TEAMO 170N IN USE

At first glance, the Teamo 170 is much like many other new-generation lifejackets; it has a contoured outer case, twin chest strap adjustment buckles at the rear, a gas canister inspection window and double crotch straps. It’s secret, however, is its unique back-tow harness system. Following a number of drownings of sailors attached to their tethers, a pull cord on the inflated bladder allows you to release your front attachment point, releasing the A-shaped bridle behind your shoulders and spinning you on to your back. The ISO standards currently don’t allow this to be automatic, though this could change The contoured casing and well-padded harness made this comfy to wear, though the webbing straps were not covered and the jacket itself didn’t have lots of flex. Reaching behind you to loosen the chest strap buckle isn’t the easiest. A waterproof side zip gives you easy access to add or inspect your light and AIS MOB beacon.

IN THE WATER

The Teamo came middle of the pack for inflation time, rotation time and freeboard, so it’s a solid performing lifejacket. The bladder is currently a conventional design, with little to stop water funnelling between the bladders, but Teamo say they are working on a brand new bladder design. The hood was easy to pull on, though we found it fogged up a bit and the flashing light was rather blinding. As with the others, it included a lifting becket, whistle and oral inflation tube.

We also tested the back tow harness of the Teamo from a boat (see p88) and were impressed with how well it worked, and how safe the man overboard felt in the water.

The contoured outer is well padded with chest strap buckles at the rear Measuring freeboard, the backtow handle is next to the oral inflation tube A ‘ring circus’ system similar to a parachute harness holds the tether loop secure until released

The front attachment point works normally, but is connected to the back tow bridle