The Lifeline Safety Gear Competition Vest, Part Number 170, is a purpose-built flotation and impact-protection vest for professional and recreational powerboat racers operating in open, unrestrained cockpits.
Designed for high-speed marine competition, the Lifeline Comp Vest combines flotation, torso protection, secure retention, and freedom of movement. It is commonly used in drag boat, tunnel hull, offshore, OPC, Mod-VP, vintage, ski-racing, PWC, lake, and river applications.
Drivers should verify that the exact vest configuration, labeling, color, condition, and certification meet the current rules for their class and sanctioning organization.
1000D Nylon Construction
The exterior shell is made from durable 1000-denier nylon to protect the flotation and impact materials from abrasion, cockpit contact, moisture, transport, and normal race-day wear.
Inspect the shell before every use. Cuts, torn stitching, damaged hardware, fuel contamination, compressed flotation, or impact damage should be evaluated before the vest is returned to service.
Offset Flotation and Secure Fit
The Comp Vest uses an offset flotation design intended to provide face-up flotation while maintaining a streamlined racing profile. Adjustable chest, side, and leg straps help keep the vest positioned securely during normal operation and water entry.
Correct fit is critical. A loose vest may ride upward, interfere with the helmet, shift away from the torso, or reduce flotation effectiveness. The zipper, straps, buckles, and fasteners should be secured before leaving the dock.
Sewn-In Skid Collar
The integrated racing skid collar tapers toward the front and is designed to help divert water away from the underside of the driver’s helmet during a high-speed water entry.
The collar is an important part of the safety system, but it does not replace a properly fitted helmet or any head-and-neck protection required by the race organization.
Impact Foam and Flak Type Protection
Heavy-duty impact foam is combined with built-in Flak Type protective material across the chest, sides, and back. This construction adds protection during contact with the water, cockpit structure, steering equipment, or debris.
No racing vest can eliminate the risk of injury. The flotation and impact materials should never be cut, removed, modified, or repaired without manufacturer approval.
Racing Hardware and Kill-Switch D-Rings
The Lifeline Comp Vest uses heavy-duty locking zippers, buckles, webbing, and adjustable retention straps. Kill-switch lanyard D-rings are positioned on both sides so the driver can choose the best attachment point for the cockpit layout.
The engine cut-off tether should be short enough to shut the engine down quickly if the driver is separated from the controls while still allowing full steering, throttle, and trim movement.
Common Racing Applications
The Lifeline Competition Vest is suited to many open-cockpit and non-capsule categories, including:
- APBA and OPC outboard racing
- ODBA, SODA, DSRA, and UMPBA drag racing
- Mod-VP and open-top tunnel hulls
- Offshore and performance-boat racing
- Vintage and historic powerboat events
- Ski racing, PWC, lake, and river racing
Brand recognition does not automatically mean every vest is approved for every class. Confirm current requirements with the race director, inspector, or sanctioning organization before competition.
Custom-Built to the Driver
Each Lifeline Competition Vest is handcrafted in the USA using the driver’s measurements. Accurate sizing helps the vest remain secure without restricting steering, throttle operation, breathing, visibility, or emergency cockpit exit.
Measurements should be taken while wearing the type of clothing normally used under the vest. Allow approximately 2–10 days for custom construction, depending on production demand and selected options. Contact Buckshot Racing #77 for shipping rates outside the United States.
Inspection, Care, and Service
Inspect the vest before every test session and race. Check the shell, stitching, flotation sections, impact panels, skid collar, zipper, buckles, straps, webbing, D-rings, and leg restraints.
A vest involved in a crash, hard water entry, extended submersion, fuel spill, or major impact should be inspected before reuse. Do not alter, embroider, repair, or modify the vest without manufacturer approval.
After use, allow the vest to dry completely. Store it away from direct sunlight, fuel, oils, solvents, sharp tools, and excessive heat. Do not compress it under heavy equipment.
Also check the sewn-in label and confirm that any required certification or recertification remains current.
Important Safety Notice
The Lifeline Competition Vest is specialized racing equipment and should not automatically be treated as a recreational boating life jacket. Local boating laws may require a separate U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device aboard the boat.
Always verify local laws and current race-organization requirements before use.
Optional Lifeline Equipment Bag
The optional Lifeline equipment bag is made from heavy-weight polyester and provides organized storage for race-day safety gear. It features a full-length zipper and integrated carrying handle.
The bag can hold approximately two Lifeline Competition Vests, three Lifeline Capsule Race Suits, or a mixed kit containing a vest, suit, gloves, shoes, and accessories. It is made in the USA, finished in black with the Lifeline logo, and sold separately for $75.00.
A dedicated equipment bag helps protect safety gear from UV exposure, dirt, moisture, fuel residue, and transport damage.
Buckshot Racing #77 Tech Tip
Treat the vest, helmet, kill switch, clothing, restraints, and cockpit layout as one complete safety system.
Before the first event, put on the full race-day gear and sit in the boat. Turn the wheel fully, operate the throttle and trim, check helmet clearance, attach the kill-switch tether, and confirm every strap remains secure and accessible.
For technical support, contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or mike@buckshotracing77.com