Podcast: The Mariner Episode #21: Why I Only Use the TeamO BackTow Life Jacket

Podcast -

Podcast: The Mariner Episode #21: Why I Only Use the TeamO BackTow Life Jacket

We thought we were knew everything there is to know about lifejackets, but standby for a ton of interesting info in this new podcast!

This week Chris from Spartan Ocean Racing & Training gave us a great shout out in his latest podcast which is all about lifejackets and what you should look for when you're preparing to buy this essential bit of safety kit. Spartan Ocean Racing have used TeamO lifejackets onboard all of their training and racing vessels since the 2019 Fastnet and they have since down a number of TransAtlantics, Caribbean regattas and countless seamiles up and down the East Coast area. Thank you Chris for this deep dive podcast that looks at the industry and history of lifejackets in more detail than we've ever heard before! 

Link to podcast

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99 reviews
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Offshore 170N BackTow Lifejacket
Dana H
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.

Z
Ocean 275N BackTow Lifejacket
Zbyněk Hercík
Good choice

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

U
Offshore 170N BackTow Lifejacket
Umberto
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.

G
Offshore 170N BackTow Lifejacket
Gasper Snuderl

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.

J
Ocean 275N BackTow Lifejacket
Jonathan Kane
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

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