Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest, Black/Yellow Small

2024-08-04T13:55:37

The Cruiser was the first snorkeling vest I purchased, and few I've seen since offer anything better or that it lacks. I've owned and used this vest almost exclusively for the past ten years, and it has but a little fading and stretching to show for it. It has become one of the more expensive vests over the years, likely owed to its quality and popularity. Fit and comparison: SCUBApro's Cruiser is more hydrodynamic than the classic "horse collar" vests, and thus easy to snorkel or breath hold dive with. The inflatable bladder is small but effective, and doesn't fill around or behind your neck. It has no backpack-styled buckles or clips, and simply uses a side zipper and some velcro straps for closure. You can hardly adjust it, but it won't slip or slide if fitted well. Try to size it with respect to what you want to wear beneath. Young users may eventually outgrow it. Mine has stretched gradually over the years as I began to layer thicker suits/hoods beneath it. It could be a difficult fit for rotund individuals. Many basic snorkeling vests lack pockets entirely. This has a single, small mesh pocket along the bottom. It's wide but shallow, and may fit a small flashlight, whistle, cutting tool, or little objects of interest. The pocket can close, but has no D-rings to tie items down, so try not to drop anything. Basic use: If you're new to using these vests, you inflate them by depressing the valve spring and blowing into the port. There's a velcro loop you can unfasten or alter to make the inflator easier to reach or keep it in place. Some newer snorkeling vests can be deflated rapidly by pull cord, but the older approach remains viable. When you vent it on the surface, you can gently press on the inflated parts of the vest from the bottom up to help guide air out. The Cruiser tends to inflate faster and more evenly than other vests I've tried; some other models inflate unevenly until full. When you rinse the entire vest after use, remember to drain any water and rinse your valve and zippers. The Cruiser should be excellent for anyone who doesn't mind the cost and seeks a convenient and unintrusive snorkeling vest. It has a smoother arrangement and a few more features than standard beginner offerings. If you plan to use it regularly, its utility should well surpass the cost. However, I'm surprised it doesn't have a few more color options by now. I tend to only use my other vest when I need more pocket space or the Cruiser is drying, but I trust that good innovation is approaching.

Tykwon G.

2022-10-06T12:13:03

Very comfortable and exactly what my husband needed. Provided that layer of protection while snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Jennifer S.

2022-06-22T08:38:38

I am so happy with this vest! I took it snorkeling in the BVI but threw it on so much for a little more confidence swimming, especially in waves. It was very easy to deflate a bit if I wanted to dive down. I really like that there is no crotch strap, though it does ride up a tiny bit this wasn?t really noticeable unless I was treading upright. I am 5?1? approx 120 lbs and ordered an XS. It felt perfectly snug at first then got a bit roomier when wet. I would recommend going with the smallest size your measurements are within.

LAUREN E.

2022-04-22T20:00:00

The Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest is simply the best available. It is intended to add just a touch of buoyancy to make surface snorkeling less stressful to a good swimmer; it is NOT a life jacket and should NOT be used by a non-swimmer. The vest is designed to be worn VERY snug both to help retain body heat in cool water and to slow the inevitable crawl of the vest up the torso. I wish Subapro would add a crotch strap to help resist the tendency of the vest to rise up especially when inflated. I used the vest over a thin buoyancy-neutral scrape guard swim shirt in The Bahamas in late March adding just a couple of puffs of air, perfect buoyancy and warmth. I normally wear Large polo shirts and XL tee shirts, and probably would have been happiest in a Large vest; instead I worn our XL vest giving the size Large to my wife (38DD). She did not complain about the vest crawling up and loved the buoyancy control. A little expensive but definitely the best vest available. We were able to snorkel for an hour without fatigue, and then snorkel for another hour after a short rest.

BahamaFan

2021-08-23T08:48:40

My wife is 5?1 and approx 103 lbs. ordered a small and it fit great. She loves the fit and feel and the cool logo on the back of the vest. Will be ordering a second vest for myself.

AUSTIN S.

2021-08-17T20:00:00

I was very pleased with the quality and materials. Good looking gear, but made for a fit build. I am 6'2" middle aged dude and this thing would not even come close to going over my belly roll! I thought 3XL would do it, as I normally wear 2XL shirts. Could not even zip it closed. This is truly athletic cut...

ScubaSteveRN

2021-05-26T20:00:00

Very good! Quick delivery,! As described! Most of our gear is ScubaPro. Carried by our local dive shop. Very satisfied.

Steve13

2021-04-28T04:51:58

Great. Very comfortable vest. Even though I am a good swimmer I still use best for safety.

Brian C.

2020-07-03T05:46:58

It is perfect for my needs. I use it with no air but it still helps with buoyancy, It also serves as a second layer of protection from the sun. My one suggestion is having a brighter colored back to make it more visible to passing boats.

MARTHA L.

2019-12-31T14:12:15

Most supportive and unobtrusive snorkeling vest I’ve ever used. Large size provides about 10lbs of buoyancy manually fully inflated. Neoprene vest provides some core warmth support when combined with a decent rash guard. Color scheme makes it hard for boaters to see head down snorkeler from above the water (Keep alert and stay visible).

OLIVER P.

2019-10-18T09:50:06

I like the vest, and the fit is adequate, but I'm not shaped like some parts of the vest, and I'd hoped it would have some features to adjust the fit: Tighten it where too loose, Loosen it where too tight.

Margaret O.

2019-09-15T13:47:10

This vest performed exactly as advertised. My 19yo daughter was wearing this vest while snorkelling in Maui and got into trouble. The vest was inflated and allowed her to rest and summons help. Very likely saved her life! It fit well and was comfortable for her to wear. Highly recommend vest this in waters that are unpredictable and/or for anyone that has health concerns in the water.

Mark W.

2019-08-07T09:01:00

My husband and I both have the vest now. We love them. It has quality and comfort! We've used them in Wisconsin inland lakes & plan to take them sailing the Great Loop.

Fawn H.

2019-05-23T18:03:29

Great vest. Works to make snorkeling fun.

Dwain L.

2019-04-02T20:17:57

I had an opportunity to wear my snorkeling vest in San Jose Del Cabo this past month. I was in the water longer than anyone in my party. It was so comfortable and made swimming effortless as I stayed submerged for long periods of time. It did tend to rise up around my neck but not enough to stop me! The best part...I was resting, just floating and guy on a SUB board came paddling by with the same vest. His was faded and well worn. In Spanish he pointed to his and my vest and said “I wouldn’t trade this for any other floatation devise!” He proceeded to paddle into really deep water, assured he’d be safe!! Thank You for this great product!!

Anna T.

2019-03-11T09:44:22

This vest greatly improved my snorkel experience. I’ve snorkeled many times without a vest and got this to appease my spouse. Well, to my complete surprise I was much more relaxed and enjoyed the experience more than ever. I DO know how to swim but didn’t realize how tense I was without this. Worth every penny. Thank you! P. S. I see people wearing the backless vests with the straps, they look like they ride up on them ( I’ve never tried) this vest never rode up.

Kathy W.

2019-02-22T07:30:29

This vest has the advantage of wrap-around coverage, making it like a light wetsuit for your torso, which is a big plus in cool water. The construction quality is excellent, good enough to trust in the event of an unexpected emergency while in the water. Operation is simple. The only drawback is that the arm holes are a bit ample, allowing it to ride up while snorkeling.

Dennis D.

2019-02-17T07:49:34

This was my first time buying from LeisurePro and I was very pleased by great service, on-time shipping, and quality products. The Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest proved to be a quality product when put to the test in Jamaica. Even when jumping into the ocean from a very large catamaran, the vest stayed in place and was very comfortable. I did not experience shifting of the vest as other reviews expressed. I am a 5’7” female with a thick build; excess weight mostly around the tummy so perhaps that helped the life vest stay in place!? Additionally, LeisurePro pricing was less than our local scuba/snorkel specialty store.

Barbara F.

2018-11-23T09:24:02

The vest fit perfectly. Inflated and deflated completely with ease. It is durable and an overall great product. Highly Recommend it.

Charles J.

2018-11-14T08:15:20

My wife is not an accomplished open water swimmer. So when we go on cruise or vacations and snorkel she wears this snorkel vest. She feels very comfortable and safe with it on, and it has severed us well for many years.

MARK R.

2018-10-10T14:40:51

Wife and I snorkel and liked the vest. Does eat up luggage space. Overall it’s good for pen ocean snorkeling.

JOSEPH C.

2018-09-29T20:00:00

We had seen this vest in use during our travels and loved it. We had to return it because it was too tight for my husband, especially around the belly. Unfortunately, the larger size was not available for the time we need it in. This is a wonderful company to deal with, so I would not hesitate to do business with them again.

WandaH

2018-08-09T13:49:31

Excellent snorkeling vest. Fits like a wet suit top. I use it for long-distance swimming. Nice to have that kind of security in case something goes bad. When I snorkel with it I don't even realize I have it on. This is an excellent choice versus the traditional Horse shoe type vest. Other companies will soon follow

WILLIAM G.

2018-07-27T13:00:30

This is my second cruiser snorkeling vest. The other while being 3 plus years old it look new. I had to get the next larger size. It fits great.

Rex S.

2018-05-31T12:41:07

This gave the boos in confidence I needed to stay in the water for long periods of time. It fit well and travelled well. I will not go snorkeling without it.

James G.

2018-05-26T10:11:10

I first ordered a Large first and then ordered an Extra Large. I'm a size 38 and I wasn't sure which one would fit best particularly with I slight belly.... I decided I would go with the Large vest and returned the Extra Large. The Extra Large left too much of an open pocket at the waist and I suspected it cause the vest to ride up too much. As it turned out later my suspicions were correct. Return process was fast and flawless. The Large vest was a snug fit and worked well however, in my opinion it needs a crotch belt to prevent the vest from creeping up. I will modify mine to suit with some belt and buckle material purchased from the a local fabric store. I'm very satisfied with LEISURE PRO.

E M.

2018-02-13T12:43:59

We use these for snorkeling,kayaking,swimming They keep you warm..and visible And you only inflate if you need too. My daughter saved a snorkeler with hers . Snorkeler panics and vest held them both up Snorkeler was not wearing any flotation .

TOM M.

2018-02-04T16:20:09

My husband and I each have one and wore them snorkeling while on the Island of Hawaii. I had read some reviews about them riding up so I took mine to a seamstress and had a loop added in the front and back then ordered a crotch strap from Amazon. It was perfect (might've been fine without it but i don't know b/c I added the strap). My husband loved his and didn't have any trouble with it riding up. It was easy to inflate and deflate. We both highly recommend. Shipping was super fast and the company was easy to work with. Thanks!

Kim C.

2017-10-30T07:31:38

The vest worked great, even in rather rough surf. As a novice snorkeler, I felt confident in this vest. As others have stated, tried it first in my pool and it rode high on my neck so I added a strap from front to back between my legs. I think this would be something the designers should add. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to feel comfortable while snorkeling.

Patricia B.

2017-10-19T12:22:52

Unfortunately, I was unable to use the vest as intended. The size was incorrect and therefore, was returned.

Henry Z.