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: lauren@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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Amazing product and service!

Great industry leading product, speaks for itself!
Amazing service from the Teamo guys too. Quick responses to email queries, great communication, perfect customer service. Very happy customer. Would highly recommend! Thanks guys!

170N offshore lifejacket

Hoping I never need to use it in anger but so far satisfied with the product.
Fits perfectly, feels lighter than previous version and just love the colour.. !
Initially I didn’t know who to direct my emails to .. but once I found a contact communication ran smoothly.

Few Upgrades and would be Perfect

Now that I worn it for a little while now it’s a really good product! I’m quite happy with it. The only reason I can’t give it five stars is because the leg straps just aren’t beefy enough. I’d like something more substantial to hold on to me if I fall overboard.. These little teeny tiny thin straps will dig into your legs real quick… This is literally the only thing that’s not built to an industrial standard, everything about this lifevest is made for offshore cruising!

Great craftsmanship

I just opened my new N170 and am incredibly impressed. The craftsmanship is truly superb.
I spent my entire career of 46yrs. either as a sailmaker or running my own canvas shop for 34 years. It really is a piece of art, hats off to the people who make these. I of course will recommend it as the one to buy.
I was hoping that I ordered it in time for the included tether. Close but no cigar.
Thank you all for working so hard to put out a great product

Great buying experience, well made product.

The whole buying experience was professional and smooth.
Product arrived promptly and very well packed.

Jacket itself appears a very well made, quality product. Clearly in a different league to some of the others I have here.
Neat, tight stow, with a well fitting cover. Supportive harness. Shaped yoke and straps make for a good, snug, yet comfortable fit.

Very comfortable to wear, male 1.8m & 85kg.
My vhf and PLB holsters fitted easily. Sizing adjusts easily to suit appropriate ppe.

I'd v probably give 5 stars once I've had some longer days afloat with it, but quite early days yet...

One of the best LJs I've used during. >40 year career in commercial marine industries.

V pleased, would buy again.