Radar Life Vests

Choosing a Radar Vest: Approved vs Impact

Radar makes two kinds of vest, and it's worth knowing which you need. An L50S life vest is a certified flotation device — 50 newtons of buoyancy, Australian Standards Level 50S approved, and a legal requirement for waterskiing, wakeboarding and towed watersports in Australia. The "S" means smooth-water approval — lakes, dams and rivers — which covers most towed skiing, and L50S vests can be any colour. An impact vest is a different product. It's built for a snug fit and impact protection in a fall or wakeboard crash, not as an approved PFD, so on its own it doesn't satisfy the legal life-vest requirement. Choose an L50S model to comply; wear an impact vest for protection and comfort where an approved vest isn't required by law. Radar's range runs mens and womens, with the Vapor and Lyric as the L50S life vests and the Drifter, Tidal and Lyric impact vests for protection. Sizing is by chest measurement, and the right size is the one that fits snugly. Fit decides whether a vest does its job. It should feel very snug when dry and loosen slightly once wet; always fasten both the zip and the side buckles. A loose vest rides up, reduces flotation and can come off over the head in a heavy fall, so don't size up for comfort. Hand wash in mild detergent to remove salt and sunscreen, never machine wash, and keep it out of direct sun in storage. Browse the full Radar vest range online or visit the Brisbane store and we'll fit one for you.