What is the difference between a 170N and a 275N BackTow lifejacket?

170N, 275N, lifejacket -

What is the difference between a 170N and a 275N BackTow lifejacket?

The quick answer:

People often ask us if they should make their lifejacket choice based on their body weight, but in reality it is more to do with the type of sailing you are planning. For overnight sailing, offshore weekend racing, coastal passages and cruising etc the 170N will be suitable for the majority of sailors. If you are heading off to do deep ocean crossings or sailing in very cold climates, we would recommend you consider the 275N lifejacket.

In more detail:

Both sizes of jacket are ISO approved, and they both are supplied within the same cover (this means that they are both the same size) It is what is inside the lifejacket that is different:

The 170N lifejacket has a bladder inside that will inflate automatically upon submersion (unless you have a Manual jacket system, in which case you must pull the yellow toggle to inflate your lifejacket) and it will provide 170N worth of buoyancy in the water. It uses a 38g CO2 cylinder for inflation. This will turn the wearer face-up if they are floating free in the water. Is it approved for use in inshore and offshore sailing, worn in combination with foul weather clothing. It is suitable for use in all but the most severe conditions.

The 275N lifejacket has a larger bladder inside and requires a larger (60g) Co2 bottle to inflate it. It will also inflate automatically upon submersion in water. It is intended primarily for offshore use in extreme conditions. It is also useful for sailors in very cold climates where you may be wearing extra clothing that could trap air around the body and adversely affect the self-righting capability of a smaller jacket.


If you would like to check particular details with us to make sure you have the right lifejacket for you please feel free to drop us an email: info@teamomarine.com with some details about your sailing plans and we can help advise on the best choice.

 

 

 
photo credit: Lauren Mead - Sam Goodchild Racing and Mike Golding at the start of the Round Britain and Ireland Race 2018, both wearing 170N BackTow Lifejackets

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My 5 life jackets

Hi all. I first saw the life jackets on u tube a video by sailing uma I was impressed with what I seen so I got 2 limited addition thay are N170 black with pink piping this year. A couple of years later I bought 2 more gray/orange N170 for any crew members . The 5th one? I treated my self and got a blue/yellow piping N270 . I think it's important to have the best you can afford. I have look at other life jackets and what other people are using and they just don't seem adequate enough for me at the end of the day you as captain are responsible for your crew and what price do you put on life. I know I've got the best I can afford and giveing them the best chance of survival. So now I can say I've done my best to get the best I could afford and now I have 5 temo life jackets. PS you need to see the utube video on the life jackets I loved the part with the cup of tea.

Great Piece of Gear

I have purchased the lifejacket for a specific trip off-shore in the pacific, it has arrived in a short time. I must say I am very happy with the overall product, even in warm climates was very comfortable to wear and the materials seem very nice and sturdy.
I can only point out 2 elements that got me to rate it "only" 4 and not 5:
1. The light that comes inside the lifejacket was not exactly new. Manufactured in June 2021 with only 1/3 life left, expiry date June 2026.
2. I have purchased the lifejacket and had it shipped to Italy. As it arrived I had to pay about 25% of taxes on top for the import. I know this does not depend on TeamO but it would be nice to have mentioned on the site the possible additional costs related to importation in EU.

Great lifejacket

This life jacket is so light you barely know you even have it on. It is perfect for the dinghy, paddle boards and kayaks with the manual inflation.

Micro 170N Automatic - Very comfortable to wear

Glad to have come across the Micro 170N. With its minimal, light and comfortable fit, I almost forgot wearing it. Bought two for my wife and myself. Perfect choice for our inshore pleasure motorboating use. Exceptional accommodating personal customer service when I had some questions regarding trade and shipping to my country Norway. I strongly recommend the TeamO and their Micro 170N! :)

Awesome!
Super fast shipping from the UK to AUS