Skip ahead:
New season, new vests.
With fresh stock landing across men’s, women’s, kids’ and PWC ranges, it’s easy to get lost.
To help with that, we cast a careful eye over every life jacket on the market. We analyse things like materials, construction, fit, features and value, and pick only the best vests to bring into our range.
Then we narrow it all down again, on this very page, to make it easier than ever to find the perfect fit.
These are the best vests in each category - picked for comfort, fit, value, and the kind of use they’re actually designed for.
🙋 Staff pick
The KGB Control is a favourite with riders who push themselves hard but don’t want a bulky vest slowing them down. Its segmented foam bends with your body, so whether you’re cutting, spinning, or just hanging on for dear life, it moves naturally.
The real difference is how those segments are constructed. Most brands break the foam into separate blocks, and stitch the neoprene around them.
It’s a quicker, more cost effective method, but to ensure the vest provides enough floatation to meet Australian standards, each block needs to be thickened.
KGB stitch through the foam meaning the whole vest has a thinner profile than others, reducing that bulky Michelin-man feel none of us want.
The Control is topped off with a 4-way stretch, lightweight and ultra soft neoprene and an elastic webbing belt, making it easy to get on and unbelievably comfortable to wear.
Why choose it:
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Premium fit that can adapt to any body shape
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Thinner profile & 4-way flex neoprene for more movement
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Elastic webbing belt for easy on/off
View KGB Control →
👉 Pick this if you want a men’s vest that feels like an upgrade the moment you zip it up.
Best Men’s Value Vest: KGB Tempo
If you’re after value without compromise, the KGB Tempo nails it.
Designed with a simplified segmented design and lightweight, lower cost material the Tempo can save you up to $100 compared to high end alternatives.
And, to be honest, you’re not giving up that much. You’ll still get the stitch-through segmentation found in a high-end KGB vest which provides enough movement exactly where you need it.
The Airprene material on this vest is the kicker though. So light you have to feel it to believe it, you’ll almost forget you’re even wearing one.
And the reduced density in the neoprene layers allows it to dry faster, meaning it’ll be ready for your next set before you are.
Why choose it:
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Incredible price for a modern, comfortable fit
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Versatile sizing that suits most riders
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Bright, bold colourways for style + visibility
View KGB Tempo →
👉 Pick this if you want a no-fuss vest that delivers where it counts without draining the wallet.
Best Women’s Vest: Jobe Unify
The Jobe Unify is the rare vest that balances performance fit with real-world value.
It’s tailored for women, with panels shaped for comfort and mobility that don’t bunch or pinch.
Its soft-touch neoprene and lightweight foam make it feel more flexible and breathable than most in its class.
The water draining system is essential for keeping the vest (and yourself) feeling light when riding or swimming.
Bright colourways bring a modern look without being over the top - a bonus for riders who want gear that feels personal.
Why choose it:
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Women’s-specific cut for proper fit and comfort
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Soft neoprene with flexible foam
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Smart blend of value and performance
View Jobe Unify →
👉 Pick this if you want one vest that’s equally at home behind a ski, board, or PWC.
Best Kids’ Vest: Jetpilot The Cause
Finding a kids’ vest that fits properly and matches your child’s style can be a real challenge.
The Jetpilot Cause makes it easy: it’s stocked in a wide variety of colours and sizes, so you can pick something your kid actually wants to wear.
What sets it apart is the fit. It has a snug, contoured design that sits close without riding up, giving kids the confidence to move around without the vest slipping out of place.
Parents love it for safety & visibility; kids love it because it’s not restrictive.
The cause comes in a massive range of sizes, each with varying features. Infant sizing (10-15kg) is available with a head pillow or without.
For smaller kids (up to 25kg), the vests also feature a crotch strap for added security and safety, while larger sizes do way with that for a little extra comfort.
Why choose it:
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Colour options kids get excited about
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Secure fit that won’t ride up
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AS 4758 Level 50 (Red & Yellow) or L50S (all other colours) approval
View The Cause →
👉 Pick this if you want a youth vest that keeps kids safe without the complaints.
Best Teens’ Vests: KGB Teen Tempo (Boys) & Ivy Teen Capri (Girls)
Teen riders often like something better than kids’ cuts but aren’t always ready for full men’s/women’s sizing. These two solve that gap.
The KGB Teen Tempo (for boys) carries the same DNA as the men’s Tempo — value, mobility, and a reliable fit — but scaled for teen riders.
Its lightweight design and bright electric blue/charcoal/white colourway make it a hit with younger riders who want style without fuss.
For girls, the Ivy Teen Capri, on the other hand, is tailored for girls.
With a slimmer cut and soft neoprene panels, it avoids the boxy feel of unisex vests. The candyfloss colourway is fun and fresh without being childish.
Why choose them:
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Performance-driven teen sizing (not just scaled-down kids’ cuts)
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Lightweight, flexible, and value-driven
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Style options that feel age-appropriate
View KGB Teen Tempo →
View Ivy Teen Capri →
👉 Pick these if you’ve got teens who want real performance vests in their size.
Best PWC Vest: Jetpilot 3sixty Hyperflex
The Jetpilot 3sixty Hyperflex is the perfect fit for jet ski riders.
Cut shorter than a traditional life jacket, you’ll find yourself much more comfortable in a seated position - especially on longer rides.
Those panels are the real win: strategically placed hyperflex panels and a back gusset ensure the vest fits to any body shape and lets you twist and move without losing buoyancy where you need it.
If you opt for the Red colourway you’ll have AS 4758 Level 50 compliance, while the traditional Black colourway still meets L50S standards which are accepted on most Australian waterways.
Just make sure you check your local regulation to make sure you pick the right one.
Why choose it:
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PWC-specific fit & features
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Hyperflex panel design for extra mobility
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Options for L50 or L50s compliance
View Jetpilot 3sixty →
👉 Pick this if you ride a jet ski and want a vest that balances safety, comfort, and value.
Buy your next life jacket online at dejavuski.com.au
Found your fit? All of these vests are part of our 2026 range, which means you’ll get:
- Free delivery across Australia
- Size guarantee (swap easily if it’s not quite right, or return for a refund if we can’t get your size)
- 90-day returns for peace of mind
Don’t waste your limited time on the water wrestling with an old, ill-fitting vest. Get the right jacket for you (or the family) and ride with confidence.
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