I race Lasers/ILCAs at the World and National levels. 2x 5th in Masters Worlds, etc. There are some standout features in this PFD:
1) The wedge. Anyone who races modern ILCAs knows that we put on a lot of vang in windy conditions. This is made possible by carbon spars and 15:1 vangs. In an ILCA 6, there's so much vang that the boom goes out horizontally. What does this have to do with a PFD? When you tack, you don't want your lifejacket getting caught on the boom. If it does, you'll capsize. I learned that once the hard way, right in front of my home club. After yelling at one of my friends, asking why he wasn't out racing. Embarrassing. Anyways, this Vaikobi PFD has a wedge at the top panel, making it harder to get caught on the boom. Less catching, fewer capsizes, less embarrassment.
2) A massive front pocket. For races, it's big enough to store a couple of protein bars, whistle, cockpit plug, and printout of course sheet in a ziploc bag. For practices, it fits a VHF radio in case me or one of my practice teammates break something and need to call the Coast Guard on channel 16. Between races. it's the perfect padded location to store a wind indicator.
3) Clean front. If you need to get pulled into a rescue boat, the front is smooth, with no pockets sticking out, making it easier for someone to pull you in.
