibit movement which is important when wakeboarding. Remember that neoprene expands when wet, so find a vest that fits snug when dry.

What Users Are Saying:

Great product
Pleasantly surprised!
Lightweight and feels like an impact vest
Soft and comfortable to wear
Fits perfect
Material is high quality and dries quickly

O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Mens Superlite

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O’Neill is well-known in the wakeboarding industry for their high-quality gear. The O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Mens Superlite is right in line with their superior products. What makes it the best wakeboarding vest is its durable coated nylon shell construction that can resist up to 10 years of heavy outdoor use.

It’s also soft, flexible, and approved by the USCG. Constructed of marine foam, this vest offers optimal buoyancy in the water while minimizing bulk. It also features quick release buckles that allow you to get it on and off in mere seconds. Best of all, you can feel confident about your purchase with a limited one-year warranty.

What Users Are Saying:

Great design
Light weight and an excellent value
High quality
Fits true to form
Highly recommended!
One of the best vests I’ve ever used

O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Mens Assault

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When shopping for the best wakeboarding vest, you’ll want to consider important aspects like weight and overall design. The O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Mens Assault Life Vest offers a variety of unique features, such as a concealed dual belt system and integrated lumbar pad.

The vest also has a strategic armhole size to accommodate most users, as well as segmented foam core for maximum flexibility and comfort. The lightweight fluid foam neoprene shell is stretchy enough for comfort but also form fitting for protection in the water. This wakeboard vest is a must-have for wake and waterski athletes alike. Our tester concluded that this vest felt the most high tech.

What Users Are Saying:

Doesn’t ride up due to the belts
Versatile water sports jacket
Really fast shipping
Light and fits perfectly
In-vest in this item
Works great and is comfortable

Best Ladies Wakeboarding Vests

Hyperlite Ladies Indy Wakeboard Vest

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Some women simply prefer a wakeboarding vest designed exclusively to fit the curves of a female body. The Hyperlite Ladies Indy Wakeboard Vest is the perfect option for women who want a safe, stylish, and protective vest. Choose from a selection of colors, including pink, purple, and a black and blue combo.

The Coast Guard approved vest offers the flexibility of a competition vest with the comfort and mobility that comes with segmented foam panels and concealed straps. The vest is lightweight and dries quickly, making it perfect for traveling. What really makes it the best wakeboard vest is its angled hinge points and slim, sleek look.

What Users Are Saying:

Good looking vest
Fits great, floats great, looks great!
Very happy with the service
Great for wakeboarding and skiing
Quality made and fits perfect
Supportive and comfortable in the water

O’Neill Wake Waterski Women’s Reactor

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There are many premium women’s wakeboard vests currently on the market, and the O’Neill Wake Waterski Women’s Reactor Vest is one of them. The USCG approved vest is available in several sizes and colors to meet the needs of ladies everywhere. It also has a segmented foam core providing the user with optimal flexibility.

The lightweight vest is constructed from breathable materials, idea for those warmer summer days. A heavy-duty front zipper and quick release buckles keep the vest firmly around your torso and allows for easy removal at the end of a long day on the water. Stay cool and cozy whether you’re wakeboarding, water skiing, or just having fun. We absolutely love the retro color way vibes of this vest.