Ride Engine - Empax V2
S / Yellow
£135.00
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AT A GLANCE
Fit, protection & comfort.
The key things to know before choosing this vest.
VEST TYPE
50N Impact Vest
FIT
Low Profile / Harness-Compatible Fit
BUOYANCY
50N Buoyancy
CERTIFICATION
CE Certified – 50N
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Heavy-Duty YKK Front Zip
VEST PROFILE
How this vest performs.
Flexibility
Structured to highly flexible
5/5
Impact Protection
Light to maximum protection
4/5
Freedom of Movement
Supportive to unrestricted
5/5
Comfort
Basic to all-day comfort
4/5
Value for Money
Premium price to standout value
4/5
WAKESHOP VERDICT
Our take.
The Empax V2 is a very well-balanced impact vest for harness-based watersports. It combines strategically positioned protection with 50N buoyancy while keeping the lower torso clean enough to work comfortably with most harness shapes. Soft limestone neoprene keeps the fit comfortable and flexible, while the heavy-duty front zip makes it straightforward to use. We'd choose the Defender HF for dedicated foiling, but the Empax V2 is the stronger all-round option for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
✓
BEST FOR
Kiteboarders, windsurfers and harness-based riders wanting a low-profile vest with impact protection, 50N buoyancy and unrestricted harness integration.
×
NOT IDEAL FOR
Riders requiring a conventional life jacket, wakeboarders who don't need harness compatibility, or foilers wanting the more specialised hard-shell impact protection of the Defender HF.
WHY WE STOCK IT
Why it earns a place at WakeShop.
The Empax V2 gives us a strong option for riders who need impact protection and useful buoyancy without compromising harness compatibility. Its strategically positioned panels help prevent the harness from riding up, while soft limestone neoprene and a low-profile construction keep it comfortable and mobile. It is particularly relevant for kiteboarders and windsurfers who want protection without excessive bulk.
WAKESHOP COMPARISON
Which vest is right for you?
Compare this vest with the alternatives we'd consider alongside it.
Overall
9.3/10
9.4/10
8.9/10
9.3/10
Vest type
50N Impact Vest
Foil Impact Vest
Wakeboard Impact Vest
Men's Wakeboard Impact Vest
Fit
Low Profile / Harness-Compatible Fit
Snug / Harness-Compatible Performance Fit
Snug / Performance Fit
Relaxed Fit
Buoyancy
50N Buoyancy
Impact Vest – Flotation Aid
Impact Vest – Buoyancy Not Stated
Impact Vest – Buoyancy Not Stated
Certification
CE Certified – 50N
Not USCGA Approved
Not USCGA Approved
CE Impact Vest
Closure
Heavy-Duty YKK Front Zip
Heavy-Duty YKK Front Zip
Front Zip + Single Buckle Hold-Down
YKK Locker Front Zip
Flexibility
Impact protection
Freedom of movement
Comfort
Value for money
Why we'd choose it
Choose the Empax V2 if you want a low-profile impact vest that combines 50N buoyancy with good impact protection and integrates cleanly with a kite or windsurf harness.
Choose the Defender HF if impact protection is your priority, particularly for foiling. Its internal impact-shell technology provides targeted protection against foil and board strikes while the harness-compatible design keeps movement relatively unrestricted.
Choose the Space Mob if you want a wake-focused impact vest with a low-profile, rider-driven feel that prioritises mobility and freedom of movement over the extra bulk and features of a traditional buoyancy aid.
Choose the P1 Traction if you want a comfortable, highly flexible wake impact vest with premium Follow construction and a significantly greater focus on recycled materials and reduced environmental impact.