Hi-Lift Inflatable Technology

TeamO Marine, home of the patented BackTow lifejacket, is always looking for new ways to improve user safety within the sailing and waters sports arena. Following the success of the TeamO BackTow lifejacket and more recently the Micro lifejacket, TeamO would like to introduce you to Hi-Lift. This is a revolutionary re-think of bladder design and combines better performance with all the features of the BackTow.

"A true leap forwards in consumer safety"

All conventional bladders support the user in the water using a horse shoe shape. While this conventional shape does work, large portions of the inflated bladder are above the waterline. This has led to a trend in Lifejackets for bigger and bigger bladder volumes, looking for incremental gains in performance while sticking to conventional thinking.

"150N size, 275N performance"

Enter TeamO, by forgetting convention and totally re-thinking bladder shape TeamO have managed to make a 150N lifejacket that not only out performs the competition, it even out performs the international standards for an Ocean going 275N lifejacket.

"Hi-Lift out performs the ISO standard by 120%"

The key to this huge leap in performance is the re-distribution of buoyancy, taking what would be wasted volume above the waterline and placing it on the users back in an inflated pillow. This lifts the head and shoulders higher out of the water dramatically improving performance. To enhance stability the front of the jacket flairs out to the sides, this offsets the higher body position and provides a secure base for user stability.

Hi-Lift comes with dual crotch straps, SOLAS light and whistle as well as being equipped with the patented BackTow Technology.

Very Comfortable

I looked at a lot of different life vest and found these to be the most comfortable life jackets and with the option of being towed correctly was on obvious choice. Been very happy with the life jackets.

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.

Hi-Lift Inflatable Technology

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