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Onyx General Purpose Life Vest, Adult Universal 4-Pack

Curated from 77 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 14, 2025

Onyx General Purpose Life Vest, Adult Universal 4-Pack

Brand: Onyx

Price: $69

Snoop Score:

9.3

Sentiment

9.4

Popularity

9.3

Technical

9.4

Buy on Amazon for $69 See All Lifejackets Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Onyx General Purpose Life Vest is designed for adults with a chest size of 30-52 inches, providing essential flotation support for a variety of water activities. This vest comes in a convenient four-pack, features adjustable belts and chest straps for a secure fit, and boasts large armholes that allow for comfortable movement during paddling or other outdoor adventures. Consumer feedback highlights the vest's affordability, with many users expressing satisfaction about the price point, such as one stating, "I have the onyx because of the price point." Additionally, users appreciate the comfort and freedom of movement it offers, with comments like, "They allow good freedom of movement." However, some users noted that the vest may chafe the inner arms during extended wear, which could be a consideration for potential buyers. Overall, the Onyx General Purpose Life Vest is highly recommended for its category, especially for those seeking a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on safety and comfort during water activities.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Lifejackets

I want a fairly cheap mesh back PFD that I can figure out what I like.
Positive Feedback

but it chafes my inner arms like crazy.
Negative Feedback

9.3

Onyx General Purpose Life Vest, Adult Universal 4-Pack

Buy on Amazon for $69

Boating and Water Sports

10 / 10

Recreational Swimming

9 / 10

Active Outdoor Adventures

10 / 10

Children's Water Safety

7 / 10

See how this compares to all Lifejackets

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Affordable price point

“I want a fairly cheap mesh back PFD that I can figure out what I like.”➕

“I also have that onyx due to price, as well as my father.”➕

“I have the onyx because of the price point.”➕

Functional pockets for storage

“I use all of those despite not fishing.”➕

Comfortable fit for paddling

“No issues with them getting in the way as I paddle and I also think style wise they don’t look too bad.”➕

“Bought a lightweight kayaking vest that is very comfortable and our very hot summer heat.”➕

“I have the same one and it’s very comfortable.”➕

“Plenty comfortable.”➕

Good freedom of movement for paddling

“They allow good freedom of movement.”➕

“These are designed with larger armholes to allow for unrestricted movement.”➕

Effective for temperate conditions year-round

“Onyx is pretty fantastic in temperate conditions—basically useful year round here in the PNW.”➕

“overall though it does a good job for the specified conditions.”➕

Includes a whistle pocket for safety

“It also has a whistle attached inside the pocket to meet the signal requirement.”➕

“Love the whistle pocket it's big enough for me to put my ID in and car key in there w the whistle.”➕

Effective flotation for dogs in water

“Absolutely worth it. Whatever you choose, make sure it has a handle for picking them up out of the water.”➕

“What gets used more than the flotation though is the handle.”➕

Provides peace of mind for dog owners

“I don’t let my girl near a dock or water without a life jacket on because she’ll fall in or she’ll go for a ball.”➕

Designed for paddling

“Onyx MoveVent Life Vests for SUP? Anyone have this vest? Is it too bulky for SUP? Thanks”➕

“It is designed for paddling. It's not the lowest profile pfd on the market, though.”➕

User satisfaction

“very satisfied.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Chafes inner arms

“but it chafes my inner arms like crazy.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
AIRHEAD Women’s Trend Life Jacket	$39	9.8	Details	Buy
Onyx General Purpose Life Vest, Adult Universal 4-Pack	$69	9.3	Details	Buy
ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket, Universal, Tan	$74	9.3	Details	Buy
Stohlquist FIT Adult Life Jacket	$34	8.4	Details	Buy
AIRHEAD Children's General Purpose Life Jacket	$19	8.0	Details	Buy
O'Brien Men's Flex V-Back Life Jacket	$58	7.9	Details	Buy
AIRHEAD Adult Type II Life Jacket	$9	7.2	Details	Buy
O'Neill Men's Superlite USCG Life Vest	$46	6.8	Details	Buy
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest	$34	6.7	Details	Buy
SPORTSTUFF Stars and Stripes Life Jacket	$30	6.7	Details	Buy
STEARNS Kids Classic Life Vest	$30	6.6	Details	Buy
Oceans 7 US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket Vest	$29	5.8	Details	Buy
Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket	$102	5.6	Details	Buy
Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation	$46	5.4	Details	Buy
BLUESTORM Stratus 35 Inflatable Life Jacket PFD for Adults	$139	4.3	Details	Buy
Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket Life Vest Manual	$59	3.8	Details	Buy
Hardcore Water Sports Hardcore Life Jacket Paddle Vest	$29	3.6	Details	Buy
SEACHOICE Seachoice Life Vest, Type II Personal Flotation Device	$48	3.4	Details	Buy
AIRHEAD General All Purpose Life Jacket	$24	3.1	Details	Buy
SwimWays Marvel Swim Trainer Life Jacket	$19	3.0	Details	Buy
O'Brien Women's Impulse Neo Life Vest	$75	2.8	Details	Buy
Chriffer Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket	$23	0.7	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Emphasizing the importance of comfort in life jackets.

“THE ONE YOURE GONNA WEAR. Seriously try before you buy bc an uncomfortable one is one that will not get used as it should.”➕

Preference for jackets with pockets for convenience.

“I'm not a fisherman, but all the pockets are nice for first aid, tools, and snacks.”➕

Desire for life jackets designed for women.

“I do wish there were rescue vests for paddlers with breasts. lol”➕

Importance of a smaller footprint for cooling and mobility.

“Smaller footprint keeps me cooler on hot days and is more than enough floatation.”➕

Appreciation for curved foam design in jackets.

“The new one with the curved foam is *fantastic*”➕

Preference for jackets with storage options.

“I'd get a PFD meant for kayak fishing (which means storage and a shorter cut) and then add a hip pack if you need more storage.”➕

“The NRS chinook is a kayak type PFD that I use. It’s got some pockets and places to attach tippet, etc.”➕

Desire for slim and comfortable PFDs.

“super comfortable and pretty slim”➕

“they’re warm though. Like toasty warm”➕

Discussion on preferences for life jacket fit and comfort

“Been looking for a good life jacket that’s not super thick and bulky for kayaking.”➕

“As a woman, I had always struggled to find a vest that “fit my curves”; my Stohlquist is a perfect fit.”➕

“I barely even know I have it on.”➕

Preference for lightweight PFDs to avoid bulkiness

“I hate bulky PFDs, so something as light and flat as possible would be great.”➕

“I like the more triangular ones for canoeing, because you need those arms free.”➕

“I have an Astral Bluejacket, and it is one of my favorite pieces of gear of all time.”➕

Discussion on mesh back versus no mesh back

“The Ninja is a whitewater paddling PFD that is very comfortable and has tons of room for movement.”➕

Preference for solid/foam PFDs over inflatable

“I think I'd prefer solid/foam rather than inflatable.”➕

Emphasis on the importance of comfort in life jackets

“It's extremely comfortable and has a decent amount of storage/pockets.”➕

“They are made for kayak fishing, comfortable and plenty for pockets for gear, phone, clippers, etc.”➕

Discussion on preferences for life jacket materials for dogs

“I don't know the answer myself, but a consideration since I've been on the hunt for a Limited/Touring '21 and felt like the leather was a better choice than the fabric on the base/premium.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Preference for freedom of movement in life jackets.

“Once it's on, I forget I'm even wearing it.”➕

Discussion about appropriate life jackets for sailing conditions.

“What do you recommend for smaller boat, slightly performance sailing?”➕

“Comfort is safety on these, as uncomfortable vests will not be worn.”➕

“I like the Zhik life jackets personally, but there are other good ones.”➕

“The zhik is good but it tends to slide up if your belly is wider than your torso.”➕

General discussion about life jackets suitable for specific activities

“Stohlquist vests are pricey but worth it.”➕

“I like the Stolquist Cruiser.”➕

Importance of testing PFDs for comfort and fit

“I agree with the comments below that you actually try some on if possible.”➕

Challenges in purchasing PFDs during lockdown

“And I'm in Canada, so no REI (which really sucks!)”➕

“the ones within reasonable driving distance are all closed until further notice.”➕

Importance of proper fitting for safety

“We are preparing for a trip to the ocean, and take water safety very seriously.”➕

“If there's no way to snug down the 30-50lb pfd any more than still being able to get your arm in there then it is too large and should NOT be used.”➕

“We go by weight because the water safety instructor told me always go by weight and make sure it’s coast guard approved.”➕

Preference for Coast Guard approved life jackets

“Those are the only ones worth buying and you can get used ones on marketplace.”➕

Discussion on choosing life jackets based on weight

“This is very informative, knowing the terminology of what to shop for is most of the battle.”➕

“it seems like the best of both worlds.”➕

Difficulty finding appropriate life jackets for toddlers

“I am having the most difficult time finding a life jacket or pool floaty for my 2.5 year old.”➕

“Speedo infant life vest is coast guard rated for up to 30 lbs.”➕

“A life jacket has worked so much better for her but to your point the Speedo one she has starts at 30 lbs.”➕

“It seems the only option is the life jacket but infant sizes all have that big head part.”➕

Discussion about different brands and styles for paddling

“Love it but it is pricy.”➕

Discussion about layering clothing for cold climates

“I'm moving from a tropical/warm climate to NYC and realized I don't own anything for cold weather climates.”➕

“I believe I'm going to get the Onyx.”➕

Emphasis on the importance of wearing life jackets while paddling

“Lifejackets are like seatbelts, by the time you know you need one it's too late to put it on.”➕

“If I don’t wear one, they take theirs off.”➕

Discussion on alternative life jacket options

“Always have one on your board that you can put on in case of changing conditions.”➕

Preference for life jackets designed for specific activities

“What is the best life jacket for kayak fishing?”➕

“the one you’ll wear.”➕

Price range variability for dog life jackets

“the more money we put in, the better the coat will be?”➕

Preference for specific brands like Fuffwear

“I’ve never tipped, but if I did, I don’t want to worry around the dog.”➕

Preference for aesthetics in life jackets

“If I'm going to buy something this big, though, I want to really like looking at it - I much prefer the Onyx looks, unfortunately.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Concerns about bulkiness with additional gear.

“There’s some low profile ones for river surfing, but I think it would still be too bulky with a vest over it.”➕

“Also much easier/ safer to wade with less stuff to make you top heavy.”➕

Discussion on the need for improvements in design

“Get Zippers. Phone/keys/insurance on you because boats float away.”➕

Discussion about available brands and styles of PFDs

“I've been on MEC's website a bunch and their selection isn't quite as plentiful as I'd hoped.”➕

“Kokatat, Salus and NRS all have a plethora of PFDs that are specific to paddling and are lightweight to midweight.”➕

“I am very happy with what I ended up with after about a month of research.”➕