CREWSAVER ERGOFIT+ 190N

This lifejacket was the most innovative in terms of bladder design and in-water function. It focuses on spinning a casualty over as quickly as possible, supporting their head and airway, with as much freeboard as possible, while holding the body horizontal to avoid plunging in waves.

IN USE

The outer casing is contoured to make this jacket fit very well over the shoulders and neck, though it is one of the more rigid and bulky jackets. In common with the Crewfit, it had forwardpull adjustment buckles at the back. It had a double crotch strap and a unique seat beltstyle click-lock buckle, making it easy to click shut. Out sailing, we didn’t find it cumbersome.

IN THE WATER

If performance in the water is the most important aspect of a lifejacket, the Ergofit+ 190N was streets ahead of everything else on test. It was one of the fastest to inflate, but more importantly it was a good second or two ahead on the rotation test. It was very difficult for the tester to get onto their front to begin the test at all, and they spun over in close to one second. It also produced the best freeboard figures with up to 4cm more than some of its competitors. It also positively supported the chin and airway, and fabric baffles prevented wavefunnelling. Despite this impressive buoyancy, the narrow shoulder sections offered great mobility. The hood has also been redesigned. It needed a tug to deploy but felt like an aircraft cockpit with its double arch keeping the visor well clear of the face, giving good visibility and hearing, with a removable screen to shade the bright light.

The padded and contoured collar included a pocket for an Exposure OLAS man overboard tag The halo hood includes a double arch support and a baffle to protect your night vision The click-lock buckle is easier to use with cold hands and is as secure as a car seat belt

The bladder’s advanced shape makes a big difference to performance in the water