Jet Pilot Impact Vests 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Impact Vests 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Jet Pilot
Interviewee: Brand Manager – Kolyn Howard

How was the 2025 market for impact vests?
The impact vest market in 2025 continues to be a strong category for us, driven by stronger focus on safety across wake, foil, and other watersports. What we’ve seen is consumers are pushing for more technical products, lighter, more flexible, and less restrictive materials without compromising impact protection, while also expecting versatility across multiple sports. At the same time, trends around sustainability and design are playing a bigger role, with riders wanting gear that performs but also aligns with lifestyle and environmental values.

Which market segments are you noticing the most growth in and why?
From a Jetpilot point of view, cable wakeboarding remains a big opportunity. There’s still strong demand for low-profile, slimline vests, riders continue to want that clean look and full freedom of movement. At the same time, we’re noticing more interest in multi-purpose vests that can cover a few different watersports. We find consumers are looking for versatility, something they can use behind the boat, at the cable park, or for other water activities without needing multiple vests. At Jetpilot, we’re sticking to what built the brand technical features and fits. The opportunity for us is offering choice: from thin, low-profile 3-panel vests for core riders, through to more built-up 5-panel designs with larger segments and buckles that work across multiple watersports.

What are the main trends in the market for impact vests in 2026 and how are you addressing them?
Consumers are way more educated now, understanding fits and fabrics. Design and colourways still grab attention, but once they pick it up, it’s all about comfort, flexibility and how it actually fits on the body. We work closely with our athletes and community, and the consistent feedback is that the vest has to move with you. That means smarter panel design and better segmentation so it flexes naturally when you ride, not against you. No one wants to feel restricted. So for us, it’s about refining fits, improving fabric feel and stretch, and dialling in panel construction so the vest feels lighter, more comfortable and more performance-driven.

Tells us about your new vests styles & designs?
Across our range we offer a few different fits and models, but the one that’s really been gaining momentum is our Hyperflex range. Hyperflex is built around a segmented neoprene flex panel that allows the vest to rotate naturally with your body. It helps stop that annoying lift or ride-up when you’re riding, so it feels locked in but still super flexible. It’s all about freedom of movement without sacrificing fit. On the design side, we’ve worked closely with our entire pro team this year. Each of their signature series vests is inspired by their personal style, from colour direction to detailing, so every piece feels authentic to the rider behind it. It’s less “one look fits all” and more about personality and purpose coming through in each vest.

What (new) technology or materials are using in your crash jackets?
Using sustainable materials continues to be a huge focus for our brand, Jetpilot has developed a sustainable neoprene alternative called Ecoprene. We are continuing to grow this range where the Outer, middle and Inner neoprene layer in made from a recycled Polyester Jersey all constructed from recycled plastic bottles. It also happens to be a lighter feel compated to traditional neoprene.

How are you helping shops and parks to sell your product?
We’re supporting shops and parks by supporting some of the best athletes in the industry and using them to bring the product to life, while also focusing heavily on premium fits and technical fabrics that meet the demands of modern riders. By supporting top talent, we’re able to refine product through their feedback and showcase aspirational riders that can talk about and show real performance, fit, and functionality. That content becomes a key sales tool for retailers, giving them strong visual storytelling they can use in-store and online to educate their end consumers.

Key Products:

FELIX X1 MENS FE VEST Front Entry Neoprene Vest:
Co-designed with pro wakeboarder Felix Georgii, the FELIX X1 features 100% 360° stretch neoprene, anatomical fit, and Freelite buoyancy foam for unrestricted movement. Durable PK Lok zippers, custom Felix patches, and Impact approved to ensure premium quality and safety compliance. Designed in Australia and backed by Felix Georgii.

X1 FELIX BROWN

BUSTY X1 Men’s Front Entry Neoprene Vest:
Part of the Jetpilot’s Signature Series, this vest is built for serious cable wakeboarders. Crafted from 100% Flex-Lite Ultra Neoprene with an anatomical fit, it delivers comfort and unrestricted movement. Standout features include a PK Lok zipper, front and side panel 3D puff print, and Freelite buoyancy foam. Impact approved, a performance-driven and Australian athlete-backed vest.

X1 BUSTY LIGHT GREY