Understanding Neoprene Life Jackets

If your looking to buy life jackets, or just understand a little more about neoprene life jackets, then you’ve come to the right place. For a lot of people that enjoy boating, or being near the water, then at some point in time your going to need to buy life jackets. Likely more than one, as most people I know that hang around the water or go boating, rarely do it alone. But, unfortunately there is a bit of misconception about exactly what is required, and what you should have to be safe around the water. I think I’ve spent almost all my life near the water. From cottages, to vacations, to owning my own sailboat for the last 8 years, I’ve picked up a thing or two about what’s important when it comes to keep myself, my family and my friends safe and and around the water. For the moment though, let’s focus on the neoprene life jacket for starters.

What Exactly is Neoprene?

Neoprene is one of those names that in common usage is considered a generic term for a type of synthetic rubber. In reality, it is actually a trademarked name owned by the DuPont corporation that invented the material back in 1930. It’s really quite a remarkable material, and is used in quite a number of products. Even though were focused here on how it’s used for personal flotation devices, it is also used in industry and consumer use as seals, gaskets, electrical insulation, automotive parts, wetsuits, and electronic gadget holders and protective cases.

But, there are a few things about neoprene that make it perfect for use around and under the water. Neoprene actually contains tiny pockets of nitrogen gas throughout. Because of this, neoprene has natural flotation qualities. Depending on how the material will be used, actually affects how much nitrogen gas is used in it’s manufacture. Divers suits for example, tend to use less nitrogen, because it makes the material more durable, and less susceptible to gas compression at greater depths under the water. Neoprene wet suits or life jackets however tend to have more gas in them, which makes them more buoyant. They will be less durable in the long run however, which means they need to be watched for wear and tear.

What To Look For In A Life Jacket

How Much Do Neoprene Life Jackets Cost

What About Durability

November 18, 2010 · Filed Under Life Jackets, Neoprene Life Jackets