More on PFDs and a Free Spinlock PFD Giveaway!

Thanks for yet another good discussion on PFDs and the pros and cons of various features and types. We’re always interested to hear how different sailors view the most important considerations.

Personally I’ve typically favored the foam type vests for their simple, mostly maintenance-free reliability, but I can see a number of advantages to the inflatable ones. In my case I also mostly sail in cold water and cooler climates and I tend to get cold easily, so I usually welcome the additional insulation offered by the foam vests.

When I’m cruising or on extended adventures in the smallest boats I feel most secure when I have certain gear on my person—knife, matches, etc. and sometimes this will include my VHF, GPS and/or phone. As such, I usually opt for a vest with several fairly deep pockets. The downside to big pockets is the extra bulk sticking out from the central vest, which can cause problems when it snags lines, cleats or rigging. For example, those kayak fishing vests—which I love for their stowage capacity—can make re-boarding after a capsize more difficult with a bunch of pockets protruding from your chest or stomach. Similarly, ill-fitting vests or vests with long tails of adjustable straps or extensive webbing can be hazardous for the same reasons.

I’ve noted that the slightly more expensive or modern PFDs are also often more fitted or streamlined, with some actual consideration given to human ergonomics, as opposed to the boxy one-size-fits-all type of vests that predominate. One vest that caught my attention was the Foil from British sailing company Spinlock. At around $100 it’s not especially pricey, but it has a tailored look and some nice features, and it appeared to be made to a higher quality than most.

I reached out to Spinlock and they were kind enough to send a sample for us to review. They also agreed to let us do one of our free giveaways and to send a Foil vest out to one lucky paid subscriber. So make sure to add your comment below to be entered to win.

Spinlock says the Foil vest is designed for dinghy and keelboat sailing as well as other watersports. It was designed to be both “low profile” and “low snag,” and it has a high cut and articulated back panel for mobility. I was also pleased to see the Foil uses a YKK brand chest zipper, the gold standard for zipper durability.

While the sleek Foil has no protruding pockets, it does in fact have two fairly sizeable (I can fit my entire hand inside) Velcro-sealing chest pockets—one on each side. The left breast pocket includes a small plastic J-hook on a lanyard to help secure car keys.

Although “style” is lowest on my personal list of PFD priorities, I do think it’s a good-looking vest. The black color isn’t ideal for Florida or Texas, but it works for most of my sailing grounds.

Designed to European standards, the Spinlock Foil only offers 50 Newtons (11 pounds) of flotation vs the USCG standard of 70 Newtons (15.5 pounds), but this is why the Foil is so ridiculously light (18 oz in size large) and comfortable. I was impressed with how it fit, and as they say, the best PFD is the one you’ll actually wear. The Foil is so light as to be almost unnoticeable, and it doesn’t restrict movement much at all.

Ultimately I’ve decided that owning two PFDs might b the way to go—one with maximum stowage capacity for long cruises or where I need my vest to be my “ditch bag,” and a lighter, more comfortable one for shorter sails or where more athleticism or mobility might be required. The Spinlock Foil seems perfect for this latter purpose. Although with its two reasonably large expandable chest pockets the Foil could be made to work for all of my purposes.—JC

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Leave a comment below to be entered to win your own Spinlock Foil PFD.