The 10 Best Wakeboard & Wakesurf Life Jackets & Vests of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Watersports Buyer | May 24, 2023
Wake vests have come a long way, offering wakeboarders and wakesurfers increased comfort, safety, and mobility compared to the past. In 2023, wakesurf jacket design continues to evolve, making buying a life jacket more enjoyable and ensuring you have the perfect fit for your water adventures.
New This Year:
From high-end comp models to price-friendly CGA options, there's a wakeboarding life jacket for everyone. With weight reduction, flexibility, and impact protection advancements, the performance gap between non-Coast Guard Approved (NCGA) comp vests and their CGA counterparts has narrowed significantly. In our guide, we'll explore our top picks for 2023, delving into materials, designs, impact protection, safety, and price points to help you find the perfect vest tailored to your needs. And for those nostalgic for the classics - sorry, the old-school orange jackets stored in your uncle's cabin didn't make our list of best wakeboarding life vests this year.
Connelly Classic Neo CGA
The Connelly Classic Neo CGA Wake Vest is a simple and comfortable vest with Coast Guard Certification. All the easy-access and comfort features are here - a front zip, V-back flex panel, segmented foam, and Glideskin side panel - making this wake vest an instant classic.
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $89.99 |
Connelly Aspect Neo CGA - Women's
The Connelly Aspect Neo CGA Wakeboard Vest fits a wide range of body types and has crucial back support, so you can end a day at the rope ready for your post-water yoga sesh. Made with GlideSkin moisture wicking panels and durable neoprene, this lightweight vest is ready for whatever you have in store.
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $99.99 |
Follow RD
Pump up the jam in the Follow RD Wake Vest, a premium, impact ready vest by pro rider Raph Derome. Made with a Tri-Neoprene structure that flexes, protects, and secures its foam in place, the RD is the most technical vest in Follow's lineup. With a neutral, sleek design and featherweight foam to support high energy riding, this pro fit vest is ready for anything, from big features to small cruises.
| Category | Original Price | |
| $149.99 |
Follow Division 2 Impact
Comfort, protection, and good looks all in one package. That's what you get when you zip up the Follow Division 2 Impact Wake Vest, a relaxed fit yet sturdy impact vest made with dual layer neoprene for durability and featherweight foam for ease of use. Whether you're ripping laps at the park and need something that doesn't rub, or getting after it behind the boat, there's a reason the Follow Division 2 is preferred by athlete Mitch Langfield - it shreds.
| Category | Original Price | |
| $119.99 |
Hyperlite Indy Neo CGA
The rad thing about water sports is anyone can give it a shot if they have a chance to get on the water. With a zip closure and adjustable buckle straps the Hyperlite Indy Neo CGA Wakeboard Vest 2023 is the way to go for friends and family who are looking to try something new. Let the segmented panels do the heavy lifting and shred on knowing this vest is US Coast Guard Approved.
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $79.99 |
Hyperlite Indy Neo CGA - Women's
The Hyperlite Indy Neo CGA Wake Vest features segmented foam panels and efficient draining for long-lasting mobility. It's easy to wear and easy on the mind, thanks to the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approval, and the fun color accents are pretty easy on the eyes too.
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $79.99 |
Jetpilot Wave Farer Comp - Women's
When you need an impact vest for serious shredding but you can't sacrifice mobility, comfort, or style, what you need is the Jetpilot Wave Farer Comp Wake Vest. This super comp vest is made with exceptionally stretchy and soft flex-lite neoprene. It has non-padded side panels for extra flex. The top of the vest has a fun diamond stitching pattern, and the whole thing is cut for unparalleled fit and comfort.
| Category | Original Price |
| Comp Vest (Non-Coast Guard Approved) | $139.95 |
Liquid Force Hinge CGA
When the success or failure of your day hinges on comfort and mobility, there's only one name in the game: the Liquid Force Hinge CGA Wakeboard Vest. This fantastic all-rounder offers a low profile design that's designed to stay out of the way and keep you focused on having fun, except when it matters. Whether you're going big at the cable park or laying out smooth carves behind the boat, this Coast Guard approved vest gets the job done.
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $109.99 |
Ronix One Capella 3.0 CGA
Who said you can't tweak out those grabs with a CGA vest? The Ronix One Capella 3.0 CGA Wake Vest is the signature jacket for pro rider, Danny Harf. Utilizing the latest and greatest Capella 3.0 cylindrical design with 2-to-1 foam distribution, an elongated torso fit, and oversized arm holes, the One Capella 3.0 CGA Wake Vest is here to let you know that compromising on safety was so 2010...
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $109.99 |
Ronix Koal Capella 2.0 CGA
As the thinnest Coast Guard approved vest in the Ronix lineup, the Ronix Koal Capella 2.0 CGA Wake Vest is aimed at wakesurfers who are looking for maximum flotation with minimal bulk. It has a comfortable and flexible tailored fit that spreads foam out along a longer length, allowing for that thinner profile: you'll be able to put as much body english into your riding as you need!
| Category | Original Price |
| Coast Guard Approved | $179.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Wake Guides:
- Wakeboards - How to Choose & Size Chart
- Wakeboard Boots & Bindings - How to Choose
- Wakeboards & Wakeboard Bindings - Compatibility Guide
- Wakeskates - How to Choose
- Wakesurf Boards - How to Choose
- Wakesurfing - How to Wakesurf & Beginner Tips
- Wakesurfing - Boat Setup / Safety
- Wakeboarding - How to Wakeboard & Beginner Tips
- Wakeboarding - Towing Speed, Rope Length & Boat Weight
- Wakeboard Vests / Life Jackets - How to Choose
- Wakeboard Ropes & Handles - How to Choose
- Wing Foiling & Winging - How to Get Started
Learn About our Favorite Wake Gear
- The Best Wakeboard Bindings
- The Best Wakefoils
- The Best Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Wakeboards
- The Best Wakeboard Life Jackets & Vests
- The Best Wakeboard Ropes & Handles
- The Best Boat Fenders & Accessories
- The Best Wakesurf Ropes & Handles
- The Best Wakeskates
- The Best Wake Ballast Bags & Wake Shapers
- The Best Water Skis
- The Best Beginner Wakeboards
- The Best Value Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Value Wakeboards
- The Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards
The Selection Process:
Our wake buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things watersports stemming from years of experience in the watersports industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves behind the boat or ripping at the cable park. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
I grew up on the north end of Lake Washington and was surrounded by watersports enthusiasts who all had an immense passion for any activity done on the water. My dad has also worked in the boating industry my whole life, so those two factors were the main building blocks that shaped my love for the industry from a young age.
After attending Western Washington University, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for a number of years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012.
At evo, I started out on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the water into a career as the Watersports Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife Katie and two sons, Wes and Carter.