backtow, Innovation, lifejacket, new technology, product upgrade - January 03, 2019

Free Updated BackTow Handle for lifejackets No. TEO001-TEO250

As part of our regular testing and development at TeamO Marine we are constantly upgrading our designs to improve our products.

We have recently discovered that in warm temperatures and under the application of extremely high loads some of our early generation BackTow jackets may accidentally deploy because of the increased flexibility of the release wire in warm temperatures. We have already rectified this on our latest jackets but we are offering a free handle upgrade and free service to any customer who owns a jacket with a production number between TEO001 and TEO250.

You can check if your jacket falls in to this range by checking the back of the user manual or opening the zip on the cover and checking the care label attached to the inflatable bladder.

If your jacket has a production number between TEO001-TEO250 please contact us by emailing lauren(at)teamomarine.com. We will then arrange free shipping to have your jacket returned to the TeamO factory, where we will fit an upgraded BackTow handle to the jacket and service your jacket. Alternatively we can post a new BackTow handle to you and send you a video link with step by step instructions to show you how to fit the handle to your jacket yourself.

While it is extremely unlikely that the jacket will deploy accidentally under normal use we recommend the updating of the BackTow handle to meet our new specifications. This upgrade does not affect the inflatable lifejacket which will continue to function effectively but is integral to the deck safety harness and BackTow harness systems.

If you have any concerns or questions please send contact us at the email address above and we will make sure we reply in the first instance. We are excited to continue to push the boundaries of lifejacket design and to bring you new and innovative products.

Best wishes from everyone at TeamO Marine

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Offshore 170N

Fits very well, I was able to make all the adjustments necessary to fit me. The instructions are good so read them. I have not deployed the jacket yet. I also have worked out how to attach the MOB1. The tether works as expected and attaches to the jack lines with the clips. All in all, I am very pleased and recommend buying this life jacket.

Good choice

Would prefere any EU shop, customs and Vat procedure is boring :)

Excellent lifejacket

I purchased this life jacket in January and, although I have (fortunately) not had the opportunity to use it in a real emergency, I have used it several times. The materials and workmanship are excellent and the jacket is very comfortable to wear, despite being an offshore jacket, which is bulkier than many other “coastal” items (the jacket has a light, a built-in hood and can easily accommodate a PLB). For a more in-depth analysis, look for the Yachting Monthly review published in 2022.
There are only two “issues”: the backtow system does not appear to be all that easy to be repacked if the jacket has been activated and the system deployed. The manual is not very clear on this and the videos on the TemO website refer to older and different versions. I hope TeamO will address this by publishing an updated video for the current system. Otherwise, it would probably be a wise idea to open the jacket and record a video showing how the system is packed for future reference.
The second issue is due to Brexit: if, like me, you plan to buy this life jacket from abroad, be prepared to pay very high customs duties. It's not TeamO's fault, clearly (they seem to try to keep prices low), but if you end up paying 30% more than the listed price, other products might become more interesting. Of course, you'll have to give up the backtow system as TeamO is the only manufacturere to offer a similar solution.

I had a chance to use my new vest this October on 14 days offshore sail. It fits very well no problem to wear it many hours and the materials seems good and durable. Considering my heigh almost 2m i would appreciate even longer straps between legs (always easy to shorten than other way). I haven't fall over yet but once it happens, I will write the second part of review.

Excellent Jacker

I agave taken this jacket and repacked it with accesories. It is comfortable to wear and easy to understand how to rearm and repack with a clever method of turning you around in the water. I've used it for one 750 mile journey and found it stood up well

Free Updated BackTow Handle for lifejackets No. TEO001-TEO250

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