How to Choose a Spinlock Life Jackets & Accessories

Spinlock life jackets are known for their streamlined design, technical specification and comfort during extended periods on deck.

In our previous guide, we introduced the full Spinlock Deckvest range and examined the principal features of each model. This article focuses on the practical question: which Spinlock life jacket is most suitable for your type of sailing?

The main models covered are:

- Spinlock Deckvest LITE

- Spinlock Deckvest LITE+

- Spinlock Deckvest 6D

- Spinlock Deckvest VITO

Although Spinlock life jackets share a similar design philosophy, they are intended for different sailing environments. The right choice depends primarily on where, when and how you expect to sail.

Spinlock Life Jackets: Sizing and Weight Requirements

Adult Spinlock life jackets use adjustable straps and are designed to fit a wide range of body sizes.

The Deckvest LITE, LITE+ and VITO are suitable for chest sizes from approximately 60cm to 145cm. The Deckvest 6D can accommodate chest sizes up to approximately 150cm.

These models are intended for users weighing more than 50kg.

Because the sizing range is relatively broad, the main consideration when selecting a Spinlock life jacket is normally its intended application. Before choosing a model, consider:

- Will you mainly sail inshore or offshore?

- Will you sail at night?

- Do you require an integrated deck harness?

- Are you cruising or racing?

- Do you need 170N or 275N of buoyancy?

Spinlock Deckvest LITE for Fair-Weather and Inshore Sailing

The Spinlock Deckvest LITE is intended primarily for fair-weather sailing, coastal use and other watersports where the user is unlikely to encounter prolonged rough conditions.

It is a lightweight life jacket built around the essential inflation and buoyancy functions. Its relatively compact construction makes it suitable for day sailing, family sailing and activities where freedom of movement is important.

A range of accessories can be added where required, allowing owners to configure the life jacket for their particular use.

The Deckvest LITE is most appropriate for sailors who:

- Mainly sail during daylight

- Remain in inshore or coastal waters

- Do not require an integrated deck harness

- Prioritise low weight and minimal bulk

Spinlock Deckvest LITE+ with Deck Harness Capability

The Spinlock Deckvest LITE+ is based on the same lightweight concept as the LITE but adds certified deck-harness capability.

It incorporates a soft attachment point for connecting the wearer to a safety line. When used correctly, this allows the sailor to remain attached to the yacht and may help prevent a fall overboard from developing into a full man-overboard incident.

The LITE+ is therefore more appropriate for sailors who want a lightweight life jacket but also expect to clip onto the boat in stronger conditions, at night or when working outside the cockpit.

Sprayhoods and compatible life jacket lights are available separately for both the LITE and LITE+.

Offshore Cruising & Night Sailing – 6D Spinlock life jackets

The Spinlock life jackets 6D are for all sailors who require a lightweight, full specification offshore lifejacket - with deck harness - that can cope with enduring rough weather. The 6D comes with a sprayhood, which is crucial in choppy offshore conditions to avoid secondary drowning from waves and water intake. Note: Sprayhoods are also available to buy as an optional extra on LITE and LITE+. 

For sailing at night, lifejacket lights are also vital. Spinlock offer two options – Pylon and Lume On. Pylon is a LED antenna light which can be turned on or off, or alternatively activates on contact with water. It draws attention to your position in the water with 360-degree visibility. Lume On - to be used in conjunction with Pylon - illuminates the lifejacket bladder, utilising the inflated bladder as a light diffuser for better visibility. These lights are included as standard on 6D and Vito but are optional extras on LITE & LITE+.

Offshore Racing – Spinlock life jackets Vito

For offshore racing, lifejackets must adhere to the Offshore Special Regulations which can be viewed here. The Spinlock life jackets Vito – fitted with sprayhood, lights and deck harness capability - is a high specification lifejacket developed from Spinlock’s work with the Volvo Ocean Race which is designed to meet these requirements.

To fully meet the regulations, the MOB1 unit needs to be purchased alongside the Vito. This can be supplied fitted or fitted retrospectively to all lifejackets. The smallest M.O.B unit in the world, it is designed to integrate with the Deckvest range, activating on inflation. Within 15 seconds it will send the first alert, and the integrated strobe light ensures max visibility in low light conditions. 

For lifelines to be Offshore Special Regulations compliant, they must have two points of contact. Spinlock offer two compliant safety lines: 3 Clip Safety Line or 2 Clip & 1 Link Safety Line.

Spinlock life jackets with Buoyancy 

The Spinlock life jackets LITE and LITE+ are available with a buoyancy of 170N only. This is the accepted standard for recreational sailing. The 6D and Vito lifejackets are available with a buoyancy of 170N or 275N. Spinlock state the latter provides significantly more buoyancy and is suitable for situations where additional weight may be carried, such as tools or steel capped boots. However, it's worth noting that the 275N lifejackets are much heavier and harder to manoeuvre in the water. For reference, sailors in the Volvo Ocean Race and The Clipper Race most often use the 170N models.

Spinlock Life Jacket Comparison

Model	Typical use	Deck harness	Sprayhood	Lights	Buoyancy
Deckvest LITE	Fair-weather and inshore sailing	No	Optional	Optional	170N
Deckvest LITE+	Inshore and coastal sailing with tether use	Yes	Optional	Optional	170N
Deckvest 6D	Offshore cruising and night sailing	Yes	Standard	Standard	170N or 275N
Deckvest VITO	Offshore racing and performance sailing	Yes	Standard	Standard	170N or 275N

Which Spinlock Life Jacket Is Right for You?

For fair-weather day sailing and general inshore use, the Spinlock Deckvest LITE provides a lightweight and relatively simple solution.

Choose the Deckvest LITE+ where the same low-bulk design is required but deck-harness capability is also important.

For offshore cruising, exposed passages and regular night sailing, the Deckvest 6D provides a more complete specification, including a sprayhood and life jacket lights.

For offshore racing, the Deckvest VITO offers a race-focused configuration designed around extended wear and compatibility with additional man-overboard equipment.

Whichever model you select, the life jacket should be correctly adjusted, inspected regularly and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

For advice on choosing between Spinlock life jackets, buoyancy levels, safety lines and compatible accessories, email [email protected] or view our full Spinlock range using the link below:

SPINLOCK LIFE JACKETS