Kent Sporting Goods

Kent Sporting Goods, now part of Kent Outdoors, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved flotation devices. Their products are split between recreational gear and high-performance commercial safety equipment.

Kent Life Jackets (PFDs)

Kent offers a wide range of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) categorized by their USCG "Type," which dictates where and how they should be used.

• Commercial & Offshore (Type I): The Kent Type 1 Adult Universal Vest is designed for extended survival in rough waters. It provides a high level of buoyancy (32 lbs) and is engineered to turn most unconscious wearers face-up.

• Recreational & Near-Shore (Type II): The Kent Adult Type II Life Jacket is a classic, affordable choice for calm, inland waters. These are often sold in multi-packs, like the Kent Adults' Type II 4-Pack, which comes with a convenient storage bag.

• Performance & Special Use (Type III): For professionals and active boaters, the Kent First Responder PFD and the Kent Search Rescue Commercial Vest offer better mobility and specialized storage pockets.

• Inflatables: The Kent All Clear Automatic/Manual Inflatable provides a slim profile that stays out of the way until it hits the water, making it a favorite for constant wear.

Kent Life Rings (Type IV Throwable Devices)

Kent’s life rings (ring buoys) are essential for man-overboard emergencies and are required on many larger vessels.

• Hard-Shell Ring Buoys: These are molded from high-impact polyethylene and are designed to withstand extreme marine environments. They typically feature SOLAS-grade reflective tape and a replaceable encircling rope.

  • 24-Inch Ring Buoy: Often used on vessels between 26 and 65 feet. It provides approximately 16.5 lbs of buoyancy.

  • 30-Inch Ring Buoy: A heavy-duty option for commercial vessels and yachts, offering a higher buoyancy rating of 32 lbs.

• Accessories: Kent also produces Ring Buoy Line Bags which contain up to 100 feet of floating line to ensure you can pull a person back to the boat once they have secured the ring.

Final Recommendation:

• For a fishing boat or lake cruiser, a 4-pack of Type II Vests is the most cost-effective way to meet safety requirements.

• For offshore or commercial work, invest in the Type 1 Vest and a 24-inch Ring Buoy for maximum protection.