The 9 Best Side Entry Life Vests (2022 reviews)
Are you planning to buy side entry life vests, and are you confused about the options ?
You have landed on the right page.
Also check our buying guide on Best Flotation Devices, which will help you understand market quickly.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Onyx Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest For Chest Size: Buy: Stohlquist Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest For Peace Of Mind: Buy: Stearns Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest With Crotch Strap: Buy: Stohlquist Life Jacket READ REVIEWBest For Low Profile: Buy: Nrs Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest For Lots Of Storage: Buy: Nrs Life Jacket READ REVIEWBest For Maximum Mobility: Buy: Oneill Wetsuits Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest For Men: Buy: Jettribe Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest For Adjustable Straps: Buy: Yamaha Motor Corp. Side Entry Life Vest READ REVIEWBest Overall: Onyx Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon The look and feel of these vests are consistent with the high quality we're used to from the rest of Onyx's lineup. The Onyx Side Entry Life Vest is worth the money, It is made for quick delivery and has great style. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is durable, it is easy to wear and has a safety design. The vest is good for fishing boat, is stretchable, it comes with good instructions and has a comfortable design. Further, the vest fits great, is made with great quality, It works well for life vests and has a cool design. Finally, the onyx side entry life vest is extremely adjustable, It is black and has a low profile design.Most customers agree that the vest is worth every penny and it is a great life preserver. And, a few also found that the vest was a one - time jacket and a one - time cartiridge. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the inflatables are a great best but they are not meant to be worn in rafting situations. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Customers say that getting a tadpool lifejackets and lifejackets with side handle, along with vest is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This has to be submerged in water for five seconds.
- This works well for good quality and has an excellent design.
- This is used too, but the ease of use makes up for that.
- This is available at most sporting goods stores (cabalas) and probably on Amazon.
Best For Chest Size: Stohlquist Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon The Stohlquist Side Entry Life Vest is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular use. In addition, the stohlquist side entry life vest is good for low cut, is best for high quality, It allows for great mobility for sailing and has a good design. The manufacturer says: We're ready to keep you and your family safe and comfortable on your next adventure. Moreover, this works for water sports, works well for good quality, it allows for great mobility and has excellent design. Most importantly, the stohlquist side entry life vest is available in 3 attractive colors: royal blue, black and red.Most buyers opine that the vest will hold a phone and not not waterproof. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the vest is for kayaking in white waters... as a safety device. Also, a few also found that these vests are said to hold 15. In short, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is what is stamped on the inside of the life jacket.
- This is a type iii pfd it has 15 lbs flotation.
- This is secure, is super comfy, it works great and has a big pocket design.
- This is a great life jacket and I am very happy with it.
Best For Peace Of Mind: Stearns Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another vest that manages to win our hearts. It's the Stearns side entry life vest and it's widely considered as the vest that has the most suitable features. The Stearns side entrylife vest is less bulky, it is durable and has an excellent design. US coast guard-approved toddler life jacket. Moreover, its design is specially-fitted for infants under 30 lbs. The best can trust for good quality, is a little pricey, it is completely happy and has a good design. Further, it is highly recommend, it works as intended and has a fun design. Most importantly, the Stearns Side Entry Life Vest is great for introducing little swimmers to the water.Most customers quickly discovered that the vest is USCG rated and has a loop. Further, they strongly agree that the vest is fairly easy to use too. Moreover, a few also found that this review was based on the initial fit and design of the vest.Customers discovered that getting a infant boat lifejackets and fishing life vest, along with vest is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is designed for infants weighing less than 30 pounds.
- This is extremely tight fitting with neck support on the back.
- The jacket is well constructed and looks like it was made well.
- This is the best life jacket for kids.
Best With Crotch Strap: Stohlquist Life Jacket
Buy on Amazon Compared with other vests in this category, the Stohlquist life jacket has a convenient design. Further, the Stohlquist Life Jacket is exactly as you'll feel as this pfd is perfect to enjoy paddling, general boating, and use on personal watercraft. The Manufacturer says: Each model we offer follows the lineage of 40+ years of product innovation and refinement to provide our customers with the best waterware available today. The fit youth PFD is a high mobility vest for paddling, general boating, and personal watercraft use. Above all, the Stohlquist life jacket is available in 6 vibrant colors: yellow/blue, black/gray, red/gray etc., so, we bet you will like one of these.Most buyers agree that the vest fits well and is comfortable for paddling a kayak. Also, a few strongly agree that the vest is the amount of force that the pdf can sustain before it is pulled under water.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is good for keeping you afloat in water.
- This has held up well so far.
- This is designed with a non-restrictive cut for maximum mobility.
- This is great because it's not bulky around the chest/neck.
Best For Low Profile: Nrs Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon Nrs offers a variety of vest for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. And, the Nrs Side Entry Life Vest is made with good flotation, comes with a front zipper and it is a perfect fit for smaller torsos. The manufacturer says: We've concentrated all the flotation into a smaller surface area for an unbeatable range of motion, so the ninja stays out of your way and off your mind. Moreover, it is a great option for adults with short torsos or petite kiddos who have grown out of youth jackets' weight range. Most importantly, the nrs side entry life vest looks amazing in black and is available in 5 other colors.Almost all customers agree that the vest is too short and also not wide enough.Why We Like This:
- This features internal organization for essentials and the dual-entry zippers create a frosty-beverage-compatible pocket.
- Customizable fit: side-entry with six adjustment points for a customizable fit.
- It is worth the money and has great style.
- This makes for great maneuverability and it features a lash tab.
Best For Lots Of Storage: Nrs Life Jacket
Buy on Amazon We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate vest. The Nrs Life Jacket is exactly that - it's a simple vest that hits all the right notes. The NRS life jacket, suitable for for water sports, is stylish and it is great for snorkeling. 6 adjustment points for a customizable fit and a front-entry zipper for easily slipping the life jacket on and off. This medium - profile lifevest features high - back flotation panels that accommodate most sea kayaking seats and a mesh lower back for cooling ventilation during long days on the water. The vest comes with a medium profile and it is perfect for lime green. Further, this is great for side pockets and it is made worth the money. Finally, the nrs life jacket fits great, is secure and it can do for customer service.Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the vest is best for low backbands and for doing layback rolls. And, a few also found that the vest is well made, very comfortable, and the mesh back makes for great comfort without interfering with the kayak seat. Moreover, a few say that the zippered front makes the vest a breeze to get on / off. In conclusion, most customers find the vest is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- It is easy to paddle while wearing.
- This is made with attention to detail.
- Keep your kayaking gear within reach.
- This can hold quite a bit in the pockets.
Best For Maximum Mobility: Oneill Wetsuits Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon The Oneill Wetsuits Side Entry Life Vest's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. Moreover, the oneill wetsuits sideentry life vest is a little loose, is best for good fit, It has good build quality and has a nice design. Further, the best is highly recommend, It is for young people and has a perfect design. The o'neill competition vest lineup defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance - driven technology. Finally, the oneill wetsuits side entry lifevest is available in 12 vibrant colors: black/black, black/tidepool, dark olive/black:black etc., so, it's likely one of your favorites is in the mix.Almost all customers opine that the vest has about 3/8" pads surrounded by 1mm of neoprene. Moreover, a few say that the vest will assist in keeping you afloat. Furthermore, a few also found that this is a competition vest and not approved by the u.s. coast guard. Overall, for most customers, Oneill Wetsuits product was just what they wanted.Top Customer Quotes:
- Front-zip design allows easy exit and entry.
- This is a life jacket, however, it is not coast guard approved.
- Segmented foam core and anatomical flex points enable unrestricted movement.
- This vest is super stretchy and a bit more when wet.
Best For Men: Jettribe Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon The Jettribe Side Entry Life Vest's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The jettribe side entrylife vest is best for bright colors, It is great for recreation and has great style. Easily attach your watercraft engine stop key cord to the loop. Also, it is perfect for adult sizes, is for jet ski racing, It works for all around recreation and has a safe design. The vest is compatible with the jettribe's back deflector spine impact plate. Also, this is great for quick moves on your jet ski. Finally, the jettribe sideentry life vest is not a soft neoprene like some other recreation vests.One customer says - "The ex was not big enough for me, mainly because they attached the 1 side of the vest giving it no expandability. ". Almost all buyers opine that the vest fits true to size and also fits really well and the colors are very vibrant. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Why We Like This:
- This is secure, is designed for a comfortable fit, it is bright and has a comfortable design.
- Strength and durability to last through your best riding seasons.
- Required flotation vest for almost all public waterways in the United States.
- This allows a watercraft rider better side to side movement.
Best For Adjustable Straps: Yamaha Motor Corp. Side Entry Life Vest
Buy on Amazon The Yamaha motor corp. side entry life vest's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Yamaha motor corp. side entry life vest should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. Moreover, the vest is best for adjustable straps and it is durable. Above all, the Yamaha Motor Corp. Side Entry Life Vest is available in 3 vibrant colors: blue, red and black.Why We Like This:
- Oem yamaha men's neoprene 2-buckle pfd life jacket vest.
- Sizing: small=33"-37", medium=37"-41", large=41"-45", x-large=45"-49", xx-large=49"-53".
- Two adjustable straps with side-release buckles for additional support and security.
- High-quality neoprene construction. Fully segmented foam panels.