Swim IT Premium Black, Small (~20-23 inches) [Open Water Swim Safety Device]

I purchased this item as an additional safety item when kiteboarding because I'm not a strong swimmer. (I sink with half lung of air if I don't move even in salt water.)I don't want to be out in middle of the Ocean with blown bladder, lost board with high waves because my impact floatation vest just doesn't give me enough floatation for me to relax and swim back to shore. Especially with waves crashing over my head.It's very compact and fits snuggly on front of my thigh.The straps are soft and comfortable but do slide down the leg after couple jump crashes.Wish it had additional strap loop so that I can secure it to my harness so it does not slide down my leg.I just tuck the pull tab into the device so it doesn't accidently inflate and I use the pull tab strap to secure it to my boardshorts.Contrary to other online reviews, I had no problem test inflating and using it. It pops out of the water and I just put it over my head and then enjoy floating in the ocean before swimming in.It's a bit small but it keeps my head above the water.Easy to repack and rearm with Industry standard 16g threaded CO2 cartridge you can get at bike shops. (Even here in South East Asia)Does not require a proprietary (expensive) rearming kit like other manual inflatable vest.So you can use it when ever you feel like it at minimal cost.FAA allows up to 4 CO2 cartridge unmounted to the device. (under 28 grams)TSA allows CO2 cartridge also but airlines might have restrictions.Also had no problems riding in after inflation and putting it over my head.Boo for other manual inflation devices that uses expensive proprietary rearming kit. (And more obtrusive)Hurray for Swim-IT.

A needy for kitesurfing. I wear it on my harness.

This is the best thing i have bought all year. It's easy to use, easy to repack and you don't notice it when swimming. I don't get in open water without it.I had a minor issue and called them. My problem was handled immediately and with excellent customer attention.I recommend that these be part of every swimmers swim bag!

The best part of this is gives my family comfort knowing that I have it. It is a good product with one very big flaw. After a modest amount of use the soft side of the Velcro separates from the backing. They should have stitched it on. As it is, I question how much longer I can use it, and at the high price point I will replace it with something else.

I tightened it up really well, it was gone during my first open water swim. Lost forever.It slipped off my legs after 300 meters.

This is a well made product and performs as expected. I swim 4x per week and at least two are 1.25-1.5 mile open water swims in our local lake; the Swim IT provides the safety I need without the bulk of a buoy. I still use the buoy for times I need to tote additional gear, but this is my "Go-to" for weekly swims. Deployment is easy and fast enough to call "instant"; re-packing is made easy with the supplied color instruction insert. This is reusable and was designed around common 12gram threaded Co2 cartridges.

It works as advertised. I'm not sure how much extra drag I get, from wearing it, but I'm not competing while wearing it. I'm using it for extra peace of mind when doing long-distance, open-water swims solo. I realize it won't save me if I have a severe stroke or heart attack, but it's comforting to know it's there if I were to experience severe cramps or mild stroke.

Peace of mind!