Life jackets for youth are designed quite differently than for older children or teenagers. You may have a hard time finding the best youth life jackets 90 120 lbs for your child’s specific water activities.
First and foremost, consider the safety aspects before purchasing youth life jackets. Any youth life jacket should give your child excellent buoyancy, be comfortable, have good range of motion and fit properly. A life jacket that fits well and is comfortable is is really, really important. It’s gotta keep that kiddo afloat in the water and protect them in an emergency situation.
The best youth life jackets for 90 to 120 lbs should be comfortable because a comfortable life vest will actually be worn and not avoided (you know how kids can be if they don’t LIKE something!).
Make sure that any life jacket provides enough space to breathe and move about comfortably. You may want to seek out a life jacket that has a floating neck rest which helps to keep a child’s head above water.
All youth life jackets are designed and rated for a certain weight or weight range. This will help your child stay afloat in the water…too much weight and the life vest with sink. There is a fine balance between the buoyancy and body weight.
Buoyancy is measured by the amount of air or gas in the life jacket. The best youth life jackets are made of polyester, neoprene or nylon, but know that life jackets are not completely waterproof and have some limitations for how long they can stay afloat.
While searching for a youth life jacket, never compromise on quality. We’ll help guide you through the absolute best youth life jackets from 90 to 120 lbs!
Top Picks for Best Youth Life jackets 90 120 lbs
How to choose the best youth life jackets for 90 120 lbs
If you have a young child who weighs between 90 and 120 pounds you will need a youth life jacket because adult jackets will be far too large. There are a few factors that you should consider before choosing the best youth life jacket:
- Weight and measurements of your child. Weigh your child on a scale to see how much they weigh. Kids are always growing so the size of life jacket needed can change from one season to another. You’ll also want to take a chest measurement at the widest part of the child’s chest. These are the two pieces of information you’ll need to pick the right size on the manufacturers sizing chart. If your child is on the cusp you want want to order two sizes and send back the life vest that doesn’t fit.
- Test the Fit. Life vest should snugly for safety. To check the fit you can pick your child up by the shoulders of the PFD while outside of the water. If the PFD fits correctly, the chin and ears will not slip through the top opening of the PFD.
- Consider your child’s specific water activities. Is your child water skiing? Canoeing? Swimming? Tubing? Wakeboarding? You might select a specialty vest depending on the activity. A life vest for wakeboarding is quite a bit different from a life vest you might purchase for a child to swim in at the beach.
- Look for bright colors. Look for life jackets that are bright in color so they are easy to spot. Whether your child is swimming on the beach or water skiing you want that life jacket to be BRIGHT! This is so you can see them, rescuers can see them and passing boats or jet skis can see them.
- Range of motion is important. Any life jacket should be comfortable and shouldn’t significantly impede movement. Neoprene life vests are usually more flexible and comfortable. You know how kids are….they won’t wear something that makes them uncomfortable.
Keep all of these pro tips in mind and you should be able to find a great youth life jacket that will work for your child.
A list of the best youth life jackets 90 120 lbs at a glance
If you’re still with us we’re going to go in depth on the best youth life jackets one by one. The table of contents below will zip you to any specific review with one click OR you can scroll the old fashioned way!
The 10 best youth life jackets for 90 to 120 lbs
Airhead WICKED Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket
This life jacket is near the top of our best life jackets for kids list! Comfort is at the forefront of the Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex Life Jacket’s design. It has a super comfortable neoprene shell, built in hinge points and high hem line. The advanced NeoLite construction not only meets but exceeds the most stringent safety standards, providing reliable buoyancy and support for many recreational watersports.
Its innovative Kwik-Dry technology ensures that the jacket dries quickly, keeping you comfortable and minimizing chafing even during extended water activities. The flexible design offers unparalleled freedom of movement. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles for easy peasy adjustments.
I really like the its sleek minimalist design and bright/bold color options make it a standout among other child life jackets on the market. You’ll easily see your kiddos and so will everyone else operating on the water. This Life Jacket meets USCG requirements for a Type III Life Jacket and is best suited for water skiing, wakeboading, jet skiing or any agressive water sport activity that requires a lot of maneuverability.
Pros
- Minimalist, slim design and quick-release buckles. Comfortable for all day wear.
- Comfortable, flexible neoprene shell with hinge points and high hem line.
- Durable exterior and strong seams.
- Bright colors provide great visibility for parents, passing boaters.
Cons
- Neoprene can hold more water than some other vests making it heavier.
Airhead SWOOSH Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Vest
The Airhead Adult SWOOSH Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Vest has all the top features of the Airhead Wicked model we spoke about previously but has a slightly different patterns and more colorways to check out. This Life Jacket meets USCG requirements for a Type III Life Jacket and is best suited for water skiing, wakeboading, jet skiing or any agressive water sport activity that requires a lot of maneuverability. Make sure you are selecting youth sizing as there are adult and youth sizing grouped together.
Pros
- Minimalist, slim design and quick-release buckles. Comfortable for all day wear.
- Comfortable, flexible neoprene shell with hinge points and high hem line.
- Durable exterior and strong seams.
- Bright colors provide great visibility for parents, passing boaters.
Cons
- Neoprene can hold more water than some other vests making it heavier.
O’Brien Jr Girls Life Jacket
The O’Brien Jr Girls Life Jacket is an excellent choice for those girls who love aggressive water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. This life vest is far and away the most comfortable and flexible on our list due to the multiple hinge points and high hem line. This Life Jacket meets USCG requirements for a Type III Life Jacket.
Pros
- Minimalist, slim design and quick-release buckles. Comfortable for all day wear.
- Comfortable, flexible neoprene shell with hinge points and high hem line.
- Durable exterior and strong seams.
Cons
- Neoprene can hold more water than some other vests making it heavier when wet.
- While there are some bright colors on this vest it could be better for visibility.
O’Neill Youth SuperLite USCG Life Vest
The O’Neill Youth SuperLite USCG Life Vest is the ultimate combination of safety, comfort, and style for young water enthusiasts! This top-quality life provides unparalleled protection, ensuring that YOU and your child can enjoy their favorite water activities like swimming, tubing and boating.
Safety is the cornerstone of the O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest, which is USCG (United States Coast Guard) type III approved and built to meet the highest safety standards. Crafted with a durable ripstop nylon shell, this life vest is not only tough and long-lasting but also resistant to the elements, providing reliable performance in various water conditions.
The sleek, minimalist design of the O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest sets it apart from other life vests on the market. Designed with range of motion and comfort in mind the O’Neill SuperLite is the perfect choice for long summer days in the water.
The lightweight design, combined with soft, flexible foam, ensures a snug and comfortable fit for your child. Well placed drainage holes eliminate waterlogging and the quick-release Delrin buckles allow for easy adjustments and a secure fit.
With several vibrant colors available that’ll please boys or girls, the SuperLite Vest is an unbeatable choice for parents seeking the best in safety, comfort, and style for their children.
Pros
- Minimalist, unbulky design and quick-release buckles. Comfortable for all day wear.
- Holes for drainage prevent water logging.
- Durable exterior and strong seams.
- Bright colors provide great visibility for parents, passing boaters.
Cons
- The straps have limited expansion potential.
- One size available- check size chart measurements.
Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket
The Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket is a perfect blend of safety, comfort, and adaptability for young water sports enthusiasts. This highly rated life jacket is designed with a focus on providing reliable protection and a comfortable fit.
Built with durable materials, this life jacket comes from a trusted brand with a long-standing reputation for safety. The sculpted foam around the shoulders and open sides allow range of motion and cooling ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and non-restrictive fit.
The Stohlquist Life Jacket is suitable for a wide range of water sports, from swimming and paddleboarding to kayaking, sailing, tubing and boating.
Pros
- Minimalist padding around the shoulders allows for excellent range of motion.
- Suitable for a wide range of water sports.
Cons
- Limited color selection and what’s available is not bright/high visibility.
Stohlquist Youth Escape Paddling Life Jacket
The Stohlquist Youth Escape Paddling Life Jacket is a perfect blend of safety, comfort, and adaptability for young paddle sports enthusiasts. This highly rated paddling life jacket is designed with a focus comfort and function.
This life jacket comes from a trusted brand with a long-standing reputation for safety. The sculpted foam around the shoulders and open sides allow range of motion and cooling ventilation which ensures a comfortable and non-restrictive fit. I really like the storage pockets for quick access to small items like a cell phone which is unique to paddling life vests.
The Stohlquist Youth Escape Paddling Life Jacket is suitable for a wide range of paddle sports like stand up paddle boarding (SUP), canoeing and kayaking. While it is mostly tailored to paddle sports, it could also be used for sailing, recreational boating or swimming.
Pros
- Minimalist padding around the shoulders and arms that allow for excellent range of motion and breathability.
- Storage pockets for easy access to small items like a cell phone or keys.
- Suitable for a wide range of paddle and water sports.
- Bright/bold colors for high visibility.
- Multiple youth sizes to hone in on the perfect fit.
- Neoprene padded shoulders with adjustment area.
Cons
- Only two colors to choose from.
STEARNS Youth Boating Vest
The STEARNS Youth Boating Vest is one of the most budget friendly options on our list. Keeping your kids safe and secure on the water doesn’t have to break the bank. BUT….this youth life jacket has some limitations due to the bulk and size of this jacket. It should really only be used for recreational boating, tubing or swimming. Due to the design the range of motion and maneuverability just isn’t there for more aggressive watersports like water skiing or wakeboarding.
Pros
- Very budget friendly.
- For the price point this vest works reasonably well for recreational boating, tubing, and swimming.
Cons
- Stiff and not very comfortable. Range of motion is somewhat limited. Not ideal for aggressive water sports like skiing, wakeboarding.
CWB Connelly Teen Nylon Vest
The Connelly Teen Nylon Vest is a great choice for a durable and reliable life vest. This type III vest is made of high-quality nylon and is designed for 90-120 pound youth, tweens & teens. Budget wise this comes in around the middle of the price spectrum.
This life jacket has some limitations due to the bulk and size of this jacket. It should really only be used for recreational boating, tubing or swimming. Due to the design the range of motion and maneuverability just isn’t there for more aggressive watersports like water skiing or wakeboarding. You can find the girls version HERE.
Pros
- Budget friendly.
- 3 adjustable, quick release buckles with a quick release allow you to fine-tune a snug fit.
Cons
- Limited color selection and only bright/bold colors are available for girls. Not good for visibility.
Airhead Trend Life Vest
The Airhead Trend Life Vest is designed for multiple water sports and recreational activities such as fishing, recreational boating, jet skiing, water skiing and wakeboarding. It’s made of bright (visible) and durable materials (ripstop nylon and neoprene) and is designed to keep the wearer safely afloat.
This vest has adjustable chest straps and buckles for a secure and comfortable fit. There are a handful of bright colors to choose from which is nice for visibility. On the positive side, this vest comes in on the lower end of the spectrum. Be sure to check the sizing chart closely as there are adult, youth and child’s vests listed together.
Pros
- CGA (Coast Guard Approved) certified for safety and reliability.
- Roomy fit for larger kids.
- Adjustable straps and buckles ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
- Bright colors help to increase visibility in the water.
- Budget friendly.
Cons
- Lacking some “nice to have” features like drainage holes.
FAQ For Best Youth Life Jackets 90-120 lbs
What type of jacket is the safest for children?
No specific type of jacket is the safest for children, as different jackets offer different levels of protection. Some factors to consider when choosing the best life jacket for youth include the user’s age, weight, chest measurements, water conditions, and the user’s water activity.
What does the weight or pounds limit mean on a life jacket?
The weight on a life jacket refers to the buoyancy or flotation capacity of the jacket. It indicates the amount of weight the life jacket can support while still keeping the person wearing it afloat in the water. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and stability to individuals in different weight ranges, so it is crucial to select the right life jacket based on the wearer’s body weight.
How should a life jacket fit a child?
To ensure a life jacket fits a child properly, follow these steps:
1. Choose the correct size: Select a life jacket appropriate for the child’s weight and age category (infant, child, or youth). Check the label for the recommended weight range and size.
2. Put the life jacket on the child: Have the child wear the life jacket, securing all straps, zippers, and buckles as instructed by the manufacturer.
3. Adjust the straps: Tighten the straps, starting at the waist and working your way up. Make sure the life jacket is snug but still allows the child to breathe comfortably. Ensure there is no excess room for the life jacket to ride up.
4. Check for a secure fit:
a. Lift the life jacket by the shoulders. The life jacket should not lift more than a couple of inches above the child’s shoulders.
b. Ask the child to raise their arms above their head. The life jacket should not ride up over the child’s face or chin.
c. Make sure the life jacket does not restrict the child’s movement or breathing. The child should be able to turn their head and move their arms freely.
Test the life jacket in the water: Before relying on the life jacket in a real-life situation, test it in a controlled environment, like a swimming pool, under supervision. The life jacket should keep the child’s head above water, and they should be able to float comfortably on their back.
Final Words
I hope that you’ve been able to find the best youth life jackets 90 120 lbs for your child, teen or tween! It can be a task to find the best life jacket for kids but with the information we’ve provided we think you can easily narrow down your search. Keep in mind that life jackets can become saturated with water and lose buoyancy after a long period of time in the water.
If you’re still looking for that perfect fit for the whole family be sure to check out our best life jackets for women and Best PFDs for Sailing before you head out today!
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