Sens07vest alternatives

[SpearoScott]

Hello everyone.

Following my previous post I was wondering if anyone has advice or guidance on other alternatives to the Sens07vest. The vest is totalling almost €1000 but I now realise that another 20%+ of that total will be added on top because of VAT and import tax as the company is based in Switzerland. I realise you cant put a price on safety but Its a hefty bill without the taxes but now the price could potentially be more.

I know there used to a free diving recovery vest for sale but read it is no longer produced because lack of sales.

It is the only vest of its type I am able to find currently. Does anyone know of any other suppliers?

TIA

 

[SpearoScott]

In addition if anyone has ordered one to the UK has the order been subject to VAT and import taxes.

Or any other way around reducing taxes that would be added to the order.

TIA

 

[Bill McIntyre]

Had the Freedive Recovery Vest and can confirm that it is no longer sold. If you could find a used vest it was warranted through 2025. I sold mine with all my gear when I decided to quit diving at 85. The Sens07 is the only alternative that I've heard of. If I were still diving I'd buy one.

 

[SpearoScott]

Had the Freedive Recovery Vest and can confirm that it is no longer sold. If you could find a used vest it was warranted through 2025. I sold mine with all my gear when I decided to quit diving at 85. The Sens07 is the only alternative that I've heard of. If I were still diving I'd buy one.

Thanks for the reply Bill. Props to you for diving into those years. I hope I can keep myself in good enough condition to do something near that long. I read on another post that Terry had supplied someone after he contacted him via email. Do you think Terry would still be open to sell or is it a waste of time trying that route. Or do you think the Sens07 is likely a better option with the ongoing servicing.

 

[Bill McIntyre]

Thanks for the reply Bill. Props to you for diving into those years. I hope I can keep myself in good enough condition to do something near that long. I read on another post that Terry had supplied someone after he contacted him via email. Do you think Terry would still be open to sell or is it a waste of time trying that route. Or do you think the Sens07 is likely a better option with the ongoing servicing.

I really can't say for sure whether Terry would sell a vest now but I doubt it. And even if he would, I think the Sen07 would probably be a better option now.

Today's Los Angeles Times just reminded me why I'm such a big fan of vests. A few days ago three guys went out of Long Beach Harbor freediving for lobster at night. One of them, a 29-year-old firefighter, went missing. They don't expect to find him alive now but are searching for his body with side scan sonar. We can't be sure what happened, but I bet that there is a good chance that a vest would have saved him. In discussions of pros and cons of vests, some people have said that even if a vest brought you to the surface it still might not save your life. Maybe that could be true, but your loved ones would be grateful to have a body to bury rather than thinking about the crabs nibbling on you somewhere on the bottom.

 

[SpearoScott]

I think you are right and I am going to sort one when they are available the turn of the year.

If I can reduce risk by even a fraction then it's money well spent. J

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I think you are right and I am going to sort one when they are available the turn of the year.

If I can reduce risk by even a fraction then it's money well spent. J

That’s how I feel. Nothing is foolproof but I can use all the help I can get. A lot of divers are too macho to wear one, or don’t want to take the trouble, but I didn’t survive 72 years of diving or 20 years of flying jets by being bold. In 2011 I was fortunate to get a ride on Terry’s boat to try out the vest before he started selling them. I was convinced and bought one as soon as they were for sale. They went through 3 or 4 versions, everyone an improvement and I wore them until I quit diving. I’ve never laid eyes on the sens07 but I’m some ways it may be an improvement. The ability to set trigger times and depths with a cell phone app will be nice. It looks like it will be slightly easier to put on. And after it’s on there won’t be a lump in the middle of
your back while sitting in a seat running the boat to the next spot. The fact that you need to replace the actuator along with the CO2 cylinder is a minor extra expense but after testing the vest you shouldn’t be experiencing uninvited inflations unless you are doing something wrong.

If you buy the vest please give us a report.

 

[SpearoScott]

I think between that and the cost are likely the main two reasons. The Sens07 producers in an old post said they were hoping to make it more affordable and accessible but it has since gone up in price, I would imagine due to all the turmoil over the previous years. The fact that the product isn't shipped within the EU as it is from Switzerland isn't ideal either. The actuators when they inevitably need buying will also be subject to import tax etc. I have asked the owner plainly if they intend to stock anywhere with a 3rd party so users won't be subject to said taxes, but have not yet had a response.

If I get one I will be sure to.