Years worth of research and development culminated in the Wingman, the world’s thinnest and most versatile inflation vest and the first inflatable life jacket designed for high performance in water activities like surfing and swimming. The Wingman utilizes Hyde’s patented innovations to usher in a new era of water safety, where life jackets no longer inhibit performance and range of motion but rather enhance it. The Wingman allows users to push themselves and perform their best while knowing that safety is just one pull away, it’s more than a life jacket, it’s your Wingman.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the Wingman USCG listed?

Yes, the Wingman is a US Coast Guard Type V with Type III performance.

US Coast Guard Number: 160.076/4038/0 Issued February 5, 2016

Does the Wingman use special CO2 cylinders? Can I use the CO2 cylinders used with bike tires?

The Wingman uses 23 Gram 1/2 inch threaded CO2 cylinders which are designed for a Marine environment, these are coated differently than typical CO2 cylinders to prevent corrosion in a marine environment.

Does the Wingman come in sizes?

The Wingman is currently offered in a one-size-fits-most (though not all) adult size, it has been USCG listed for adults weighing more than 90 lbs with chest sizes from 30 to 50 inches.

Is my Zipper defective or is this how it's supposed to be?

The Wingman features a Triple Bursting Zipper designed to peel open at 3 points, each end and the center of the back. When zipping you will note that the pin does not lock into the box like on traditional zippers, this is by design and creates the first of three burst points to access the bladder. If purchasing the Wingman for surfing or other impact activities (ie. kiteboarding etc.), the Wingman is designed be used in conjunction with the Hyde Surf Top Layer (accessory purchased separately) to keep zipper closed during routine wipeouts and action sports.

What activities are Inflatable life jackets NOT USCG listed for?

The USCG does not allow inflatable life jackets (including the Wingman) for high impact activities like water skiing, jet skiing or white water rafting where there is an increased likelihood of being knocked out.

What makes the Wingman different from other inflatable life jackets?

Hyde's patented innovations that have never been used in an inflatable life jacket before include our CO2 mounting plate which makes the Wingman the first USCG listed inflatable life jacket with an over the shoulder ripcord and the CO2 cylinder on the users back, the ideal spot for all high performance activities; out of the way for paddling, fishing etc. and off the chest for swimming and surfing. The CO2 is high on the user’s back to ensure it doesn’t interfere with kayak seats. Hyde’s patented Triple Bursting Zipper technology automatically opens at three points upon inflation which allows the bladder to escape the vest and float you to safety. Repacking the vest with the Triple Bursting Zipper is effortless and can be done in minutes. Our triple bursting zipper gives the Wingman its thin profile.

The Wingman is the first USCG listed inflatable life jacket designed to go in the water with you. It's slim, streamlined profile, and ergonomic fit make it the only USCG listed inflatable thin enough to swim and surf in without creating significant drag, buoyancy or bulk. The Wingman is the only US Coast Guard listed inflatable life jacket with a built in hydration sleeve allowing you to insert a hydration bladder into the vest. The Wingman also has channels on the shoulders to keep your hydration hose locked in place and easily accessible.

What makes the Wingman better than inflatable belt packs? Two Stage Donning Required - A huge advantage of the Wingman over inflatable beltpacks and waistpacks is the fact that you simply need to pull the ripcord and the Wingman instantly floats you to safety and turns you face up. Inflatable waistpacks require users to not only inflate the bladder but also then wrangle the bladder and fasten it around their neck, these additional steps can be difficult and even impossible in some emergency situations. Speed and ease of use can be the difference between life or death and the Wingman is second to none in both categories.

Do you need to be conscious to pull the cord?

Yes, you do need to be conscious to pull the cord and that's by design. Here’s why:

1. We designed this product to be the first swimmer and surfers life jacket so it was important to us that it can be used in the water. We could make the vest an auto-inflate and that's something we'll consider down the road but that would negate what makes the Wingman truly unique for our in water applications.
2. The USCG doesn't allow inflatable life jackets for high impact activities like water skiing or white water rafting where there is an increased likelihood of being knocked out so those are the few water sports where the Wingman doesn't really apply.
3. The primary reason we created the Wingman was to get people who don't wear life jackets to wear one, if you don't wear a life jacket and are knocked out, you're in worse shape because you'll be harder to rescue. Wearing the Wingman will make an assisted rescue easier. If someone can reach you, all they have to do is pull your cord rather than risk their safety to drag you in.
4. Finally most people don't realize that the foam PFD's they wear will not always turn a user face up which can result in drowning if a wearer is unconscious as well.

Are there any tips for salt water usage?

The best thing you can do for your life jacket is rinse it in fresh water after each use. Be sure to remove the CO2 cylinder and rinse it and the metal components of the inflator off with fresh water as well. The metal components on the vest, the CO2 cylinder and inflator are industry standard and required to be used on inflatable life jackets by the USCG however they can corrode over time if not cared for properly. The best preventative maintenance is to rinse your vest off completely and air dry after each use to prevent against corrosion.