I bought this same O'Neill series for both my girlfriend and myself. Both are identical except for the men's version doesn't have the froo froo frilly designs on the front and back. We both love it! We tried on several different models including ones from Body Glove and Stearns. This is the model we kept! Pro's: - Solid construction - Hidden strap system - Quality and solid stitching, zippers and buckles - Sides fit very well - Design is very modern and professional - Zipper unzip velcro guard is a nice safety feature - The lumbar support feels AMAZING!!! Sometimes, I just wear this in my office when my lower back is giving me issues. Sounds crazy but it feels great! - The design is classy, feminine and high tech. I was looking at some Body Glove models and their design is very juvenile. Con's: - Runs about 1-2 sizes small, even though USCGA vests are supposed to fit snug (because they expand a little after they get wet), these definitely run on the small side. It's better to have it a bit extra snug than "fitting perfectly," otherwise, it will DEFINITELY ride up when you're in the water and push up very uncomfortable against your chin all the time. My GF is 5'3" and about 105lbs. She is normally an extra small to small at Banana Republic, but with these, she fits a size 10 (we bought 6/8/10). If you're not sure, just buy 2 sizes bigger than you normally wear. - Doesn't have a small pocket for keys, Body Glove USCG Vests have this feature. When you rent lockers at beach resorts, it's nice to have a secure place for your keys. - Doesn't have a plastic loop to keep excess strap organized, Body Glove USCG Vests have this system. If the next version of this vest includes the features that the Body Glove model has, it will easily be a 5 star product. I don't think the 1 star review of this vest complaining that it runs too small is very helpful. Just return it and get one that is 2 sizes larger, problem solved. :) UPDATE: We put this series to the test in Cozumel and it floated with flying colors! Since it's not a foam vest, it's easily compact enough to pack in the outside compartment of our check-in luggage. I ziptied the compartment to keep it secure. My GF doesn't know how to swim but wearing this gave her lots of confidence to snorkel quite a distance from the shore (~50 ft!). It looked great and flattering on her as well, which is always a bonus! Between snorkel sessions, we set it out next to us to dry, flipping it the other direction every few hours and it was plenty dry before heading back to our cruise ship, the Allure of the Seas. Highly recommended! Much better quality vests than the ones that were offered at the resorts for rental for nearly $10. I didn't want to take chances with a cheap vest with my girlfriend not being able to swim. About the 1-star reviews on here, if they are giving this product 1 star because it runs too small, then ignore them. First of all, USCGA vests are made to expand in water. Second of all, you want to select a vest that fits SNUG on your body, not perfect, not a little loose...but SNUG. The reason why is because vests are more buoyant than your body, so if it isn't snug, then it'll ride up and be very uncomfortable and even hinder your mobility in the water. Look up videos on YouTube on how to select a life vest and see for yourself. Third, the lumbar support works better when the fit is snug. You're paying a lot of money for the lumbar support feature (which is totally worth it, btw) so use it properly. Final word, just buy a size that is one to two sizes larger than you normally wear. Try two sizes larger and if it fits perfect, then go down a size. Remember, you want it to feel snug.
